FOUNDER’S WEEKEND
JUNE 2026
SATURDAY 4TH AND SUNDAY 5TH
Bringing the Downe House community together
Welcome to Founder’s Weekend 2026
Along with the usual array of performances, productions and exhibitions that celebrate the achievements and talents of our pupils, you will find a host of other activities to entertain and amaze you over the weekend!
For information on all that is taking place, head to the Welcome and Information Desk in the Founder’s Festival Tent, outside the Murray Centre. The Tent is also where you will find lots of activities throughout Saturday.
Fun for all the family – garden games in the Cloisters, face painting in the Festival Tent, and family tennis, crazy golf and pickleball will be available at various times throughout the weekend. We also have circus skills running from 11.30am on Sunday.
There will be lots to see on the Founder’s Festival Screen in the Cloisters, where you can find updates and reminders of activities and events throughout the day.
Founder’s Afternoon Tea – on Sunday, our legendary afternoon tea is served in the marquee in the Cloisters.
Jessie’s Coffee Truck – barista-made coffee and other hot drinks on Saturday, from 9am on the sports field.
Coopers Coffee – barista-made coffee and other hot drinks available throughout the weekend, from 1pm on the main campus.
Ice Queens of Hove – delicious tubs of luxury ice cream and sorbet served from their stylish and distinctive trike throughout the weekend, from 1pm on the main campus.
Please note that we are running a token system for coffee and ice cream – you can collect your complimentary tokens and purchase additional tokens from the Welcome Desk.
We are committed to reducing waste and the use of printed materials. In line with this commitment, all programmes for the performances and productions over Founder’s Weekend are available digitally. You will find scan codes in venues and around the school which enable you to access performance programmes which include director’s notes and a list of performers.
Mrs Philippa Toogood
We hope you have a wonderful Founder’s Weekend! Deputy
Head (Operations and Co-Curricular)
GET CONNECTED
To access our wi-fi, select DHS
Guest: username: Founders26 and password: Welcome26
Scan me for performance programmes
A message from the Headmistress
Founder’s Weekend is one of the most special moments in the Downe House calendar. It provides an opportunity for everyone - girls, parents, alumnae, staff, prospective families and members of the local community - to come together, celebrate our community and honour the traditions and values that continue to shape our school.
As you would expect, there is no shortage of ambition in the programme for 2026, and I hope that you will share my pride in the skills and talents of the girls that you will see displayed in sports contests, drama productions, music performances, creative arts exhibitions, TED Talks and much more. They are committed to high standards, but they are also committed to doing the very best for each other, and that shines through the way they support and cheer each other on.
I would like to thank all of the staff, especially Philippa Toogood, our Deputy Head Operations and Co-curricular, for her tireless work in bringing all aspects of the weekend together, as well as our wider operational staff team who ensure that everything runs smoothly and, of course, our staff who inspire the girls to achieve.
Welcome to Founder’s Weekend 2026; I hope above all that it is fulfilling and happy.
Every good wish,
Mrs Emma McKendrick
Olive Willis Founder of Downe House
An extract from a letter written by our Founder to Old Seniors, inviting them to return for the annual Seniors’ Weekend in 1957:
““The School belongs to you all and to each one, and there is no one who has not given something to its life. Perhaps it has given something to you, though you may not recognise this and may sometimes feel surprise when a memory or an opinion rises unbidden in your mind. You have made friends at School and though circumstances may have parted you, no one will quite take their place.”
FOUNDER’S
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
SATURDAY
4TH JULY
9.30am–12.30pm
SPORTS FIELD
Sports Day
Come and support your daughters as they compete for their House in track and field events in what is the all-important final House competition of the year.
Digital Programme and School Records available
10am–12 noon
Founder’s Fair at Sports Day
Join the girls from across all the Houses as they set up an array of stalls to tempt, amuse and entertain you – all to raise money for their House and link charities, here in the UK and abroad.
12 noon
THE MURRAY CENTRE AND AR1
Creative Arts Exhibitions
You are warmly invited to visit our 2026 Founder’s Exhibition, where we are sure you will be inspired and impressed by the exceptional collection of work on show from our Fine Art, Photography, Textiles and 3D Design departments.
Displayed throughout The Murray Centre, the Exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse range of ideas, techniques and personal artistic responses developed by our GCSE and A Level students.
The work on display reflects not only technical accomplishment but also the imagination, individuality and focus which underpins each pupil’s creative journey.
Throughout the weekend, our team of Creative Seniors will be available to discuss the exhibition and the pieces on show.
We also encourage you to visit AR1 (upstairs in the Art block), where a selection of work by younger pupils demonstrates the exciting artistic potential emerging in the school. Their enthusiasm and originality provide a wonderful glimpse into the future of creative life at Downe House.
Scan me for performance programmes
12.30pm-4pm
THE TENNIS COURTS (OUTSIDE WILLIS HOUSE)
Family Tennis, Crazy Golf and Pickleball
The courts will be open and the nets will be up – so if you wish to challenge friends or family to a set or two of tennis or pickleball, or to test your skill on the fun crazy golf course – please help yourselves.
1pm onwards
THE CLOISTERS
Family Picnic Lunch
Bring along a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful grounds in and around the Cloisters.
Bringing the Downe House community together
1.30pm-5pm
THE CONCERT ROOM Academic Exhibition
The Academic Exhibition showcases academic research undertaken by girls across the school. This year, over 60 girls delivered a Mini TED Talk in our weekly lunchtime series: sharing big ideas packaged into 5-minute presentations. Please do come and see the work on display and be enlightened by talks on such topics as the science behind anendophasia (the language of the inner voice), the globalisation of K-pop music, and whether or not you have the memory of a goldfish.
1.30pm
BIG SCREEN STAGE, THE CLOISTERS Sports Day Presentations
As you enjoy your lunch in the Cloisters, we will take a moment to celebrate the achievements of this morning’s Sports Day. Mrs McKendrick takes to the stage in front of the big screen to present awards and medals to our winners.
3pm-4.30pm
THE FARR CENTRE Founder’s Concert
We are celebrating all things musical at Downe House today! The Founder’s concert will include performances by the Sinfonia, Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, Jazz Band, Cello and Piano ensemble and all three of our choirs – Once Removed, In Harmony and Polyphonix. Today’s concert involves over 150 students, with performances of choral and instrumental works across a range of music styles from Schubert to Queen and it promises to be a wonderful musical event!
5pm-6.30pm
AISHOLT TERRACE/THE CLOISTERS Founder’s BBQ
Rounding off a full day of events and activities, Downe House families, pupils and staff can enjoy a sumptuous BBQ in the Cloisters.
6.30pm
THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
All Together NowA Performing Arts
Showcase
Do we put on a musical or a play? What about dance? And now we have film to showcase as well… The Performing Arts team were faced with a Founder’s Weekend problem: too many talented students doing too many brilliant things. The solution? Put on an extravaganza of entertainment with a bit of everything to impress and amaze.
We will be presenting you with our own shortened versions of the musicals Hamilton and Matilda, and a taster of Legally Blonde. You will see highlights from our Beetlejuice dance show. Sit back and enjoy a music video, a documentary and a student horror film. Enjoy several brilliant standalone scenes and songs from our brilliant Speech and Drama cohort. And you won’t want to miss the grand finale to round things off…where you will be encouraged to join in the concluding song – which is, after all, All Together Now…
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY 5TH JULY
10am-12 noon
THE SPORTS FIELD Alumnae Matches
Lacrosse - head to the sports fields to watch members of our alumnae community take on our current lacrosse players in what promises to be another entertaining contest.
Hockey – this match has all the makings of a classic encounter, so don’t miss the action on the astro.
Netball – a debut contest this year. Head over to the netball courts and show your support as current and former players go head-tohead.
10.30am-1pm
MAIN DINING ROOM Brunch
All members of our School community are invited to start their day with a delicious and relaxed brunch. (Pupils brunch is 10.30am-11.30am in MDR).
11am
CHAPEL
Chapel Service
A short reflective service and prayers of thanks led by our Chaplain, Rev’d Gaynor JonesHiggs, in the Chapel.
11am-3pm
THE CLOISTERS
Circus Skills Workshop
Come and try your hand at a range of fun circus skills. Everyone is welcome!
12.30pm
THE MURRAY CENTRE AND AR1 Creative Arts
Exhibitions
You are warmly invited to visit our 2026 Founder’s Exhibition, where we are sure you will be inspired and impressed by the exceptional collection of work on show from our Fine Art, Photography, Textiles and 3D Design departments.
Displayed throughout The Murray Centre, the Exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse range of ideas, techniques and personal artistic responses developed by our GCSE and A Level students.
The work on display reflects not only technical accomplishment but also the imagination, individuality and focus which underpins each pupil’s creative journey.
Throughout the weekend, our team of Creative Seniors will be available to discuss the exhibition and the pieces on show.
Scan me for performance programmes
We also encourage you to visit AR1 (upstairs in the Art block), where a selection of work by younger pupils demonstrates the exciting artistic potential emerging in the school. Their enthusiasm and originality provide a wonderful glimpse into the future of creative life at Downe House.
1.30pm-2.45pm
THE FARR CENTRE – TICKETS REQUIRED
Live Music for a Summer’s Afternoon
Join us for a fantastic afternoon of music featuring a wide array of performances including our Flute Ensemble, Live Lounge ‘open mic’ performances, String Ensemble, House Music Instrumental ensemble, the Band Club, Prima Voce and newly formed Staff Choir! It promises to be a wonderful afternoon of music!
Bringing the Downe House community together
3pm-4.30pm
THE MARQUEE IN THE CLOISTERS Founder’s Afternoon Tea
A sumptuous selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones, served with tea, coffee and cold beverages.
4pm
THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Founder’s Weekend Finale!
Join us in the Cloisters for a very special end to the School Year featuring over 100 of our pupils. Bring your famous Downe House Founder’s Tea with you and enjoy the show!
To help ensure that all visitors are able to enjoy the coffee and ice cream available during the weekend you will receive 4 tokens for each Founder’s Pass booked. These can be redeemed against Ice Cream and/or Coffee during the weekend. Please come to the welcome desk in the Founder’s Festival Tent to collect your tokens. Additional tokens are available to purchase throughout the weekend at a cost of £10 for a pack of 4. The coffee and ice cream vendors are unable to accept direct payment.
FOUNDER’S FESTIVAL TENT
OUTSIDE THE MURRAY CENTRE
SATURDAY
All Day
Welcome and Information Desk
Come along and see the Founder’s Weekend team who can answer questions about the activities and events happening throughout the weekend.
11am-12.30pm
Communities for Nature Pop-Up Charity Stall
Communities for Nature is a UK-based charity which supports grassroots communities through conservation and sustainable livelihood projects. One initiative, the Green Spark Fund, provides small grants to help local people take action for nature. Over Founder’s Weekend, the charity will
be selling jewellery made by women in supported communities, conservationthemed items from the Philippines and beachwear.
12 noon - 5pm
Development Stand
Meet the Development and External Relations team and learn about their work for the Downe House Foundation (DHF), our charitable trust. This is also the place to purchase your Downe House merchandise, with a range of fantastic high-quality items on display including beautiful mugs, umbrellas, pyjama bottoms, and exquisite leather polo belts and dog collars developed with the design team at Pampeano. All profits go to the DHF.
2pm-3.30pm
Face Painting, Festival Stickers, Bracelet Making & Bookmarks
SUNDAY All Day
Welcome Desk and Information Point
Screen (mirroring the big screen)
12 noon-3pm
Development Stand
Face Painting and Face Stickers
FOUNDER’S FESTIVAL SCREEN & STAGE IN THE CLOISTERS
Scan me for performance programmes
The following performances are being streamed live onto the Festival Screen for you to enjoy in the Cloisters:
SATURDAY
1.30pm
Sports Day presentations
3pm-4.30pm
Founder’s Concert
SUNDAY
1.30pm-2.45pm
Live Music for a Summer’s Afternoon
Keep an eye on the big screen for announcements and updates throughout the weekend.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Our commitment to recycling
We are pleased to work with Grundon, our single waste provider. Their total waste management service provides the safe and reliable collection, treatment and disposal of some 12 different waste streams. They provide all the waste services we need under one roof which helps the School achieve our recycling and sustainability goals. In 2025 the School produced some 208,280kgs of waste, 56.9% of which was recyclable waste, that’s 27,700kgs more recycling than general waste which is a great achievement. Our aspiration is to ensure our percentage of recycling remains higher than our general waste volumes in 2026 and we’re certainly on the right track!
On a positive note, the waste we cannot recycle is transported to a Grundon Energy from Waste facility to provide energy to the National Grid. Next time you switch on a light at home, just think, that electricity could have been generated from Downe House rubbish! Over the course of 2025, we have generated 49,774 kWh of electricity for the National Grid, what an achievement with no waste going to landfill!
We need your help over Founder’s Weekend to try and improve on the great work we already do as a school by recycling what you can into the dedicated waste recycling stations around the site. Please look out for the signage and dispose of your rubbish responsibly, the more we can recycle, the greater impact we can have on supporting the environment. Remember - reduce, reuse, recycle!
Mr Dougie Brown, Head of General Services
Just remember PAPER COFFEE CUPS MUST GO IN GENERAL WASTE BUT THE LIDS CAN BE RECYCLED
Bringing the Downe House community together
Your donations
This year we will be making a charitable donation to the West Berks Food Bank who work to combat poverty and hunger across our county. This charity is a lifeline for those families who find themselves in crisis.
A percentage of the donations you have already made will be going directly to West Berks Food Bank to help those who need it most.
Vote for Downe!
Every year, the prestigious Tatler Schools Guide, in which Downe is listed, runs its annual Schools Awards which includes categories for prep and public schools, heads, unsung heroes, and eco initiatives.
Please support us by voting for Downe! The short form can be accessed by scanning the QR code.
Voting closes on 29 August.
Thank you to all those who have already supported Founder’s Weekend with a donation. If you wish to contribute, please scan the QR code below.
Murray Centre
Creative Arts Exhibition
The Cloisters & Chapel
Founder’s Festival Screen & Stage Picnic Seating
Afternoon Tea Marquee Garden Games
Greek Steps & Aisholt Terrace
Founder’s BBQ
Concert Room
Academic Exhibition
Creative Arts Exibition
The Sports Fields
Sports Day
including: Founder’s Fair
Jessie’s Coffee Truck
Alumnae vs Pupils Sports Matches
GET CONNECTED
To access our wi-fi, select DHS Guest:
Username: Founders26
Password: Welcome26
Farr Centre
Founder’s Concert Live Music for a Summer’s Afternoon
Founder’s Festival Tent
Founder’s Festival Tent Activities
Welcome & Information Desk Ice Queens of Hove Camper Café
Alumnae vs Pupils Netball Match
Main Dining Room
Entrance to Brunch Netball Courts
Performing Arts Centre
All Together Now
Art Block (AR1)