House System

We know that secondary schools can sometimes feel like very big places. Belonging to a House helps our students feel part of a smaller community within the larger whole school community, a team in which students of all ages can work together and with members of staff to achieve common goals. The system of House student leadership is a key part of this, with students of all ages being given responsibility for organising big events. 

Our Houses are named according to local landmarks and areas of interest, adding to the association with the surroundings of the school and local community. Each House has its own tie, in House colours, thereby each student is instantly recognisable as belonging to a particular House 

The House system also provides opportunities for students to achieve success through participation in a wide variety of competitions, as well as earning House Points for academic success or positive contributions to the school. Termly sports competitions are highlights in the school calendar, especially the summer Sports Day, but competitions are by no means restricted to sports. Recent competition have included a House ‘Bake-off’ and the final half term of the year will see the hotly contested inter-House charity days, when the Houses compete to see who can raise the most money for their chosen charities. 

Our students feel proud of belonging to their Houses. The House system is incredibly important to The Downs School, as it enriches the lives of staff and students alike, fostering a sense of team work and community, and embodying our school philosophy of ‘Learning Together, Learning For Life.’ 

Our Heads of House 

• Aldworth – Miss Carmichael

• Beechwood – Mrs Wilding 

• Chiltern – Miss Brophy

• Ilsley –  Mr Dunne and Miss Ireland

• Lowbury – Mr Jones and Miss Wilson

• Perborough – Mrs Meijboom 

• Ridgeway – Miss Winfield