Tucked away in the rolling hills of Somerset and just 20 kilometres from the historic city of Bath lies Downside School – a small and close-knit boarding school with a big heart and an even bigger sense of purpose. Founded over 400 years ago by Benedictine monks, it remains today one of England’s most respected Catholic schools, welcoming students of all faiths in a nurturing, values-driven environment.
The school’s Benedictine ethos – community, humility and personal discipline – is not only a mission statement but something you feel in every aspect of life at Downside. From the warm pastoral care and inclusive chaplaincy to the thoughtful little details like the delicious, lovingly prepared meals, this is a school that takes community seriously. It may boast a sprawling 500-acre campus, but with 85% of pupils boarding, it retains the feel of a tightly bonded family.
Akademis makes history – A Triple Award-Winning Consultancy (2023, 2024 & 2025) 🏆
Akademis has been recognised three years in a row by StudyTravel for excellence in the education sector:
2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
2023: Winner of the StudyTravel Star Award
(Best Western European Agency)
The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.
Quick Overview
Age of students: 11–18
Total number of students: 340
Boarding students: 85%
International students: 45%
Students in the Sixth Form: 135
Average class size in Sixth Form: 1:11
Boarding fees for senior school per term: £17,385
The most important sports on offer in addition to traditional team sports: golf, polo, Downside Ball Game, swimming, tennis, athletics, fencing
Nearest airport: Bristol (45 minutes) – transfer options to other airports and train stations available
https://www.downside.co.uk/
Key Strengths at a Glance
Located near the famous spa town of Bath
One-year GCSE program tailored to the German school system
Proud Catholic ethos
500-acre campus with beautiful buildings
Downside School – Photo Highlights
Downside School in Detail
Adventurous and Enriching Co-Curricular Life
With over 100 activities offered through more than 50 clubs, pupils here are spoilt for choice. From archery, debating and school magazine editing to fine dining, Downside actively encourages pupils to explore their passions. Outdoor learning includes high-ropes courses, kayaking and local expeditions, while more ambitious students can take part in the legendary Ten Tors Challenge across Dartmoor – a 35 to 55-mile wilderness trek.
Sport
Sport is taken seriously, not just as physical training but as moral education. Pupils are expected to take part at least three times a week, supported by former professional coaches. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, all-weather hockey pitch, squash courts and even fishing. Beyond campus, pupils can go sailing or horse riding at nearby venues.
Strong Academics with a Personal Touch
Downside blends Benedictine tradition with academic ambition. A-Level results are strong – 62% of grades were A*/A in 2021 – and the school supports aspiring medics with tailored university application guidance. For German students, a one-year GCSE programme is available that aligns well with both British and German education systems. Science is brought to life through guest lectures and hands-on experimentation in the well-equipped modern labs.
Arts and Music
Half of all pupils play an instrument, and the whole school comes together for the annual musical. The theatre seats 400 and hosts regular performances, while the Design & Technology department is buzzing with creativity. The recently renovated music school includes a professional-standard Mac suite, and the school’s proudest musical jewel is theSchola Cantorum, the oldest Roman Catholic school choir in the UK. Regular concerts are held in the magnificent abbey church on campus.
This is Downside School
A Memorable Visit
When we visited, we were struck not only by the breathtaking architecture and state-of-the-art music department but by the students themselves, who are polite, confident, and warmly welcoming. And then there was the food: arguably the best we’ve experienced at any UK boarding school. Gourmet buffet dishes prepared with genuine care gave the impression of a school that nurtures in every sense of the word.
Photos From Our Visit
What our clients say about us
Get a free consultation and find out more about Downside School
Conclusion
Downside is a small, values-led boarding school with a big heart, blending tradition with innovation and offering a rich programme of co-curricular opportunity. It will resonate deeply with families seeking strong pastoral care, meaningful values, and adventurous learning.
We’d be delighted to help you explore whether Downside – or another school with a similarly strong moral compass – might be the right fit for your child.
Let’s find the school that truly feels like home.
Visit our England Boarding School section to explore further.
You’ll benefit from:
- First-hand insights from our regular visits
- Strong relationships with admissions teams
- Years of placement experience
- Guidance on visas and next steps
What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within the German school system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.
