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#1 in Best Secondary Schools in West Berkshire
The Downs School - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
The Downs School
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The Downs School
- Secondary
- Compton RG20 6AD
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Ofsted report
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Outstanding
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Achievement of pupils | Outstanding |
| Quality of teaching | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and safety of pupils | Outstanding |
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This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Students make very rapid progress across all year groups and in a wide range of subjects.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Behaviour is exemplary with students being polite, respectful, and keen to learn.
Academic Progress: Pupils achieve exceptional outcomes, particularly in key stage 4.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils' behaviour is impeccable with strong attendance and punctuality.
Qualifications and Training: Teachers know that only good or better achievement is acceptable for students of all abilities, and are continually seeking to improve their own teaching practice.
Current Educational Practices: High-quality planning offers students exceptional learning experiences.
Strengths and Challenges: Teachers use skilful questioning to probe understanding; some opportunities missed in linking marking to literacy skills.
Qualifications and Training: Passionate teachers are experts in their subjects.
Current Educational Practices: Teachers consistently improve subject knowledge through well-designed strategies.
Strengths and Challenges: Teachers present information clearly; however, policy application needs consistency.
Opportunities for Involvement: Parents and carers strongly agree their children are safe, happy, and well looked after.
Communication: School regularly surveys parents and carers about their views.
Parent Satisfaction: Parents endorse the view that teaching is outstanding, and students hold a similarly high opinion.
Opportunities for Involvement: Parents can use Ofsted Parent View to share opinions.
Communication: Regular communication includes information from Ofsted Parent View.
Parent Satisfaction: Positive feedback from parents noted in Ofsted Parent View.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Leaders respond effectively to issues arising from their precise and accurate view of the school鈥檚 strengths and weaknesses.
Actions for Quality Improvement: Continuous drive to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Leaders address barriers to learning rapidly.
Actions for Quality Improvement: Systematic curriculum review by governors supports school improvements.
Managing Bullying and Safety: Students feel very safe; bullying is very rare.
Promoting Welfare and Safety: The welcoming and inspiring atmosphere supports students鈥� spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Managing Bullying and Safety: Safeguarding arrangements are effective.
Promoting Welfare and Safety: School addresses barriers to learning quickly.
Extracurricular Offerings: Students participate actively in various sporting and creative opportunities.
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Outstanding participation in sports and creative arts, balancing exceptionally high achievement.
Extracurricular Offerings: Broad range of extracurricular activities available.
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Activities help pupils practice leadership skills while supporting academic responsibilities.
Career Counselling Services: High-quality guidance helps students advance appropriately to higher education and vocational pathways.
Preparation for Sixth Form: The sixth form is outstanding, with exceptional progress.
Career Counselling Services: Detailed careers advice and guidance provided.
Preparation for Sixth Form: Sixth-form students receive excellent support for next steps.
Managing and Supporting SEND: Disabled students and those with special educational needs make as good progress as other students due to tailored support.
Managing and Supporting SEND: Expert help ensures exceptional outcomes for SEND pupils.
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About Us
The Downs School is a top rated, Secondary, Co-Ed school located in Berkshire, South East.
It has 1405 students from age 11-18 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 18 : 1.
At this school, 68% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
98.60% of pupils completing their main study programme.
This school rated Outstanding by recent Ofsted inspection.
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The Downs School
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| Phase of Education | Secondary | Secondary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Local Authority Maintained Schools | Local Authority Maintained Schools | Local Authority Maintained Schools |
| 夜来香研究所 grade |
A
|
A
|
B-
|
| Ofset report | Outstanding | Good | Good |
| Age range | 11-18 | 11-19 | 11-18 |
| Gender | Co-Ed | Co-Ed | Co-Ed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 18.3 | - | 17.5 |
| Proficient Math | - | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | 68% | 34% | 59% |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | 22.20% | - | 20.00% |
| Day Fees | - | - | - |
Secondary Exam Result
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.78 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 57.1 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 68% | 25.71% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 86% | 38.24% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 55% | 24.05% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 29% | 10.29% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 39% | 15.48% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 5.17 | 2.9 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 97% | 95.58% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 178 | 138 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 89% | 88.08% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 12% | 19.5% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 69% | 42.25% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 2% | 2.92% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 7% | 23.67% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 4% | 3.08% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 3% | 4.33% | 3.59% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.53 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 55.7 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 62% | 30.9% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 84% | 42.5% | 45.33% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 29% | 20.7% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 15% | 11.8% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 19% | 15.6% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.71 | 3.09 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 98% | 96.83% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 176 | 143 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 96% | 93.33% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 11% | 19.58% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 80% | 46.42% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 3% | 4.42% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | 2% | 22.92% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 1% | 1.75% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 1% | 1.75% | 2.13% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.07 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 53 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 56% 3 | 24.24% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 80% 5 | 35.29% | 43.41% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 36% | 25.1% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 20% 3 | 11.14% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 28% 5 | 16.52% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.63 | 2.7 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 97% | 96.27% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 175 | 135 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 91% | 86.55% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 11% | 20.91% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 75% | 39% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | 3% | 2.73% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | 2% | 23.91% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 3% | 4.09% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 5.91% | 2.75% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.35 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 54.5 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 59% 1 | 24.05% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 85% 6 | 35.85% | 42.62% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 41% | 22.55% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 23% 4 | 11.75% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 33% 5 | 15.75% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.74 | 2.62 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 97% | 85.36% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 178 | 139 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | 88% | 68.45% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 13% | 18.45% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | 72% | 37.45% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 0.18% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 9.09% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 4% | 3.09% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 2.27% | 2.05% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.16 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 53 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 58% | 23.21% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 79% | 33.42% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 42% | 23.32% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 27% | 13.79% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 28% | 15.05% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 98% | 97% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 178 | 147 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | - | 75.6% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 24% | 21.7% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | 66% | 42.5% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | 3% | 2.3% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | - | 25.8% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 3% | 3.5% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | - | 2.4% | 2.45% |
A level exam result
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 39.57 | 30.84 | 30.01 |
| Average grade | B | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 40.77 | 30.84 | 29.57 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 22.20% | 13.61% | 13.67% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 158 | 134 | 201 |
| Students staying in education | 54% | 49.56% | 58.58% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 1% | 7.11% | 6.08% |
| Students entering employment | 33% | 30.67% | 21.16% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 9% | 9.89% | 9.05% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 41.63 | 35.84 | 33.41 |
| Average grade | B | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 42.41 | 36.28 | 32.47 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B+ | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 26.9% | 19.52% | 17.7% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 161 | 140 | 248 |
| Students staying in education | 62% | 50% | 60.67% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 5% | 5.22% | 5% |
| Students entering employment | 22% | 30.33% | 17.73% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 7% | 10.78% | 10.69% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 35.83 2 | 31.16 | 29.39 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 37.40 1 | 31.87 | 28.64 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 19.8% | 16.82% | 13.07% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 138 | 158 | 232 |
| Students staying in education | 58% | 47.38% | 57.31% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 8% | 11% | 7.77% |
| Students entering employment | 23% | 32.13% | 20.99% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 8% | 7.13% | 8.8% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 37.49 4 | 32.39 | 29.03 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 38.78 1 | 33.29 | 28.82 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 21.9% | 16.76% | 13.37% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 14 | 6 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 40 | 25% | 31.5% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 4% | 3% | 5.54% |
| Students entering employment | 24% | 24% | 15.81% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 9% | 4.5% | 4.22% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 33.84 | 31.78 | 26.73 |
| Average grade | C+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 37.48 | 32.67 | 27.73 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 17.3% | 13.81% | 12.64% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 33 | 32.63% | 36.26% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 3% | 7.5% | 6.37% |
| Students entering employment | 24% | 30% | 20.03% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 0% | 4.23% |
Best Schools 2025
The Downs School Rankings
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Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 25th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 20th Dec 2024 - 3rd Jan 2025 |
| Spring Half Term Holidays | 17th Feb 2025 - 21st Feb 2025 |
| Spring Holidays | 7th Apr 2025 - 22nd Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 23rd Jul 2025 - 29th Aug 2025 |
Terms Dates 2024/25
| Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 4th Sep 2024 - 24th Oct 2024 |
| Autumn Term-2 | 2nd Nov 2024 - 19th Dec 2024 |
| Spring Term | 4th Jan 2025 - 16th Feb 2025 |
| Spring Term-2 | 22nd Feb 2025 - 6th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Term | 23rd Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 22nd Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
18 : 1
Student teacher ratio at The Downs School
Local authority ratio 18 : 1