Downlands Community School
104%
Capacity
1,250
Pupils
2.2x
Demand
About Downlands Community School
Downlands Community School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Mid Sussex community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,250 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (104% of 1,200 places).
Ofsted has rated Downlands Community School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Matt Ashdown, it falls under West Sussex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.53 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 54.9. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 469th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 6 in Mid Sussex.
Downlands Community School is a popular choice with families — it received 517 applications for 234 places, making it 2.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 274 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 Downlands Community School include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Library, Theatre, Astro Turf, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Rugby, Cricket, Tennis and 2 more, as well as clubs including DofE, Newspaper, Drama, Gardening and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 7.9%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Mid Sussex, Downlands Community School is one of the options available in the South East 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Dale Avenue, Hassocks, Mid Sussex, BN6 8LP |
| Headteacher | Matt Ashdown |
| Local Authority | West Sussex |
| Number of Pupils | 1,250 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 7.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,250 / 1,200 (104% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
4 Oct 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 23 Nov 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.53)
469th of 3,141
Nationally
80th of 461
In South East
1st of 6
In Mid Sussex
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed234
517
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
274 families put this school as their 1st choice (53% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downlands Community 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
Dale Avenue, Hassocks
Mid Sussex, BN6 8LP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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