The Downe House Podcast

The Bright Side of Education

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.

• Transcript

Wellbeing Residency in the Murray Centre

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.

The Academic Colloquium with Harrow School

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.

Welcoming our new girls – Head Ambassadors Olivia and Ottavia

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.

London Landmarks Half Marathon in aid of Tommy’s, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity

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

Girls in sport, removing barriers that dent confidence

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

Women in Finance

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.

Our Under 15A Lacrosse Team are National Champions!

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.

Charity Trailblazers at Downe House

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

House Music Winners 2026

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.

Dance at Downe House

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.

Friendships for life

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

Academic Enrichment

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 Engineering Society provides a unique platform for learning. Teenagers are more engaged in hands-on activities. Building bridges out of simple materials fosters creativity. Community involvement enhances the learning experience. Innovative teaching methods are essential for STEM education. Interactive environments help teenagers thrive. The future of engineering education relies on engagement. Shared experiences build strong communities. STEM activities can be fun and educational. Youth engagement in engineering is crucial for future innovation. Links: https://www.downehouse.net/academic/academic-enrichment/

Tennis at Downe

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.

Inspiring Alumnae - Theo Clarke - author, podcaster, former MP

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

Academic scholars at Downe House

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.

Being a Day Girl at Downe

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.

Meet our Head and Deputy Head Seniors

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.

The Extended Project Qualification or EPQ

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

Founder’s Weekend – Little Women and The Addams Family

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