Downsbrook Primary School
Worthing, BN14 8GD · West Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
12th of 192 primary schools in West Sussex we can score, 225 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 4,194 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.9/10 among them, against 6.6/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 92 | 35% | 3.22 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Downsbrook Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted inspected the school in June 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.9 out of 10 among them, against 6.6 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 398 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. 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 who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the new Ofsted framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Downsbrook Primary School
Overview
Downsbrook Primary School is described as a place where pupils are "happy" and feel "well cared for and safe." The report highlights a "kind and caring culture" where inclusive practice is "embedded extremely well," resulting in high achievement and strong personal development for all pupils.
Strengths
- Pupils "achieve highly," with outcomes consistently above national comparators, including for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
- Attendance is high with "extremely low" levels of persistent absence, supported by effective leader intervention.
- Behaviour is excellent; pupils are "unfailingly polite," show "empathy," and there is a "harmonious and happy atmosphere."
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," enriching pupils' "cultural capital" and preparing them well for future steps.
- Staff provide "bespoke and highly effective support," ensuring barriers to learning are quickly identified and addressed.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should "continue with their work to strengthen pupils' spelling and handwriting" by embedding recent curriculum enhancements.
- Leaders should ensure the curriculum is delivered with expertise in all subjects, considering "pupils' disciplinary knowledge and subject-specific vocabulary."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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