The Downe House Podcast

SummaryIn this episode of the Downe House Podcast, host Simon Jones takes a closer look at life in York House, one of the sixth form boarding houses at Downe House School, as the school prepares to welcome a new cohort of pupils in September. He is joined by Head of House Booth, along with Housemistresses Mrs Beth Mears-Smith and Mrs Stephanie Waite-Roberts, who share insights into the unique character and community of the house.The conversation explores everything from boarding routines and academic life to friendships, wellbeing, and even dogs. Jemima reflects on her seven years at Downe House, describing her leadership role, academic ambitions, and the sisterhood that defines York. The housemistresses offer their perspectives on how the house supports both existing and new pupils, the benefits of shared and individual dorms, and the importance of fostering an inclusive, nurturing environment.TakeawaysYork House is one of two sixth form boarding houses at Downe House, offering a modern, supportive, and welcoming environment for girls aged 16–18.Pupils usually enjoy single dorms, which change termly to give a fresh start and build new friendships. Some also choose to share, especially in the early stages.Booth, as Head of House, represents York at school council and ensures pupil voice is heard and acted upon.Dogs are part of the housemistresses' families and provide comfort for those who enjoy animals. For pupils who are less keen, dogs are always supervised and kept in private areas.The boarding experience fosters deep friendships—often described as sisterhoods—especially important for those joining in the sixth form.Both house mistresses also teach English, enabling them to support pupils both pastorally and academically.The sixth form is rich in opportunities for leadership and enrichment, including events like house drama, sports, and charity initiatives.Pupils joining in the sixth form are supported with team-building activities and an induction week, making it easy to settle in and form connections.Downe House encourages diversity and individuality, welcoming pupils from a range of backgrounds and cultures to contribute to school life.Final advice from staff and Jemima: “Get stuck in, ask questions, and take full advantage of all the opportunities on offer.”LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net

SummaryIn this episode, Simon Jones explores how Downe House supports pupils during exam season through wellbeing initiatives, focusing on the ever-popular “puppy therapy” sessions. He speaks with pupils Chloe and Lorna, Examinations Officer Mrs Clara Pilkington, and Curtis Henry from Paws in Work, the organisation that provides the puppies. Together, they reflect on how puppy therapy offers a joyful, calming escape from exam stress, and discuss the wider measures Downe House takes to help girls manage pressure and maintain balance during this important part of the academic year.Takeaways• Puppy therapy is a highlight of the summer term at Downe House, helping pupils to relax and recharge.• Labradoodle puppies from Paws in Work visit the school, with small groups of pupils attending 25-minute sessions.• Pupils report feeling noticeably calmer and more positive following the sessions.• Attendance is optional, with other wellbeing activities such as bedtime yoga and pamper boxes also available.• Puppies help create a sense of joy and calm, even among those less confident around animals.• The school provides consistent, familiar routines around examinations to reduce anxiety.• Staff offer pastoral support and encourage outdoor time and peer interaction to promote wellbeing.• Puppy therapy is not just enjoyable – it forms a considered part of the school's strategy to support mental health and academic success.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn More about Downe House School. In this episode, we're discussing the importance of giving children a slower childhood and not growing up too fast. In this episode, we are privileged to be joined by Mr Andrew De Silva, Head of the Oratory Prep School, one of our feeder schools, together with Serena in Year 8 who's looking forward to joining Downe in September along with Mrs Ellie Llewellyn, our Director of Pupil Wellbeing, and pupil Vanda who's now at Downe but was once at the OPS.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn More about Downe House School. In this episode, we're highlighting exploring Europe, a new programme of discovery for our lower school which is being introduced in September 2025. The programme will be centred around four separate five day trips to different and diverse parts of Europe. Joining Simon in the podcast is Mrs Emma McKendrick, Headmistress, Miss Kate Eaves, Assistant Head of Lower School, Mrs Jenny Grant Head of History and Politics and Mrs Charlotte Sabnis, Head of Modern Foreign Languages.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're spotlighting our Ski Team, which recently returned from four days in Flaine. Competing in the British Schoolgirls Ski Races, where competitors came back with their biggest ever haul of medals and trophies. Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to two of these medal winners, pupils Jennifer and Flora, and Mrs Lamont, who led the trip.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode we're spotlighting our strong and vibrant music department, a department which centres on elite performance and excellence for some, but also has a wider remit of making music accessible to everyone.In this episode our host Simon Jones meets Mr Alex Leadbeater, our Director of Music, along with pupils Serena and Isabella in the Upper Sixth.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. With World Book Day on the horizon we're spotlighting our wonderful library. A department which engages and develops in our pupils a love for books and reading. In this episode our host Simon Jones, meets our Murray Centre Manager Miss Dani Kirby, along with pupils Phoebe in Remove, Year 7 and Charlotte in the Lower 4th or Year 8.`LinksGoodreadsThe Midnight Library​Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net

 Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we're shining a light on our feeder schools and looking at how they prepare their girls for their future at Downe House. In this episode, we're looking at boarding, and how boarding at prep school can help ease the transition to boarding at senior school. Joining Simon Jones on the podcast this week is Mr. Jonny Timms, Headmaster of Walhampton Prep School in the New Forest, Mr. Matt Godfrey, Deputy Head at Downe House, Walhampton pupil Ayley in Year Eight, and two Downe House pupils in the Upper Fourth or Year Nine. LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S12:E2 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School.  In this series, we're shining a light on our feeder schools and looking at how they prepare their girls for their future at down house with over 180 schools who regularly send pupils to us. Girls come to us with varied experiences, but all prepared for the journey ahead with an established set of values and principles. It's our job then to build on them further. Joining us on the podcast this week is Mr. Magoo Giles, Founder and Principal of Knightsbridge School. Two Knightsbridge alumni, now well into their time at Downe House, Freya and Alice, and Ruth Kingston, Housemistress of AGS. They talk to our host, Simon Jones, and their springboard for conversation is resilience. LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S12:E1 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we're shining a light on our feeder schools and looking at how they prepare their girls for their future at Downe House. With over 180 schools who regularly send pupils to us, girls come to us with varied experiences, but all prepared for the journey ahead with an established set of values and principles. It's our job then to build on them further. To start us off, we're privileged to be joined by Mr. Rupert Hawkins, Head of Thomas's Battersea, two Downe House pupils, Alice and Serena, who are Battersea alumni, and Victoria Ryan, Housemistress of Willis. They talk to our host, Simon Jones, and their springboard for conversation is kindness. Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S11:E8 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're shining the light on our youngest boarders in the school in Remove, or Year 7, who joined us in September at 11 years old. Joining Simon Jones on the podcast this week is Kim Collingwood Housemistress of Hermitage, one of our lower school boarding houses, and pupils Farah, Zoe and Annabel, representing all three lower school houses.They joined Simon to talk about their first term boarding. Downe House online  Website: www.downehouse.net

S11:E7 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're discussing screens and how we manage them at school, supporting girls to develop better connections with each other and with their devices. Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to Miss Georgie Taylor, Head of Sixth Form, along with Astrid and Amelia in the Upper Sixth and Lena in the Lower SixthDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S11:E6 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're revisiting global internships and the opportunities offered to our sixth formers to gain valuable work experience, often overseas in a variety of industries. we are privileged to be joined by one of our past parents, Ros Irving, who generously offered a week's internship with Tecora-Co, an event company at the ITW event in Washington, DC, last summer.Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to Ros, along with Mrs. Mireille Cook, Global Internship Coordinator, and Charlotte and Daisy, two of the four girls who were selected to take part.Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S11:E5- Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're looking at a sport which has a long and successful history at Downe House, and that is lacrosse. Often referred to as the fastest game on two feet, lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, with girls aspiring not only to represent their school, but often their country. Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to Anna Neville, Downe house Alumni 2020, currently playing for England, Miss Charlotte Williams, Director of Sport, currently playing for Wales, and Cally, in the lower sixth, who recently represented Hong Kong at the Under-20s World Championships.Linkswilliamsc1@downehouse.netDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S11:E4- Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're looking at women in leadership, and at a program that's available to our pupils in the Sixth Form to empower all girls, whatever their strengths or personality, to lead. The Learn to Lead Project is a bespoke training program using project work, team coaching, and individual mentoring to develop a whole range of skills to make our girls world ready once they leave Downe House. Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to alumni Lucia Labouchere and Natalia Spearman, who are behind the project.Linkswww.thelearntoleadproject.comlucia@thelearntoleadproject.comnatalia@thelearntoleadproject.comhandmedowne.netDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S11:E3- Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode we are given a very special insight into two trips that the school recently made to Kenya, where pupils where given a unique insight into the rich culture of this very special African country and where also encouraged to give back and make a difference. Our host Simon Jones speaks to Mrs Genevieve Ford, Deputy Head Pastoral who lead the trip and Mrs Sofie McClymont, Director of Boarding who accompanied her. He is also joined by three girls who went on the trip, Joeleen, Eliza and Olivia.Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S11:E2- Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. We begin this series with two very special guests who are joining our headmistress, Emma McKendrick, to discuss the new changes we're bringing in in September 2025. To give more choice to our families, we're widening the way you can access a Downe House education, increasing our day pupil numbers and introducing flexi boarding for the first time.Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S11:E1- Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. If you're a new parent to Downe House, or you're thinking of choosing Downe House for your daughter, then you may be interested to learn more about the role of parent ambassadors, and how they support the school. We'll be looking at their role in admissions, and ways they support new and prospective families in future episodes.Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S10:E6- Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're looking at enterprise and at some of the ways Downe House girls are empowered to develop their business, financial and entrepreneurial skills. Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to Mrs Nina Cochran (Teacher of Economics and Business), and pupils Isabella and Charlotte both in the Lower Sixth (Year 12). Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S10:E5- Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School.In this episode, we're looking at the school site and the wonderful opportunities and benefits it offers the community. We're fortunate to be situated in some of the most stunning countryside Berkshire has to offer, but also close enough to get to London in only 40 minutes by train.Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to Mrs Hannah Pilgrim, Head of Co Curricular, Miss Georgiana Oldham, Housemistress of Willis, and pupils Freya and Harriet from the Lower Sixth (Year 12).Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S10:E4 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School.Pupil wellbeing is a buzz word in education that we hear a lot but what does it look like in practice? In this podcast, we're focusing on wellbeing and its importance in our community at Downe House. Our host Simon Jones, is joined by Mrs Ellen Llewellyn (Director of Pupil Wellbeing) and two Wellbeing pupil Ambassadors, Alice and Emi, from the Lower Sixth (Year 12). Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net

S10:E3 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, particularly to those families who will be joining our school this September, as this series is just for you. In this episode, we're looking at what happens next if you're joining our Sixth Form.Our host, Simon Jones speaks to Miss Georgina Taylor (Head of Sixth Form) and pupils Zoe and Eve, who joined us new last year.Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S10:E2 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast particularly to those families who will be joining our school this September, as this series is just for you. In this episode, we are looking at what happens next if you are joining our Upper School in Upper Fourth (Year 9) or Lower Fifth (Year 10).Our host Simon Jones speaks to Mrs Alison Compton-Ilott (Head of Upper Fourth), and pupils Libby and Belle who joined us new last year. Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S10:E1 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, particularly to those families who'll be joining our school this September, as this series is just for you. In this episode, we're looking at what happens next if you're joining our Lower School in Remove (Year 7) or Lower Fourth (Year 8).Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to Miss Kate Eves (Head of Lower School), and pupils Sadie, Amrit and Bea, who joined us new last year.Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S9:E6 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. If you're nervous about sending your child to boarding school, particularly at age 11, then this episode is a must listen for you. We're focusing on boarding in our Lower School (Years 7 and 8) and how we support our pupils (and parents!) to transition to boarding in the gentlest and most seamless way possible. We work together with parents to ensure boarding works for your family and your unique circumstances.Our host, Simon Jones, is joined by Miss Anna Lister (Housemistress of Hill), Sydney in Remove (Year 7) and Ms Karen Coles, Headmistress of Sarum Hall, one of our popular feeder schools in London. Previous Boarding EpisodeApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-pack/id1556421306?i=1000619476708Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3yxRi2cS5nFHV1B33Kzveh?si=3b_jYgvgQquyeJcsPhxcEgDowne House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S9:E5 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we are focusing on ways the School looks forward to the future and leads the sector. One of the unique experiences we offer at Downe House, is the opportunity to undertake an internship abroad, in a whole variety of different professional sectors. In this episode, our host Simon Jones speaks to Ms Marya Akhtar (Director of Global Partnerships), and pupils Jocelyn, Iona and Zara from the Upper Sixth (Year 13). Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S9:E4 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we are focusing on ways the School looks forward to the future and leads the sector. One development we are looking at closely as a school community is Artificial Intelligence, or AI, and its place in the classroom and in education generally. In this episode our host Simon Jones, speaks to Mrs Emma McKendrick (Headmistress), Mrs Jane Basnett (Director of Digital Learning) and Digital Ambassadors, Astrid in the Lower Sixth (Year 12) and Sophie in the Lower Fifth (Year 10). Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S9:E3 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we are focusing on ways the School looks forward to the future and leads the sector. Promoting excellence in teaching and allowing our teachers to collaborate and share expertise is at the beating heart of the School. In this episode our host Simon Jones, speaks to Mr Hugh Grant (Deputy Head - Academic), Dr Andrew Atherton (Director of Learning and Research) and pupils Yasmin and Anjola from the Lower Sixth (Year 12). Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S9:E2 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we are focusing on ways the School looks forward to the future and leads the sector. One exciting development for us is the opening of our sister schools in the Middle East.In this episode our host Simon Jones, speaks to Marya Akhtar (Director of Global Partnerships) Adele O'Doherty, (Principal, DH Riyadh) and pupils Molly and Ruby both in the Upper Sixth (Year 13) at Downe House, UK.Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S9:E1 -We are delighted to share with you the first episode in our next series of podcasts highlighting some of the exciting developments at Downe House. In this episode we look at the strategic partnership Downe House shares with Radley College and in particular the Respect Project, a pupil led project which brings the two schools together to collaborate socially, academically and across co-curricular activities. Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to Mr Matt Godfrey, Deputy Head, pupils Zara and Will in the Upper Sixth from the two schools and Author and Researcher, Chloe Combi.Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S8:E7 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In our last episode of this series we are looking at one of the biggest celebrations of the year that truly brings the community together: Christmas.From tree decorating and festive parties in the boarding houses to carol services and the famous Downe House Christmas lunch - the festive spirit is alive and well at Downe House!Today our host Simon Jones speaks to our Chaplain Rev. Platt and pupils Sidney and Phillipa both in the Remove (Year 7) and Olivia from the Upper Sixth (Year 13).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S8:E6 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we'll be focusing on events at the school which bring the community together. Every term one of the faculties in the school hosts a residency in the Murray Centre for all of the school to enjoy. This term has been the turn of the Religion, Psychology and Philosophy Faculty which is headed up by Mr Matt Hall. Our host Simon Jones spoke to Matt after the residency and was joined by Clemmie from the Upper Sixth (Year 13).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S8:E5 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we'll be focusing on events at the school which bring the community together. In this episode, we'll be hearing from two alumna who attended the recent Five Year Reunion for the class of 2018.Our host Simon Jones, speaks to Bethany Perry and Isabel Wood about their time at Downe House and the beginnings of their career journey after university.Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S8:E4 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we'll be focusing on events at the school which bring the community together.Just last weekend, we hosted the annual House Drama Competition, a competition which involves every pupil in the school and encourages the houses to make new bonds across the year groups.Our host, Simon Jones, spoke to Mr Chris Gould, Director of Dance and Drama, straight after last weekend's event. He was joined by pupils Hope and Helena, Both from the winning house, Aisholt in the Lower Sixth.Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S8:E3 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we'll be focusing on events at the school which bring the community together.We have, of course, just welcomed 118 new pupils and their parents to the Downe House community. Our host Simon Jones speaks to Sophie Hughes, Housemistress of Darwin, and pupils Emily and Hannah, both in the Upper Sixth (Year 13), about how these pupils are supported and encouraged to make friendships across the school.Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S8:E2 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we'll be focusing on events at the school which bring the community together.In this special episode, we'll be looking at the Sixth Form and all the wonderful opportunities on offer in the final top two years of the school. We're proud at Downe House that nearly all girls stay on for the Sixth Form benefiting from the strong relationships they've made with their teachers over their time here.In this episode, our host Simon Jones speaks to Miss Georgie Taylor, Head of Sixth Form, with pupils Louise and Hannah, both in the Upper Sixth.Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S8:E1 -  Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we'll be focusing on events which bring the community together. What better way to start than to take a look at Founder's Weekend, our biggest and best weekend of the year. Our host, Simon Jones, spoke to Mrs Philippa Toogood, Assistant Head (Operations) who oversees the weekend, straight after last term's event. She was joined by pupils Cecilia, now in the Upper Fourth (Year Nine) and Izzy, now in the Upper Sixth (Year 13).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S7:E7 -  Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. We're looking forward in this series to focusing on useful insights and information for families joining us this September.In this episode, we'll be learning more about what to pack. Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to our Assistant Head of Lower School, Ms Kate Eaves, and pupils Anya in the Lower Fourth (Year 8) and Cassie in the Lower Sixth (Year 12).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S7:E6 - Welcome to The Downe House Podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. We're looking forward in this series to focusing on useful insights and information for families joining us this September.In this episode, we'll be learning more about one of the most important aspects of the Downe House experience - the food!Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to our Head Chef, Mr Phil Weston, and two pupils, Clemmie, in Remove (Year 7) and Sasha in Upper Fourth (Year 9).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S7:E5 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. We're looking forward in this series to focusing on useful insights and information for families joining us this September. In this episode, we'll be learning more about the health and wellbeing support available for your daughter.Downe House has a dedicated Health Centre onsite with 24/7 medical care available if girls need it. Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to; Miss Gemma Palmer, Nurse Manager of the Health Centre, Mrs Justine Rigby, Matron of one of the Upper School Houses, and pupils Eliza and Tabisa from Upper Fourth (Year Nine).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S7:E4 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we're looking forward to focusing on useful insights and information for families joining us this September. In this episode, we'll be learning more about the parent experience and how the school works in partnership with parents to support their daughter at every step.In this episode our host, Simon Jones, speaks to Mr Matt Godfrey, our Deputy Head, and parents Laura and Andy from the UK, and Nathalie and Gilles from the Netherlands.Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S7:E3 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. We're looking forward in this series to focusing on useful insights and information for families joining us this September. In this episode, we'll be learning more about the Microsoft Surface, which all pupils are required to use when they join Downe House.We'll be learning about how pupils use them in the classroom and how Downe House is proudly accredited as a Microsoft Showcase School. Our host Simon Jones speaks to Jane Basnet, Director of Digital Learning, and Digital Ambassador Sion from the Lower Sixth (Year 12) and Poppy from Lower Fourth (Year 8).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S7:E2 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. We're looking forward in this series to focusing on useful insights and information for families joining us this September. In this episode we'll be learning more about the speech and drama opportunities open to all year groups when girls join Downe House. Our host, Simon Jones, will be speaking to Mrs Rebecca Watson, Head of Extra Curricular Drama, and pupils Eliza from the Lower Sixth and Ottavia from UIV (Year 9).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S7:E1 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about Downe House school. Series 7 is titled 'Preparing for Downe House' and is dedicated to all the families joining us this September. We're looking forward to sharing useful insights and key information with you, including, discussing New Girls' Open Day, introducing the Health Centre, finding out more about Microsoft Surfaces and hearing from the girls about what to pack. In this episode, our host, Simon Jones is speaking to Mrs Tara Reeve (Director of Admissions) about everything you can expect between now and September. We'll also hear from Maddie and Leya who are both in Remove (Year 7) and Charlotte in Lower LIV (Year 8).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S6:E7 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we spotlight areas of the school which our listeners have told us they'd like to know more about. In this episode, we find out more about the World Ready programme, an array of opportunities in the Sixth Form, preparing girls for life beyond Downe House. In this episode our host Simon Jones speaks to Miss Kerry Treacy, Housemistress of York and Head of Lower Sixth Designate, and pupils Willow and Mo in Upper Sixth (Year 13).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S6:E6 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we spotlight areas of the school which our listeners have told us they'd like to know more about. In this episode, we find out more about the Global Exchange Programme, an opportunity for girls in Lower Fifth (Year 10) and Lower Sixth (Year 12) to experience life in one of our partner schools around the globe, and for their girls to spend time with us here at Downe.In this episode, our host Simon Jones, speaks to Mrs Katherine Adams, who organizes the exchanges and pupils, Isabella and Alice in Upper Fifth (Year 11), and Sara in Upper Sixth (Year 13).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S6:E5 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we spotlight areas of the school which our listeners have told us they'd like to know more about. In this episode, we find out more about STEM at Downe House and the opportunities for girls to explore all things relating to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.Our host Simon Jones, speaks to Mr Charlie Littledale (Head of STEM) and pupils, Charlotte and Alice, both in the Lower Sixth (Year 12).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S6:E4 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House school. In this series, we spotlight areas of the school which our listeners have told us they'd like to know more about. Today, we spotlight DH LINKS, a network which brings together alumnae, parents and girls to share professional knowledge, guidance and advice.Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to our Director of External Relations, Mrs Alexandra Barlow and pupils, Gabby and Hermione in the Upper Sixth (Year 13).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S6:E3 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we're answering questions from you, our listeners, and in this episode we learn more about the structure of the school day and how not one day is the same for any of our pupils. Downe House recognises that every pupil at the school is an individual with different strengths, passions and interests.Our host Simon Jones, speaks to Miss Rosie McCann, Housemistress of Holcombe, along with pupils, Camilla from the Lower Sixth (Year 12) and Sophia from the Lower Fifth (Year 10).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S6:E2 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House school. In this series, we're answering questions from you, our listeners.In this episode we learn more about down time at Downe and the opportunities girls have to build strong friendships through shared experiences and fun.This weekend the fair came to Downe and our host Simon Jones speaks to Mrs Hannah Pilgrim, Head of Co-curricular Activities with pupils Mia and Anna both in Lower Fourth (Year 8).Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net

S6:E1 - Welcome to the Downe House Podcast where you can learn more about Downe House school. In this series, we spotlight areas of the school which our listeners have told us they'd like to know more about. Today, we spotlight the Futures department, a large team of specialist staff, who support and advise pupils on higher education, careers and other exciting pathways and opportunities after Downe HouseOur host, Simon Jones, speaks to Mrs Sarah Barnard, Director of Futures with pupils Amy, Anya and Izzy all in the Upper sixth or Year 13.Downe House onlineWebsite: www.downehouse.net