Independent school · Somerset
Downside School
- Ages 11–18
- Mixed
- Boarding
- £8,070–£17,995/term
- School bus
Term dates
We haven't been able to check this school's term dates yet. See the school's website.
Fees 2026/27
Per term, including VAT.
| Year group | Fee |
|---|---|
| Junior Pupil (Years 7&8) Full Boarding | £13,450.00 |
| Senior Pupil (Years 9–13) Full Boarding | £17,995.00 |
| Junior Pupil Day | £8,070.00 |
| Senior Pupil Day | £10,345.00 |
| Junior Day Plus (2 nights) | £9,830.00 |
| Senior Day Plus (2 nights) | £12,725.00 |
| Junior Day Plus (3 nights) | £10,710.00 |
| Senior Day Plus (3 nights) | £13,915.00 |
| Pathway Course (additional fee per pupil per term) | £2,000.00 |
Registration fee: £150.00
Deposit: £1,000.00
Work out the total cost
An estimate from the school's published fee. Increases are a guess: schools usually raise fees each September. Extras such as lunches, trips and uniform are not included.
Source: school fees page
Admissions
- 11+
- 13+
- 16+
Visit at an Open Morning or on-site/virtual visit, then register. All candidates complete a CAT4 assessment and interview (or attend the annual Assessment and Taster Days: January for Year 7, February for Year 9) with a school reference. Successful candidates receive a guaranteed or conditional offer, accepted with a parental contract and deposit. Register 8–18 months ahead depending on entry point.
Assessments
- CAT4 assessment
- Interview with the Head
- School reference
Registration deadline: At least 8 to 12 months ahead (Year 7); around 12 to 18 months ahead (Year 9); around 12 months ahead (Sixth Form)
Offers scholarships and bursaries.
Source: school admissions page
School bus routes
| Route | Areas served | First pick-up |
|---|---|---|
| Frome to Downside | Frome, Mells, Chantry, Kilmersdon | |
| Bath to Downside | Odd Down, Peasedown, Radstock, Westfield | |
| Chew Magna to Downside | East Harptree, Bishop Sutton, Litton, Farrington Gurney | |
| Bruton to Downside | Shepton Mallet, Evercreech, Bruton |
Cost: 2026/27 fees document: < 5 Miles £340 per term; > 5 Miles £395 per term; individual journeys £7.25. (Minibus page shows £330/£380 and £7.)
Source: school transport page
About and location
- Ages
- 11–18
- Pupils
- 249
- Gender
- Mixed
- Boarding
- Boarding school
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Phone
- 01761235100
- Address
- Radstock, BA3 4RJ
- Website
- downside.co.uk
School details from the Department for Education's register of schools (Open Government Licence). Dates, fees, admissions and bus routes are from the school's own website. Report a correction.