The Downs Preparatory School
Bristol, North Somerset, South West · BS48 1PF
Set in Bristol, North Somerset, The Downs Preparatory School is a small, co-educational independent prep taking children from ages 4 to 13. With around 262 pupils on roll, it offers a setting where individuals are more easily known than in larger schools. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded the school its highest grade of "excellent", both for academic standards and for pupils' personal development, and found that all compliance requirements were met. Under Head Debbie Isaachsen, it functions as a day school with no boarding provision.
262
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£20,205
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 4-13
- Pupils
- 262
- Location
- Bristol, North Somerset, South West
- Website
- https://www.thedowns.school/
- Telephone
- 01275 852008
Headteacher
Head Debbie Isaachsen
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Teaching & academics
The ISI's "excellent" judgement for the quality of pupils' education reflects strong teaching and high standards across the prep years. As a school spanning ages 4 to 13, it prepares children through to senior school entry at the traditional Common Entrance stage. Notably, just over 15 per cent of pupils receive SEN support, indicating that learning differences are identified and accommodated rather than overlooked.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 15.27%
- EHC plans
- 1.15%
Beyond the classroom
The matching "excellent" rating for personal development points to a rounded education that extends well beyond the classroom, supporting pupils' character and wellbeing alongside their academic progress.
Ethos & heritage
- Boarding
- No
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £13,083 - £20,205
Means-tested bursaries available
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 7 May 2025
The last word
A small, highly rated prep for families wanting their child genuinely known and stretched. Means-tested bursaries help widen access to fees ranging from around £13,083 to £20,205 a year.
The Passmate verdict
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The Downs Preparatory School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is The Downs Preparatory School located?
The Downs Preparatory School is located at Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PF.
What type of school is The Downs Preparatory School?
The Downs Preparatory School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South West.
How many pupils attend The Downs Preparatory School?
The Downs Preparatory School has approximately 262 pupils on roll.
What is The Downs Preparatory School's inspection rating?
The Downs Preparatory School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 7 May 2025.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.