Books

Downe House: A Mystery and a Miracle is a lavishly illustrated book, combining stunning new photography with archive material and providing a fitting celebration for the School's hundredth anniversary. It includes a wonderful selection of intimate memories, anecdotes, stories and reminiscences from current and former pupils, staff, governors and friends. There are contributions from former pupils including TV sports presenter Clare Balding, and actress Geraldine James, alongside a mix of serious, funny, irreverent, as well as poignant memories. Olive Willis, founder of Downe House in 1907 was determined to create a school where each individual within the community mattered and where relations between staff and pupils should be normal. Her founding principles are very much in evidence a hundred years on.

'Life at Downe was terrifying, intimidating, overwhelming; it was also inspiring, thrilling, challenging and rewarding, and the place where I formed lifelong friendships, including one with the theatre.'

- Geraldine James (1962 - 1968)