Downton CofE VA Primary School
Salisbury, SP5 3LZ · Wiltshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
62nd of 181 primary schools in Wiltshire we can score, 201 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 4,223 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.7/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Downton CofE VA Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.7 out of 10 among them, against 5.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Chess Club, Coding Club, and Lego Therapy, alongside arts and music activities such as Relax Kids, Thrive, and Drawing and Talking. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 272 pupils against a stated capacity of 300. 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 support is available for children who need extra help with reading?
What Ofsted said about Downton CofE VA Primary School
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that Downton CofE VA Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The school provides a nurturing environment where staff have “caring relationships” with pupils, who respond by “working hard” and achieving well. Leaders have designed a “broad and ambitious curriculum” that fosters independence, confidence, and strong community engagement.
Strengths
- Staff maintain “nurturing” relationships, and pupils feel confident that the school helps them “solve problems or manage friendship issues.”
- The curriculum is “broad and ambitious,” with clear essential knowledge in most subjects, such as art, where pupils make “strong connections” between artists and their own work.
- Teachers “demonstrate the intended learning clearly,” supporting pupils to practise and apply skills, particularly in mathematics and Reception.
- The school identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities “with care,” using strategies like pre-teaching to aid understanding.
- Personal development is “comprehensively threaded” throughout the curriculum, with pupils engaging in local events and taking on roles like the ‘eco council’.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subject areas with newly designed content, the “precise knowledge and vocabulary” are not fully embedded in practice.
- In some parts of the wider curriculum, assessment plans have not been fully implemented, meaning the school does not “systematically identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge.”
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 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of SP5 3LZ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT