Down Ampney Church of England Primary School

About Down Ampney Church of England Primary School

Down Ampney Church of England Primary School is a small village primary in Gloucestershire, and its most recent headline metrics place it broadly in line with the local authority average for its type. The school’s Progress 8 score is not available in the data, but the key benchmark for primary schools is the Key Stage 2 (KS2) attainment measure. The local authority average for KS2 is 59, and while Down Ampney’s exact score is not listed, the school’s overall Ofsted rating of Good suggests it is performing solidly against this benchmark. What stands out more than raw scores is the school’s size: with just 58 pupils against a capacity of 56, it is significantly smaller than most primary schools in the area. This intimate scale, combined with a Church of England foundation and a headteacher in Rebecca Gray, gives it a distinctly close-knit feel. The school is also notably oversubscribed, with 20 applications for just 8 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, indicating strong local demand despite its modest headline metrics.

Academically, Down Ampney has shown clear improvement over time. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2018, the school achieved an overall effectiveness rating of Good, with leadership and management and early years provision both rated Good. This marks a significant step up from its previous inspection in 2016, when the school was rated Requires Improvement across the board, including for overall effectiveness, leadership, and early years. The data does not include specific KS2 SATs results or a Progress 8 figure, so it is not possible to compare the school’s attainment directly to the LA average of 59. However, the Ofsted report notes that the school has improved its quality of education and behaviour, and the jump from Requires Improvement to Good suggests a school that has addressed its weaknesses. With only 5.2% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a relatively affluent catchment, which may support its academic outcomes. The lack of a sixth form or nursery provision means the school focuses entirely on its core primary age range of 4 to 11.

For families considering Down Ampney, the practical picture is one of a highly sought-after village school with strong community roots. The school is oversubscribed, with an oversubscription ratio of 2.5, meaning parents should apply early and consider their catchment area carefully. Facilities include a gymnasium, music rooms, art studios, a library, and a chapel, which is generous for a school of this size. Sports provision covers athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and tennis, while clubs such as Book Club, Science Club, Eco Club, and Art Club offer enrichment beyond the curriculum. The school’s SEND provisions are broad, covering specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social and emotional mental health needs, autistic spectrum disorder, and other difficulties. This makes it a viable option for families whose children require additional support. Ultimately, Down Ampney suits families who value a small, Church of England primary with a strong local reputation, but who are prepared for the competitive admissions process.

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