Downton CofE VA Primary School
94%
Capacity
282
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Downton CofE VA Primary School
Downton CofE VA Primary School is a state-funded Church of England primary school serving the Wiltshire community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 282 pupils on roll and is well-filled (94% of 300 places).
Ofsted has rated Downton CofE VA Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Paula Carlton, it falls under Wiltshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 69% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — above the national average. Additionally, ranked 4477th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 38th out of 159 in Wiltshire.
Downton CofE VA Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 48 applications for 35 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 34 were first-preference applications.
Downton CofE VA Primary School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 91% recommending the school (64 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Downton CofE VA Primary School include Library, Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Outdoor Playground, Playing Fields, Forest School, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Swimming, Dance, Netball and 1 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Drama, Eco Club.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 11.3%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Wiltshire, Downton CofE VA Primary 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 | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Church of England |
| Address | Gravel Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 3LZ |
| Headteacher | Paula Carlton |
| Local Authority | Wiltshire |
| Number of Pupils | 282 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 11.3% |
| School Capacity | 282 / 300 (94% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
2 Apr 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (2 Apr 2025): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 4 Feb 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (69%)
4477th of 13,686
Nationally
387th of 1,469
In South West
38th of 159
In Wiltshire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
69%
Expected Standard
7%
Higher Standard
'22/23
78%
'23/24
69%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
64 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
8Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed35
48
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
34 families put this school as their 1st choice (71% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downton CofE VA 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
Gravel Close, Salisbury
Wiltshire, SP5 3LZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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