The Downs Primary School and Nursery
Harlow, CM20 3RB · Essex · primary school
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351st of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 2.7/10 against 2,601 of them, against 2.7/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 52.0 · 22 | 62% | 1.36 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 38% | 1.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Downs Primary School and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.7 out of 10 either way).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Drawing Club, Advanced Cooking, Board Games, Bookworm Club, Arts & Crafts, Origami, and Dance Fusion. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 362 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 activities are included in the Advanced Cooking club?
What Ofsted said about The Downs Primary School and Nursery
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are "polite and respectful" and feel "safe and happy" due to positive staff relationships. Leaders have driven "rapid progress" since the previous inspection, establishing a "coherently planned, broad and balanced curriculum" with secure subject knowledge. The school is praised for its effective reading provision, strong community engagement, and robust attendance systems.
Strengths
- Staff model high expectations, resulting in pupils who are "generally attentive and engaged in their learning."
- "Consistent, high-quality phonics teaching" ensures pupils quickly learn to read and catch up effectively.
- The curriculum is well-planned, with teachers using clear methods and regular checks to help pupils "retain more knowledge over time."
- Pupils have "meaningful" leadership roles, such as house captains and subject ambassadors, allowing them to make a "positive impact."
- Governors and trust leaders work collaboratively, holding school leaders to account and supporting "rapid progress."
Areas to improve
- Individual plans for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) do not always "reflect the precise support they need," leading to inconsistent support in lessons.
- Staff expectations in the early years are occasionally not high enough, meaning children sometimes "lose focus and do not learn as much as they could."
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 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 2024/25 | 52% |
| 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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