Downe House School offers a dynamic teaching and learning environment, with small class sizes of no more than 18 students up to GCSE and 12 at A level. The lower school years are taught in mixed-ability groups for most subjects, with flexibility in curriculum starting in year 9. Students can choose from a variety of languages, including ancient Greek, and are required to take a modern language at GCSE. In addition to traditional qualifications like GCSEs and A-levels, Downe House also offers the Cambridge Pre-U program, a two-year university preparatory program. The Pre-U curriculum emphasises the development of research skills and critical thinking, comprising three main subjects, the Global Perspectives course, and an independent research report where students engage in individual research projects, akin to university-level term papers. The school's holistic approach to education places equal importance on character development and academic achievement, providing tailored support for students of all abilities and backgrounds. Downe House excels in the arts, sports, and extracurricular activities. The music program is vibrant, with over half the students learning an instrument and numerous performance opportunities. Drama is also a significant aspect of school life, with house dramas and major productions like Chicago. The school offers a wide range of sports, including lacrosse, netball, tennis, cricket, and equestrian activities, taking full advantage of its 110-acre campus. Extracurricular activities are diverse, from crafts and cookery to a student-led cheese society.