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About the Venue

The Southern School is moving to a new venue, in Somerset, near the City of Bath.

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Downside School has a long history, and is set in 500 acres of grounds offering great facilities such as a full-sized theatre, a full-sized swimming pool, a sports hall, plus more than adequate outdoor spaces for football in the spacious grounds, as well as numerous classrooms and meeting spaces to provide for the school’s varied programme.

The Southern School welcomes all ages from babies upwards.

We welcome those with mobility challenges and every effort will be made to enable access to all spaces required, however, it is an old school, so please take this into consideration.

Accommodation is in single, twin and family rooms, with shared bathrooms. A small number of en-suite rooms are available and will be prioritised for those with specific needs.

Every effort will be made to accommodate all personal needs. Two of the accommodation blocks have lifts, however, where we cannot offer suitable sleeping accommodation then there are alternative options in hotels or B&B in the local area.

The catering department promises to supply all dietary requirements, with a broad menu and dining room spaces to suit all needs.

The Summer School café is spacious, with plenty of seating and tables: a great space for coffee and chats! Plus a dedicated space supplied with puzzles and board games, for those who want to play games together.

The day will begin with a family devotional that will welcome all ages. After the devotional the children and JY will leave for their own sessions, while adults may attend the daily plenary session, followed by course time.

Adults will have two course sessions per day, one after the plenary and one after lunch. The afternoon free time will offer the cafe for coffee and chat, there will be sports, swimming, and a range of workshops each afternoon, plus the bookshop or the option of a nap perhaps!

Every evening will provide three options:

• A family focused programme that will be very participatory, with games, quizzes, with lots of fun and laughter.
• An option for those who want a quieter, more conversational-discussion based experience.
• The late evening programme will offer a space for anyone who loves to share stories, poetry and music in a more intimate venue. Everyone is welcome to come and participate or simply to listen.