Downside School near Bath has announced the appointment of Mike Randall as its new Head, following a rigorous selection process by the school’s Governing Body. Mr Randall joined Downside as Deputy Head in August 2018 and has served as Interim Head since 2025, following the retirement of Andrew Hobbs. During his seven years as Deputy...
Tag: Downside School
Downside School remembers victims of 1943 air crash tragedy
Downside School has marked the 83rd anniversary of one of the most tragic events in its history, gathering pupils, staff and visitors to remember the lives lost in the 1943 cricket ground air crash. The commemorative service took place on 15 May at 3.15pm, the exact time the accident occurred during the Second World War....
Downside School Open Morning
Take a tour with a Sixth Former, hear a welcome from the Head and see lessons taking place. In addition, you can enjoy a short recital in Downside Abbey Church before a light lunch and the opportunity to meet Faculty Heads and other staff members. You can also watch the afternoon’s sporting fixtures and sample...
St Cecilia Concert celebrates musical talent at Downside school
Downside School’s annual St Cecilia Concert has showcased the depth and variety of music-making across the school’s vibrant co-curricular programme. Named in honour of the patron saint of music, the event offered pupils a superb platform to share their talents with friends and family. The Percussion Ensemble opened the evening with an energetic performance of...
Concert raises over £5,000 for Bevan Chorister Scholarship at Downside School
A late September concert at Downside School has raised more than £5,000 in support of the Bevan Chorister Scholarship. The Bevan Family Consort performed to a packed Abbey Church, presenting a varied programme of choral works that ranged from Parry’s I Was Glad, accompanied by the Compton Organ, to contemporary compositions by members of the...
Downside School pupils achieve excellent GSCE results
Downside pupils have, once again, achieved excellent GCSE grades and can feel justly delighted with their achievements and deserve warm congratulations. All pupils have worked tremendously hard and have been rewarded with superb results. 48% of grades awarded being 9–7. Sofia, Emily, Harriet and Natasza gained outstanding results, achieving only grades 7, 8 or 9,...
Downside School celebrates excellent A-Level and BTEC results
Downside School warmly congratulates this year’s Upper Sixth pupils on their excellent examination results. Downside’s philosophy has always been to ensure that pupils make full use of their talents, whether in the classroom, in the creative arts, in leadership, on the sports field or in other arenas. This year, there have been some truly remarkable...
Downside School perform Oliver! with pupils from St Vigor & St John school
Downside’s production of Oliver! was an incredible showcase of singing, dancing and camaraderie. The audiences enjoyed wonderful performances from the very talented pupil cast, that also included 23 pupils from St Vigor & St John primary school in Radstock, who took the parts of the workhouse children and Fagin’s gang. Director Tristan Carter said, “Oliver!...
Downside School announces Head Andrew Hobbs’ retirement
After seven years of dedicated leadership, Andrew Hobbs will be retiring from his role as Head of Downside School at the end of this academic year. During his tenure he has overseen significant development across all areas of school life, championed academic excellence and strengthened the school’s pastoral and boarding provision. His calm authority, individual...
Downside School opens new modern new Sixth Form Centre
Downside School is excited to announce the official opening of its new Sixth Form Centre, a modern and inspiring space that has quickly become a favourite hub for both Upper and Lower Sixth pupils. Housed in the building that once served as the monks’ refectory, the Centre blends the rich architectural heritage of the school...
Another fantastic set of GSCE results for Downside pupils
Downside School in Somerset has offered its warm congratulations all its pupils who have received their GCSE results today. Over a quarter of the grades gained by the pupils were a Grade 8 or 9, with nearly half of all grades awarded being a Grade 7 or above. Particular congratulations go to Alex, who gained...
Downside School and St Vigor & St John Primary hold joint celebration
Downside School and St Vigor & St John Primary School in Chilcompton came together for an incredible joint celebration focusing on the Olympics. Downside welcomed 218 pupils and 28 members of staff from St Vigor & St John to celebrate the start of the Olympic games in Paris, and the collaboration between the two schools....
Downside School Year 6 pupil invited to join the National Youth Theatre
Downside School Lower Sixth pupil Zara who has just been invited to join the National Youth Theatre following a highly competitive process in which over 5,000 people auditioned and approximately 8% were accepted. The National Youth Theatre was described by the theatre’s Jace Xavier as, ”a place to not be boring. It’s a place to...
Downside School awarded ‘Outstanding’ by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate
Downside School has been graded ‘Outstanding’ in all nine categories by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate, following the visit of inspectors on 25-26 April 2024, looking at the school’s Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship. Head, Mr Hobbs said, “I am delighted to share the report following our visit from the Catholic Schools...