Downe Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 June 2026

Pupils achieve highly in this joyful, inclusive and ambitious school. They enjoy learning and engage positively with the school’s well-sequenced curriculum. They are confident, friendly and joyful learners who respond enthusiastically to high-quality teaching. Across subjects, pupils make strong progress from their starting points, including those who face barriers to learning or wellbeing. Leaders ensure that sharply focused support reduces barriers effectively, enabling pupils to flourish academically and personally. Outcomes in national tests are high, reflecting pupils’ conscientious attitudes and secure knowledge. Writing is a notable strength, complemented by high-quality art and design. The school prepares pupils very well for their next steps. Pupils develop resilience and independence to help them to be ready for secondary school and modern Britain. Pupils feel a rich sense of belonging. Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are included in all aspects of day-to-day school life, learning and playing together with warmth and respect. Relationships between pupils, staff and leaders are consistently positive and supportive. Playtimes are joyous and exemplify the school’s strong community spirit. Pupils participate widely in broader experiences that extend learning beyond the academic curriculum, including leadership roles that promote environmental awareness and democracy. The curriculum reflects diversity and multiculturalism, helping pupils to develop rich moral and cultural understanding and a strong sense of global citizenship. Pupils thrive because behaviour is excellent and attitudes to learning are consistently strong. Pupils feel safe and valued, supported by a highly nurturing ethos that ensures everyone feels special. Pupils are not worried about bullying, as they know leaders address any worries immediately. They learn how to stay safe online, on water and on the roads through well-designed curriculum and assembly activities. Attendance has improved rapidly due to strategic work by leaders, trustees and staff, with particularly impressive gains for disadvantaged pupils.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue their work to embed excellence across all areas of the school’s work over time.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)