Downlands Community School
51%
Capacity
215
Pupils
1.0x
Demand
About Downlands Community School
Downlands Community School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Dorset community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 215 pupils on roll, operating at 51% capacity. Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Downlands Community School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher James Rielly, it falls under Dorset local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 42% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 12257th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 54th out of 68 in Dorset.
The school has 17 places available and received 17 applications, meaning most applicants are likely to secure a place.
Downlands Community School has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.5/5 from 1 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Downlands Community School include Music Rooms, Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Outdoor Playground, Library, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Gymnastics, Tennis, Cross Country and 2 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Book Club, Science Club, Art Club.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 4.4%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Dorset, Downlands Community 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 | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 3 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Blandford Camp, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8BG |
| Headteacher | James Rielly |
| Local Authority | Dorset |
| Number of Pupils | 215 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 4.4% |
| School Capacity | 215 / 420 (51% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
7 Jun 2023Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 20 Jul 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (42%)
12257th of 13,686
Nationally
1270th of 1,469
In South West
54th of 68
In Dorset
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
42%
Expected Standard
3%
Higher Standard
'22/23
45%
'23/24
42%
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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
10Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/2617
17
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
15 families put this school as their 1st choice (88% 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
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
Blandford Camp, Blandford Forum
Dorset, DT11 8BG
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
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