A highlight of the year

Founder’s Weekend at Downe House is an incredibly special weekend in the School’s calendar when the whole community comes together for its annual celebrations. With stunning departmental displays, alumnae sporting tournaments, wonderful showcases, music events and the much-loved Founder’s Tea, it is undoubtedly a highlight of the school year.

Downe is very much a whole community and, whether you are a parent, relative, friend or alumna, you are most welcome.
– Mrs Emma McKendrick, Headmistress

Displays and Exhibitions

During Founder’s Weekend, every area of the School comes alive with presentations of activities from each department. Whether it’s a Cookery workshop, Science demonstration, or the Creative Arts exhibition in the Murray Centre, there’s always lots of variety to explore.

Performances

A special highlight are the large scale concerts, plays, musicals, and dance showcases. These performances often involve girls from every year group in the school. The pupils work hard in rehearsals to polish their craft and passion so it can be shared spectacularly with the Downe House community at Founder’s Weekend.

Stunning refreshments

A crowd favourite each year is the much-anticipated Founder’s Tea, served beautifully each afternoon in the Founder’s Weekend marquee. Families are also invited to bring their own picnics, rugs and chairs to enjoy lunch in the beautiful school grounds. To mark the end of Founder’s Weekend, we host a Family Big Band BBQ where friends and families are invited to indulge in a tantalising selection of BBQ food whilst enjoying a summer’s evening filled with jazz.

A taste of Founder’s Weekend

View our Flickr albums to see highlights from last year’s Founder’s Weekend and get a taste of this important school event.