The Downe House Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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 

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 online

Website: 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 online

Website: 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 online

Website: 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 online

Website: 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 online

Website: 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 online

Website: 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 online

Website: 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 online

Website: www.downehouse.net