BEHIND THE SHOP
We’re the new HandMeDowne team – a group of four Lower Sixth students taking over this project from Isabella in 2025. We're really excited to keep things going and build on everything she created.
HandMeDowne is a completely student-led and student-run shop, and we’re proud to be continuing that tradition.
Our goal is to continue the ethos of sustainability by making uniform more affordable and giving it a second life. You’ll see us running pop-ups, sorting through donations, and testing out new ideas to make the shop even better! This year, we’re aiming to host more pop-ups for current and new parents, giving everyone the chance to buy uniform in person. We’re also working to improve our order-to-collection time, making the process as smooth and efficient as possible.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out, whether it’s about donating uniform, upcoming pop-up dates, or just getting advice (from students!) about what uniform is preferred.
I am Isabella, and I am in the Lower Sixth. I have been working on this project since Summer 2023.
I started HandMeDowne to provide an option for buying cheaper, more sustainable, second hand uniform and a place where people could recycle their old uniforms easily. HandMeDowne recognises the importance of sustainability and recycling.
Going through the School, I have grown out of my uniform quickly at various points. My mum has had no alternative to buying a new uniform at full price, as there was no second-hand shop facility. I decided to set up HandMeDowne to make a difference at School and also as a business venture to accompany my Business Studies course.
My intention is to maintain this as a student-led business. When I leave Downe House in the Summer of 2025, a current Upper Fifth or Sixth Form pupil can take the reins, gaining some valuable business experience and continuing to provide a worthwhile service to the whole Downe House community.