Downend School
100%
Capacity
1,429
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About Downend School
Downend School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the South Gloucestershire community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,429 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 1,425 places).
Ofsted has rated Downend School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Rachael Corns, it falls under South Gloucestershire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.10 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.8. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1308th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 16 in South Gloucestershire.
Downend School is a popular choice with families — it received 619 applications for 230 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 336 were first-preference applications.
Downend School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 88% recommending the school (220 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Downend School include Swimming Pool, ICT Suite, Science Labs, Theatre, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Hockey, Rowing, Rugby and 5 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Coding, Chess, Film Club and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 11.0%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in South Gloucestershire, Downend School is one of the options available in the South West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Westerleigh Road, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS16 6XA |
| Headteacher | Rachael Corns |
| Local Authority | South Gloucestershire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,429 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 11.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,429 / 1,425 (100% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
23 Oct 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (23 Oct 2024): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 22 Oct 2014. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.10)
1308th of 3,141
Nationally
118th of 306
In South West
5th of 16
In South Gloucestershire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
34.9
'22/23
33.5
'23/24
32.2
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
220 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed230
619
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
336 families put this school as their 1st choice (54% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downend School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Westerleigh Road, Bristol
South Gloucestershire, BS16 6XA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Downend School!
Write a Review