Downend School
Bristol, BS16 6XA · South Gloucestershire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
5th of 16 secondary schools in South Gloucestershire we can score, 17 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 the 520 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.7/10 among them, against 5.8/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 47.7 · 57 | 30% | 1.72 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.1 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.7 · 64 | 10% | 0.64 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Downend School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 51.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.1 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4 out of 10 among them, against 6.6 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,415 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,425. 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 support pupils to improve their Progress 8 scores relative to similar-intake peers? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8 above the national median?
What Ofsted said about Downend School
Overview
Downend School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The report describes a school with a strong sense of community where pupils feel safe, well cared for, and prepared for their next steps. Leaders have maintained high expectations, resulting in consistent teaching and good pupil outcomes.
Strengths
- The school offers an "ambitious curriculum" that is "thoughtfully designed" and provides a "broad and balanced education."
- Teachers are "passionate experts" who use effective questioning to "close gaps in pupils’ learning."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn the same curriculum as peers and receive tailored support.
- There is a "strong pastoral system" and clear behaviour expectations, with bullying occurring rarely.
- Staff feel valued, and the school provides high-quality extra-curricular opportunities and personal development support.
Areas to improve
- The school has not systematically identified common misconceptions within subject areas, meaning teaching does not always address them proactively.
- Leaders’ work to improve attendance is not fully embedded, and the number of disadvantaged pupils missing school frequently remains high.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 48.8 |
| 2024/25 | 51.0 |
| 2025/26 | 48.7 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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