Explore every episode of the podcast The Downe House Podcast

In this episode of the Downe House Podcast, host Simon Jones is joined by Dani Kirby (Murray Centre Manager), Bryony Watts (Head of English), and two Year 13 literary seniors, Audrey and Alex, to celebrate the National Year of Reading. The conversation explores how Downe House inspires its students to read and love reading, from library initiatives and cross-department collaboration to the evolving reading habits of teenagers in a digital age.

• Audrey's favourite: The Nose by Nikolai Gogol — a surreal short story
• Alex's favourite: Funny Story by Emily Henry — a contemporary rom-com popular on BookTok
• Alex's book swap read: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
• Audrey's book swap read: Book Lovers by Emily Henry
• Dani's recommendation for adults getting back into reading: Never Lie by Freida McFadden — a psychological thriller (16+)

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re discussing the Exploring Europe Programme which is now entering its second year in the curriculum. Last term, the Removes, or year 7, were lucky to culminate their year learning about Europe with a trip to Berlin. Joining Simon Jones on the podcast are Kate Eaves, Head of Lower School, Elke Von Mering-Ashton, Head of German and two pupils Izzy and Matilda.

https://www.downehouse.net

The beginning of this academic year marks the start of a unique and groundbreaking partnership with Harrow School. Two schools with proud histories, distinctive identities and a shared commitment to single sex education. In this episode Simon Jones speaks to Alistair Land, Head Master of Harrow School and Emma McKendrick, Headmistress of Downe House School.

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re reflecting on the recent Academic Conference we held at the school, focusing on the Bright Side of Education. Among the many topics discussed was the importance of play and joy to bring out the best in our students. Joining Simon Jones on the podcast are Matt Godfrey, Deputy Head who heads up the conference, Amanda Constance, Editor of The Week, Independent Schools Guide and Walter Kerr, Co-Founder of Oppidan Education, an innovative mentoring organisation for students.

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re discussing wellbeing and its very prominent feature in all aspects of life at Downe House. In May, we hosted a wellbeing Residency in the Murray Centre and Simon Jones met with Ellie Llewellyn, Director of Pupil Wellbeing, Alex in the Lower Sixth and Belle in the Lower Fifth, to find out more.

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode we're discussing the Colloquium which we recently held together with Harrow School. A select group of girls and boys from both schools researched academic questions which they presented to an audience at the Royal Society in London.

Joining our host, Simon Jones, on the podcast are Miss Madeleine Killacky, Head of Scholars at Downe House, Ms Madeleine Copin, who headed the Colloquium for Harrow, Nina from Downe House and William from Harrow, both in the lower sixth.

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re looking ahead to the new girls who will be joining our community in September. We’ll be discussing New Girls’ Open Day, Settling in Day and What to Pack, ahead of that first day of term. Joining Simon on the podcast are Olivia and Ottavia, newly appointed Head Ambassadors in the Lower Sixth and younger pupils, Taarini and Jodee who joined last year.

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re taking to the streets of the capital, re-living the London Landmarks Half Marathon, which saw a team of 50 girls and staff from Downe House take part. The team was galvanised by Hettie, our Head Senior, in aid of Tommy’s, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity. Joining Simon on the podcast are Hettie, Matt Godfrey, Deputy Head and two of the runners, Violet Rose and Olivia.

Key topics:

• Hettie, Head Girl, shares how she organised the school’s participation and fundraising efforts
• Insights into the training process from Olivia and Violet Rose, including the Couch to 5K programme
• The emotional and practical experiences from race day, capturing the energy and community support
• The strategic charity choice — supporting women through Tommy’s during challenging pregnancies and births
• The impact of such events on school community, leadership skills, and student confidence
• Staff reflections on the significance of fundraising and community engagement for student development
• How student-led initiatives like this leave lasting legacies and life skills beyond school

Links:

https://www.tommys.org

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on girls in sport - their participation in schools nationally, and how schools like Downe House are working hard to empower girls to embrace sport, and to remove barriers that dent confidence. In this episode, Simon Jones is joined by Director of Sport at Downe House, Katie Lauder, Steph Essex from Flyhawk, a sportswear company working closely with Downe, and two pupils Ivie and Lucie in the Lower Sixth.

Links:

https://www.downehouse.net

https://flyhawk.com

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on women in finance - a powerful, fast-moving industry and a popular career choice for pupils once they leave Downe. Simon Jones is joined by alumna Alexandra Wyatt , who left Downe House in 2009, and is now an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan, and pupils Koyinsola and Imogen, both in the Upper Sixth.

Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where we explore life and learning at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re celebrating one of the biggest highlights of the year — our Under 15A lacrosse team being crowned National Champions! Joining Simon Jones on this episode are Sal Keogh, Coach of Under 15A Lacrosse Team and Captains, Rose, Gigi and Maddie.

Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where we explore life and learning at Downe House School. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on charity at Downe House and the inspiring ways our girls, alumnae, and parents are shaping communities around the world. Our host, Simon Jones, is joined by alumna Winky Skevington (née Lee), co-founder of the Hummingbird Initiative; parent Rhoda Phillips, founder of Communities for Nature; and current pupil Rhea in the Upper Sixth, founder of Brighter Futures for Children.

Links:

https://thehummingbirdinitiative.org

https://communitiesfornature.org

https://www.instagram.com/brighter_f.utures?igsh=MXEycnp6dG1yMXV4dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where we explore life and learning at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re celebrating one of the biggest highlights of the year — House Music. With House spirit alive and well at Downe House, we take you behind the scenes of this much-loved annual competition, where talent, teamwork and friendly rivalry take centre stage. Joining Simon Jones on this episode are Mr Alex Leadbeater, our Director of Music and Margaret, Luli, Chloe and Charlotte from AGS – this year’s overall winners.

Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where we explore life and learning at Downe House School. In this episode, we turn the spotlight on Dance at Downe House—from beginners taking their first steps to elite dancers training at the highest level. Our host, Simon Jones, is joined by Mrs Olivia Cadle, Head of Extra-Curricular Performing Arts, along with dancers Hanna, Marvellous and Sage.

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we explore how Downe House supports girls to develop Friendships for Life, through a strong sense of community and everyday experiences. From the classroom to the boarding house, lasting friendships are fostered through kindness, confidence and respect, which stay with them long after they leave the school. Joining our host, Simon Jones, are Mrs Kate Eaves, Assistant Head of the Lower School, and Mrs Anna Dourantakis, Assistant Head of the Upper School.

Links:

https://www.downehouse.net

Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where we explore life and learning at Downe House School. In this episode, we turn the spotlight on our Academic Enrichment Programme — from Debating, Law and Medical Society to Art History, Coding and Psychology Clubs, there are more than 50 such societies taking place at School every week. Our host, Simon Jones, is joined by Mr Chris Gill, Head of Academic Enrichment, with pupils, Mia, Emily and Rosi.

Takeaways

1. Engineering Society provides a unique platform for learning.
2. Teenagers are more engaged in hands-on activities.
3. Building bridges out of simple materials fosters creativity.
4. Community involvement enhances the learning experience.
5. Innovative teaching methods are essential for STEM education.
6. Interactive environments help teenagers thrive.
7. The future of engineering education relies on engagement.
8. Shared experiences build strong communities.
9. STEM activities can be fun and educational.
10. Youth engagement in engineering is crucial for future innovation.

Links:

https://www.downehouse.net/academic/academic-enrichment/

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we’re exploring Tennis at Downe House – a highly popular sport which our girls play all year round. From absolute beginners to our top elite players, our team of coaches provide coaching to around two thirds of the girls at School. Our host, Simon Jones meets our Head of Racquet Sports and former professional tennis player, Mr Josh Goodall with pupils Cindy and India in the Upper Sixth.

In this episode, we’re joined by Theo Clarke, distinguished alumna, former MP for Stafford, and one of our Downe House alumnae of the year for 2025. Theo made history by chairing the first parliamentary inquiry into birth trauma and founding the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Birth Trauma. She’s also served in government across Education, Business, Trade and the Treasury. Theo joins Miss Sarah Barnard, our Director of Futures and Teacher of History and Politics to discuss her time at Downe House and the significant part it played in her journey so far. They're also joined by Tabatha in Upper Sixth who studies Politics A level.

Links:

For anyone wanting to find out more about Theo Clark and her work on women’s health, please do subscribe to her Substack here:

https://theodoraclarke.substack.com/s/breaking-the-taboo

In this episode of the podcast, host Simon Jones explores the Academic Scholars Programme at Downe House, featuring insights from three students and the Head of Scholars. The discussion covers the programme's structure, the importance of curiosity in academic pursuits, and the interdisciplinary nature of the scholars' projects. The students share their personal experiences, highlighting how the programme enhances their learning and prepares them for future academic challenges.

Takeaways

• The Academic Scholars Programme supports academically ambitious girls.
• Students engage in various activities beyond regular learning.
• Curiosity drives the scholars to explore topics deeply.
• Interdisciplinary projects encourage innovative thinking.
• The programme fosters leadership skills among older students.
• Students enjoy the balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
• Ethical discussions are integral to the scholars' projects.
• Support from teachers enhances students' academic journeys.
• The Train of Thought magazine showcases students' research.
• The programme prepares students for future academic challenges.

In this episode of the podcast Simon discusses the experiences of day girls at Downe House with the Head of Day Girls, Hannah Pilgrim, and three pupils. They explore the daily life of day girls, the support they receive, and the opportunities available to them, emphasising the community aspect and the seamless integration with boarders.

Takeaways

• Hannah Pilgrim oversees all day girls and ensures their needs are met.
• Day girls have access to the same opportunities as boarders.
• The school environment fosters a strong sense of community among students.
• Day girls can participate in evening activities and sports.
• Flexibility is a key reason families choose day schooling.
• Students appreciate the ability to go home and recharge.
• The school offers a range of extracurricular activities.
• Parents value the immersive education provided at Downe House.
• There is a strong integration between day girls and boarders.
• The new flexi boarding option provides additional flexibility for families.

In this episode Head Senior Hettie and Deputy Head Senior Rose discuss their roles, the importance of integration among students, and the exciting game of assassins designed to foster community. They share insights on leadership, the significance of pupil voice, and their experiences joining the school. The conversation highlights the vibrant community at Downe House and the opportunities available for students to engage in extracurricular activities and leadership roles.

Takeaways

• The game of assassins promotes integration among students.
• Integration is essential to foster a close-knit community.
• Leadership roles help students learn responsibility and organization.
• Pupil voice is encouraged from a young age at school.
• Extracurricular activities are abundant and student-led.
• Joining Downe House provides a supportive environment for new students.
• The community at Downe House is unique and welcoming.
• Students have the opportunity to pursue their passions.
• Hetty and Rose are both applying to prestigious universities.
• The excitement of the assassins game brings the school together.

Summary

In this episode of the Downe House podcast, the focus is on the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a course designed for sixth form students to develop their research and analytical skills. Ms. Victoria Ryan, Head of EPQ, discusses the structure of the course, the importance of independent research, and how it prepares students for university. Two sixth formers, Camille and Imogen, share insights into their individual EPQ projects, exploring topics related to media influence and ethical considerations in organ donation. The conversation highlights the support students receive throughout the research process and the skills they develop, culminating in presentations that showcase their findings.

Takeaways

• The EPQ is designed to develop research and analytical skills.
• Students can choose topics related to their interests or university aspirations.
• The course includes taught skills lessons to prepare for independent research.
• EPQ counts as half an A level and is valued by universities.
• Students receive support from supervisors throughout their projects.
• Research involves assessing the credibility of sources critically.
• The process encourages students to explore their passions deeply.
• Presentations at the end of the project build confidence and communication skills.
• The EPQ fosters academic resilience and critical thinking.
• Students often find their topics evolve as they conduct research.

Links

Downe House online

Website: www.downehouse.net 

Summary

In this episode of the Downe House podcast, the host discusses the recent Founders Weekend productions of The Addams Family and Little Women with the Director of Performing Arts, Mr. Rob Castell, and several cast members. They explore the unique challenges and experiences of performing two very different productions in the same venue, the preparation and character development involved, and the memorable moments from the performances. The conversation highlights the importance of creativity and collaboration in the performing arts, as well as the lasting impact these experiences have on students.

Takeaways

• The logistical challenge of staging two productions simultaneously.
• The contrasting styles of The Addams Family and Little Women.
• Students rose to the challenge of ambitious productions.
• Character preparation involved accent work and costume design.
• The emotional depth of performances resonated with audiences.
• The camaraderie among cast members enhanced the experience.
• Directing requires balancing multiple responsibilities.
• Memorable moments often stem from audience reactions.
• The experience of performing is formative for students.
• Creativity in performance is valuable beyond career opportunities.

Links

Downe House online

Website: www.downehouse.net 

In this episode of the Downe House Podcast, Simon Jones explores how Downe House School supports multilingual learners, particularly those for whom English is an additional language. He is joined by Mrs Nicola South-Kline, teacher in charge of EAL (English as an Additional Language), along with two pupils, Angel and Angela, who share their personal journeys.

Nicola outlines the school’s comprehensive EAL provision, including assessment, one-to-one lessons, academic writing support, and preparation for IELTS – an internationally recognised English proficiency test essential for university applications, especially in the UK and US.

Angel, from Shanghai, explains how EAL support helped her gain confidence in English Literature during her GCSEs, while Angela, originally from Nigeria, discusses her use of the IELTS course to secure a place at the University of Michigan, with offers from other top US institutions as well.

• EAL support is offered to all multilingual pupils and tailored to their needs through testing, one-to-one tuition, and academic writing assistance.
• Pupils studying on a Tier 4 visa are prepared for the IELTS exam, which is critical for university admissions abroad.
• Downe House celebrates its diverse school community, with over 40 languages spoken and many cultural traditions represented.
• Angel credits EAL lessons with boosting her academic English, particularly for English Literature.
• Angela used her IELTS preparation at Downe House to secure multiple offers from prestigious US universities.
• The school encourages girls to immerse themselves in English, while also embracing their own cultural identities.
• Pastoral care plays a key role in helping international pupils settle in and thrive – emotionally, socially, and academically.
• Pupils are urged to seize every opportunity, from sports to new social connections, to get the most from the Downe House experience.

Links

Downe 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 shining the light on our Learning Skills Department, a department which focuses on individual progress, in a way bespoke way to suit each pupil. There is no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving and in our school and differences are embraced and supported. Simon Jones speaks to Miss Sophie Appleton Wyeth, SENDCO and Head of Academic Support and three pupils Zara, Polly, and Serena.

Sophie explains how her team of specialist teachers provides one-to-one lessons, tailored to each pupil’s needs, whether they have a formal diagnosis or simply benefit from extra support. The department works closely with families, staff and external professionals to ensure that pupils with conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism, and sensory processing difficulties receive the guidance they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.

The discussion highlights the school’s commitment to inclusion, early identification, and destigmatisation of learning differences, as well as its celebration of neurodiversity through initiatives like Neurodiversity Celebration Week and a supportive, open culture among both staff and pupils.

• The Learning Skills Department provides one-to-one support tailored to each girl’s individual learning profile, with over 100 sessions delivered each week.
• Pupils receive help with everything from essay structure and revision to time management and exam techniques, depending on their personal needs.
• The school supports pupils with a wide range of learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, visual and auditory processing difficulties, and more.
• Teachers within the department have specialist training and continually develop their expertise through CPD and qualifications in areas such as ADHD coaching.
• Neurodiverse pupils and staff are encouraged to share their experiences openly, helping to foster a culture of understanding and acceptance across the school.
• Pupils like Polly and Serena reflect on how learning support helped them gain clarity around their diagnoses and boosted their confidence, both in and out of the classroom.
• Zara, a younger pupil, shares how she uses her LS lessons to consolidate knowledge in subjects like history and RS, and talks about her love for English and reading.
• The Honours Reading Passport is a literacy initiative that encourages pupils like Zara to explore a wide range of genres and develop a deeper love for reading.
• The school builds strong relationships with parents, often identifying learning needs that may not have been recognised previously and guiding families through the assessment process.
• The approach at Downe House reflects a modern, inclusive understanding of learning differences: there is no one “right” way to learn, and support is seen as a strength, not a weakness.

Downe House online

Website: www.downehouse.net 

Summary

In 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.

Takeaways

• York 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.”

Links

Downe House online

Website: www.downehouse.net 

Summary

In 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.

Links

Downe 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.

Links

Downe 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.

Links

Downe 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.

Links

Downe 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.

Links

Downe 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.

`Links

GoodreadsThe 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.

Links

Downe 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.

Links

Downe 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 Sixth

Downe 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.

Links

williamsc1@downehouse.net

Downe 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.

Links

www.thelearntoleadproject.com

lucia@thelearntoleadproject.com

natalia@thelearntoleadproject.com

handmedowne.net

Downe 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 online

Website: 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 online

Website: 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 online

Website: 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 Episode

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-pack/id1556421306?i=1000619476708

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3yxRi2cS5nFHV1B33Kzveh?si=3b_jYgvgQquyeJcsPhxcEg

Downe House online

Website: www.downehouse.net