Downderry Primary School
121%
Capacity
455
Pupils
3.1x
Demand
About Downderry Primary School
Downderry Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Lewisham community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 455 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (121% of 376 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
the school is led by headteacher David Gifford, it falls under Lewisham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 74% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 2911th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 13th out of 59 in Lewisham.
Downderry Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 189 applications for 60 places, making it 3.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 74 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Downderry Primary School include Library, ICT Suite, Sensory Room, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Dance, Gymnastics, Netball and 1 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Gardening, Book Club, Coding and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 25.3%, which is close to the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Lewisham, Downderry Primary School is one of the options available in the London region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 3 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Downderry Road, Bromley, Lewisham, BR1 5QL |
| Headteacher | David Gifford |
| Local Authority | Lewisham |
| Number of Pupils | 455 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 25.3% |
| School Capacity | 455 / 376 (121% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 May 2022Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Latest inspection (19 May 2022): School remains Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 7 Jul 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (74%)
2911th of 13,686
Nationally
611th of 1,592
In London
13th of 59
In Lewisham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
74%
Expected Standard
12%
Higher Standard
'22/23
78%
'23/24
74%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed60
189
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
74 families put this school as their 1st choice (39% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downderry Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Downderry Road, Bromley
Lewisham, BR1 5QL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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