Downderry Primary School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted: Outstanding

Downderry Road, Downham, Bromley, BR1 5QLOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Downderry Primary School is a primary school in Lewisham for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 94 schools in Lewisham. It ranks 5th of 63 primary schools in Lewisham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in May 2016.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 17 May 2016, report published 7 July 2016

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Early years provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 May 2022

Pupils at Downderry thrive. They love being at school and enjoy working together and learning. The excellent standard of education, support for pupils' well-being and well- planned enrichment activities enable all pupils to flourish. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about the school. Leaders and staff have thought carefully about what they want pupils to know, do and remember. Their high expectations are reflected in pupils' consistently positive attitudes to learning. Pupils spoke enthusiastically about what they learn and the opportunities available to them. They enjoy attending a range of lunchtime and after-school clubs, including gardening, choir, library and football. Adults and pupils treat everyone in the school community with respect and courtesy. Pupils are fully included in school life. They have many opportunities to take on leadership roles, including as 'goodwill ambassadors' and 'climate change makers'. Pupils talked with pride about their school council and about how their opinions help shape the life of the school. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Pupils said bullying is very rare. Adults are quick to help solve any problems, and pupils know this. Pupils feel safe and happy at school. Parents value the care and support shown to pupils and families. They appreciate the way that pupils' mental health and well-being are prioritised.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

60 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths80%

80%, 18 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths13%

13%, 5 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score106

106, the same as the England average.

Maths, average scaled score107

107, 2 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score107

107, 2 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

477 pupils on roll, with places for 376

Eligible for free school meals22.6%

22.6%, 3.9 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language38.2%

38.2%, 16.6 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support14.7%

14.7%, 0.1 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan1.9%

1.9%, 4.1 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Downderry Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Rangefield Primary School0.3 milesOfsted: Good51% met the expected standard
Forster Park Primary School0.4 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstanding68% met the expected standard
Good Shepherd RC School0.5 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to good67% met the expected standard
St John Baptist Southend Church of England Primary School0.5 milesOfsted: Good68% met the expected standard
Torridon Primary School0.6 milesOfsted: Good66% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Dr David Gifford
Address
Downderry Road, Downham, Bromley, BR1 5QL
Local authority
Lewisham
URN
100679

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.