The Downs Preparatory School
School summary
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.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
Free month · No payment needed
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 7 May 2025
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.
Head · Debbie Isaachsen
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.
School life & ethos
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 15.27%
- EHC plans
- 1.15%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £13,083 - £20,205
Means-tested bursaries available
Schools nearby
Clifton High School
South West
Clifton College Preparatory School
Bristol, South West
Clifton College
Bristol, South West
Grace Garden School
South West
Bristol International College
Bristol, South West
Badminton School
Bristol, South West
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
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.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
Free month · No payment needed
The Downs Preparatory School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.