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