Corporate Vision Located in Radstock, near Bath, Downside School is a co-educational independent boarding and day school for students aged 11 to 18 years old. At its core, the school strives to promote a culture of unselfish love, integrity, humility, and leadership through service and responsibility. It encourages each student to embrace numerous academic, sporting, and co-curricular opportunities and contribute purposefully to their school and wider community. We took a closer look at Downside School below, following its recent recognition in the Education and Training Awards 2026. “Downside School’s vision, as a Catholic and Benedictine school with Christ at its centre, is to be a bright light in education and to inspire service in our world.” Downside School is one of England’s leading full boarding schools, with 72% of its student base made up of full boarders. This high statistic is no surprise, as every boarder at Downside School is provided with unrivalled pastoral support, a strong sense of community, and important quality time with their friends. There is never a dull moment at the school, as every weekend is filled with a wide range of activities that cater to different houses, ages, and interests. As one of the remaining traditional full boarding schools in the UK, the school’s life revolves around its five boarding houses: First, Second, and Third Form boys join Smythe House before moving up to Barlow or Roberts, while the two girl Houses, Caverel and Isabella, welcome pupils from the First Form to Upper Six. Each House boasts its own distinctive spirit and traditions but are united by the same values and ethos that define Downside School. Student safety is of top priority at Downside School, ensured through a dedicated Health Centre with eight beds for students. Healthcare services are offered 24/7 during term time, delivered by a team of practitioners capable of navigating anything from a routine check-up to a medical emergency. The Centre also delivers health education through a variety of forms, from 1:1 and small group sessions to information leaflets and takeaway resources. A strong academic school, Downside School has built its educational offering around the concept of transformation, which is not only deeply embedded within the school’s philosophy of learning, but also in the Benedictine tradition. This concept suggests that the purpose of education is to transform the learner into their best possible self and, therefore, it is not the final result as measured in a comparative table that matters but the magnitude of their transformation. When Downside School’s are measured comparatively, across academics, sports, and culture, they prove to be excellent. This is because at Downside School, pupils achieve transformation through the process of self-fulfilment rather than through the damaging pressure of objective attainment for its own sake. Staff will identify and nurture each pupil’s greatest talents, strengthening and balancing their individuality to prepare them to lead a “life fully lived”. Alongside strong academics, Downside School places an equal focus on developing the character of the pupil, with an emphasis on moral courage, integrity, and service. By living and working together, students develop personal discipline, active listening and social skills, selfawareness, confidence, independence, and compassion. The school’s thriving community life enables pupils to gain deeper understanding and respect for those from different cultures, beliefs, and traditions, promoting the celebration of diversity across the student body. Through the celebration of Mass, educational retreats, routine House prayers, and the practice of Lectio Divina, Downside School provides its pupils with countless opportunities to explore their faith and spirituality. The School Chaplaincy consists of a Priest Chaplain and a Lay Chaplain, supported by student leaders and enriched by visits from members of the Manquehue Apostolic Movement. Together, they play a central role at Downside School, guiding pupils to encounter Christ throughout all aspects of their daily life. Beyond education, Downside School stays with its pupils for life. Any student who has attended the school, whether for one term or their entire educational career, becomes a member of the exclusive St Gregory’s Society. Known as Old Gregorians, this thriving global community boasts more than 8,000 individuals and enjoys regular reunions worldwide. The network serves as a vital lifeline for alumni as they transition into the wider world of work, providing them with invaluable support, expertise, and professional opportunities. We at Corporate Vision Magazine are proud to present Downside School with the UK’s Excellence Award in Catholic Education 2026. Contact: Melanie Woods Company: Downside School Web Address: www.downside.co.uk Excellence Award in Catholic Education 2026 – UK
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