Classpot

The Downs Primary School and Nursery

Harlow, CM20 3RBPrimaryAges 3–11MixedState
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted inspected
5 Good
May 2025
KS2 Results
52%
meeting expected standard in RWM
First choices / offers
0.9×
First choices did not exceed offers made
35 1st-choice / 39 offers made
Ranking
#11,773
of 13,686 nationally

About The Downs Primary School and Nursery

The Downs Primary School and Nursery is a state-funded primary school in Harlow, East of England, for pupils aged 3 to 11 for boys and girls. DfE data records 362 pupils on roll and a published capacity of 420.

The latest recorded Ofsted overall judgement is Good (20 May 2025). 52% met the expected KS2 standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25. admissions data records 35 first-preference applications and 39 offers made on national offer day for 2026/27.

Figures can refer to different reporting periods. Check the date and source shown beside each section. How Classpot uses school data.

Key Details

School TypePrimary (State)
Age Range3 to 11 years
GenderMixed
AddressThe Hides, Harlow, Harlow, CM20 3RB
HeadteacherHeadteacher Rob Calderwood
Local AuthorityEssex
Number of Pupils362
Free School Meals (FSM)24.6%
School Capacity362 / 420 (86% full)
Nursery ClassesYes

The full report on this school

What 40 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

20 May 2025
View Report
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Early Years Provision
Good

State-funded school inspections stopped receiving a single overall grade from September 2024. Renewed inspections from November 2025 use report cards with separate five-point grades that are not directly comparable with the old scale.

Source: Ofsted, 24 Jun 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Published SEND Data

AutismMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education. Confirm current provision with the school's SENCO.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Downs Primary School and Nursery

The Downs Primary School and Nursery has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This is the overall judgement recorded under the inspection framework in use on the inspection date. Read the report and date before comparing it with newer inspections.