Downsend Leatherhead

[ingaB]

Hi everybody,I am a new Mum on this blog..and and new in Surrey alltogether...We have been residing in Spain for the last 10 years,and are now coming back to the uk to live in Surbiton..The move came unexpected and everything now is being done at the last minute.Really want a good school for our 11 year old daughter (she ll be starting year 7). So far we have stopped at the Downsend prep,and are going there for an interview soon.Would so much appreciate any reviews from the parents who have or had their children in the upper Downsend,i.e. year 7 and 8. Please really need some honest feedback as dont know anybody here,please help. How good is the school for sports for older kids?I know its great for the little ones,but what about say 11+ girls,hockey,volleyball,basketball,etc? How good is it compared to other schools? And what about music? My daughter plays piano..Anyways,any ANY comments would be so appreciated....Also how do you think she ll cope going in there into the year 7 being totally new,when all she knows since the age of 3 is the school she s been going to in Spain.

[amidaiwish]

Why put her in prep and not straight to senior school? Most girls start senior school at 11 (many preps go up to 13 because some of the boys senior schools start at 13). Starting senior with everyone else starting would be better wouldn't it?

[absolutmum]

My son is in yr6 at Downsend. He's very happy there, the facilities are fantastic and there are plenty of sporting opportunities. Lots of children have music lessons - not my son though!
Would your daughter be looking to start in yr7 in September as that's probably a very good time to start as the classes are restructured to compensate for those who leave after the 11+. There are 5 classes per year and I think it drops to 4 in yr7.
Anything else you want to know, I'll try and answer your questions!