Cold Ash school named Tatlers school of 2011
Downe House was given the award for its sports results, pastoral care and leadership of the headteacher
A COLD Ash school is celebrating after being named public school of the year at a national awards ceremony.
Downe House scooped the Best Public School award at a ceremony run by Tatler School Guide magazine.
Downe House beat off competition from runners-up Magdalen College School, Oxfordshire, as well as Radley College, Oxfordshire, Oundle School, Northamptonshire and Perse Girls, Cambridgeshire.
Headteacher Emma McKendrick (pictured, centre), who has been in charge at Downe House for 15 years, was delighted to receive the award at the ceremony at The Dorchester hotel, London.
She said: “It was a lovely occasion.
“We were delightfully surprised to win.
“It was a great treat and wonderful for the whole school.
“I think schools are all about people and the success is down to a wonderful team of staff, a fantastic group of girls and great support from parents.
“I was hugely proud to accept the award, which will be on display in our reception for everyone to see.”
It was the school's first nomination at the Tatler Awards but the editor of the Tatler School Guide, Alice Rose, said that Downe House was a worthy winner.
She said: “All the schools in out guide are exceptional in their own way, but Downe House kept cropping up this year in conversations with parents, pupils and prep school heads.
“There's a real buzz about the school – the seemingly effortless transition to Pre-U [examinations], the cracking sports results, the tremendously good pastoral care – and about Mrs McKendrick's exceptional leadership.
“When we asked heads to give us nominations for the best public school, Downe House topped the board.
“We were delighted to give it our Best Public School award for 2011.”
