29 Oct 2026

Downside Abbey General Trust (DAGT) is pleased to announce that it has completed the sale of the freehold of the core school site to Downside School, which has been operating as an independent charity since 2019 and which the school was previously leasing. Downside School has operated on the site since 1814.

The Monastic Community and DAGT wish John Ludlow (Chair of Governors) and the other governors, along with the newly appointed Head, Mike Randall, and his team every success in building upon the Benedictine tradition of the school, which has characterised it since its foundation at Douai in 1608.

Although the monks of the Abbey have withdrawn from their earlier educational mission at Downside School after more than 400 years in order to focus on the monastic life and other areas of outreach, we will continue to offer our prayerful support in their vision to thrive as a Catholic and Benedictine school, to be a bright light in education and to inspire service to the world which can only enhance and protect the legacy of centuries of Benedictine tradition and education.