News & Headteacher Blogs

"I can speak for everyone at the school when I say that evenings like tonight make all the hard work that we put into this job worthwhile. I am sure that you feel the same way.  It gives us a huge sense of pride and achievement to see that our sixth formers have grown into such wonderful, well rounded young adults, ready to face the many challenges that life will throw at them.

It has been another exceptional year at The Downs School!"

 

On Tuesday 16 Dececmber, 2025, The Downs School was proud to host its annual Prize Giving and Certificate Presentation Evening, an occasion that brings together students, families, governors and staff to celebrate achievement across our school community.

More than 300 students, parents and carers attended the event, filling the hall with a strong sense of pride and shared accomplishment. The evening recognised a wide range of successes, including academic excellence, sporting achievement, performing arts distinction and contributions to charitable and community initiatives.

Prize Giving is an important moment in the school calendar. It provides an opportunity to formally acknowledge the dedication, perseverance and ambition demonstrated by our students throughout the year. While certificates and awards mark significant milestones, they also represent sustained effort, resilience in the face of challenge and a commitment to personal growth.

We were particularly pleased to celebrate not only outstanding attainment but also progress, leadership and service. Many of the awards presented reflected the values that underpin life at The Downs School: courage, responsibility,equality,  ambition, resilience, creativity and integrity. These qualities are as worthy of recognition as examination results or competitive success.

The evening also served as a reminder of the partnership that supports every student’s journey. We are grateful to our staff for their expertise and dedication, and to parents and carers for their continued encouragement and support. Together, we create an environment in which students can flourish.

As the ceremony concluded, there was a huge sense of pride in what our students have accomplished. We congratulate all prize winners and certificate recipients, and we look forward with confidence to the achievements still to come.