Downe House Chapel was originally built in the grounds of Down(e) House, Downe, Kent in 1916. This house formerly belonged to Charles Darwin and the school was founded there in 1907. The (amateur) architect (and builder!) was Miss Maria Nickel, a member of staff.

In 1922, the school moved to its present site at Cold Ash in Berkshire. The chapel building was taken down, transported to Cold Ash and eventually reassembled by some Royal Marines and re-dedicated in 1925. The original organ was built by a Mr Daniels of East Clevedon and played by him at the first service. The Chapel bell was presented by the Old Seniors who had been pupils in Kent.

A stone relief reredos behind the altar, designed and executed by Julian Allan, was added in 1932 in memory of the Palmer family (benefactors of the school). The sculptures represent the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the Nativity of Christ and Christ and the Disciples at Emmaus. The stained glass window was designed by B E Lithiby and installed in 1932 with a theme of redemption and the meaning should be read by starting from the bottom. The main panel depicts St Christopher, Adam & Eve, Holy Communion and the Holy Trinity and the half panels above the text, from left to right, illustrate Downe House girls, school buildings, and St George, St Joan, St Stephen, St Paul and SS Mary and John.

In 1933, there was a fire in the chapel causing extensive damage including complete destruction of the organ. When the chapel was restored, the nave was lengthened and an organ loft containing a new organ was built, but otherwise the building remained the same.

In 2000/2001, further interior alterations were carried out, renovating the chancel, moving the altar forward and replacing it with a modern one, installing an electronic organ and extending the organ loft gallery to provide space for the choir (Choral) who formerly sat in the chancel. The new altar, in English oak, was designed by Michael Williamson. It has a mosaic panel designed and made by Trevor Caley. Some of the gold mosaic used came from old stocks at Westminster Cathedral.

The Chapel is in regular use and continues to play a major part in school life.