Downs Infant School
107%
Capacity
322
Pupils
2.9x
Demand
About Downs Infant School
Downs Infant School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Brighton and Hove community, welcoming children from age 5 to 7. The school has 322 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (107% of 300 places).
Ofsted has rated Downs Infant School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Lisa Walker, it falls under Brighton and Hove local authority.
Downs Infant School is a popular choice with families — it received 260 applications for 89 places, making it 2.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 103 were first-preference applications.
Downs Infant School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 99% recommending the school (201 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication, Hearing Impairment and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Downs Infant School include Sports Hall, Art Studios, ICT Suite, Music Rooms, Sensory Room, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Cricket, Netball, Dance and 3 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Drama, Art Club.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 11.5%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Brighton and Hove, Downs Infant 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 | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 5 to 7 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Ditchling Road, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, BN1 6JA |
| Headteacher | Lisa Walker |
| Local Authority | Brighton and Hove |
| Number of Pupils | 322 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 11.5% |
| School Capacity | 322 / 300 (107% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Sept 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 21 Oct 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Ofsted Parent View
201 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
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
10Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed89
260
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
103 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downs Infant 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
Ditchling Road, Brighton
Brighton and Hove, BN1 6JA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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