Downlands Community School
Hassocks, BN6 8LP · West Sussex · secondary school
Check the area around this school
9th of 38 secondary schools in West Sussex we can score, 40 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 349 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.9/10 among them, against 8.8/10 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 | 68.9 · 90 | 30% | 2.69 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.53 · 85 | 25% | 2.12 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 58.3 · 90 | 10% | 0.90 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Downlands Community School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 57.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.53 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.5 out of 10 among them, against 8.7 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,250 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,200. 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
Since the similar-intake comparison shows a lower position than the national figure, what specific support is offered to help pupils reach their potential? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while managing a roll that exceeds its designated places?
What Ofsted said about Downlands Community School
Overview
Downlands Community School is described as a place where "learning is at the heart" of all activities, with leaders maintaining "high expectations for learning and behaviour." Pupils enjoy "warm and trusting relationships with staff" and benefit from strong pastoral care, resulting in high attendance and a proud school community. The report highlights an ambitious curriculum and effective personal development programmes that prepare pupils well for the future.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well sequenced," allowing pupils to "build securely on their knowledge over time" and apply it to new information.
- Teachers possess "expert knowledge" and use systematic planning to help pupils recall previously learned vocabulary and address learning gaps swiftly.
- Pupils demonstrate good character and leadership through initiatives like the ‘Downland ROCKS’ programme, including ‘Global Ambassadors’ and ‘Eco Club’.
- The personal development programme is effective, offering a wide range of well-attended clubs and teaching pupils how to "resolve conflict and manage relationships."
- Staff are "happy and feel well supported by leaders," who provide opportunities for professional development and ensure staff views are heard.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must establish effective systems to identify and support pupils who find reading difficult beyond Year 7.
- Safeguarding record keeping needs improvement so that key documentation can be found quickly when needed.
- Adaptations for some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) require strengthening to ensure consistent access to the curriculum.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving appropriate training and leaders making timely referrals, although record keeping is not always as organised as it should be.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 54.9 |
| 2024/25 | 57.3 |
| 2025/26 | 58.3 |
| 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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