Downderry Primary School
Bromley, BR1 5QL · Lewisham · primary school
Check the area around this school
3rd of 63 primary schools in Lewisham we can score, 64 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.1/10 against 2,894 of them, against 8.4/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.55 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 34% | 3.30 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.96 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Downderry Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in July 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join an after-school music club, attend the Lewisham Quad Athletics Competition, and perform in the Year 5 choir. Trips include Young Voices at the O2 arena. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 477 pupils against a stated capacity of 376. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school manage class sizes with a roll exceeding capacity by 101? What support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard? How are places allocated for the next entry year?
What Ofsted said about Downderry Primary School
Overview
Downderry Primary School continues to be an outstanding school, where pupils “thrive” and “love being at school.” The report highlights an “excellent standard of education” supported by strong leadership, effective safeguarding, and a curriculum that enables all pupils to “flourish.”
Strengths
- Leaders have planned a “well considered and ambitious” curriculum that ensures pupils “know and remember what they are taught” and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
- Reading is prioritised with effective phonics provision; pupils “learn to love reading” and can speak knowledgeably about authors and genres.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive “excellent support,” with provision put in place quickly to ensure they access the full curriculum.
- Behaviour is “exemplary” and bullying is “very rare,” with adults treating everyone with “respect and courtesy.”
- Governors work well with leaders, and staff report that their workload is “well managed” in a supportive community.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders taking “prompt action” and working closely with other agencies to ensure pupils and families receive timely help.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 74% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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