Downsell Primary School
London, E15 2BS · Waltham Forest · primary school
Check the area around this school
34th of 49 primary schools in Waltham Forest we can score, 51 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 — 7.8/10 against 2,151 of them, against 6.5/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Downsell Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 15.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in swimming.
Getting in
The published school roll is 426 pupils against a stated capacity of 695. 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 working towards the expected standard in maths? What does the weekly swimming session involve for Year 6 pupils?
What Ofsted said about Downsell Primary School
Overview
Downsell Primary School is described as a “safe, inclusive and caring setting” where pupils are “polite and kind” and work hard. The report highlights a “rich and carefully considered curriculum” that is broad, balanced, and logically sequenced to support learning. Leaders and staff know pupils and families well, ensuring successful access to education for all, including those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “carefully sequenced” with a strong focus on important vocabulary, helping pupils draw on prior knowledge.
- Reading is prioritised from an early age, with “regular extra lessons” for those needing support and a “very well-resourced library.”
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is “particularly strong,” with tailored support to follow the same curriculum as peers.
- Staff and leaders go “the extra mile to support families,” including offering English lessons for parents new to the United Kingdom.
- There is a “calm and friendly atmosphere,” with pupils demonstrating good behaviour and high attendance.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must ensure pupils are “secure in their understanding of subject content” to prevent gaps in knowledge or misconceptions.
- The school needs a “coherent overview” of activities promoting wider development to ensure disadvantaged pupils benefit equally.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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