Downend School
Westerleigh Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6XAOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Downend School is a secondary school in Bristol for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 122 schools in South Gloucestershire. It ranks 15th of 44 secondary schools in Bristol. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2014.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 23 September 2014, report published 22 October 2014
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 22 October 2024
There is a strong sense of community at Downend School. The school's 'PRIDE' values are well known to all. These values inform leaders' decisions and influence how pupils conduct themselves in school. Pupils feel safe and well cared for. They have trusted adults they can talk to if they have any concerns. The school has developed an ambitious curriculum for pupils. Staff have high expectations of all pupils. Most pupils consistently meet these. Pupils are successful in public examinations. Pupils and sixth-form students appreciate the school's enrichment opportunities and the support they receive from staff. They feel well prepared for their next steps. Pupils respect those from different backgrounds. They are actively encouraged at the school to treat everyone equally. Bullying rarely happens, and staff address it effectively if it occurs. Behaviour in lessons is focused and purposeful. Pupils are rewarded for demonstrating the school's 'PRIDE' values. They understand and appreciate the consistent approach to behaviour. The school offers many extra-curricular opportunities to develop pupils' interests, including science club, badminton and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Pupils talk with enthusiasm about the recent production of 'Noughts and Crosses'. There are many leadership opportunities. These include being a peer mentor, a race and religion ambassador or a member of the newly formed student council.
What the school should improve
- The school has not systematically identified the common misconceptions within subject areas. Therefore, teaching does not always address misconceptions until after they arise. The trust should ensure that the curriculum has considered the essential knowledge that pupils often misunderstand.
- Leaders' work to improve pupils' attendance is not fully embedded and has not yet led to increased attendance for disadvantaged pupils. As a result, these pupils miss out on valuable learning. The trust should continue to work closely with pupils and their families to improve the attendance of these pupils so they can benefit from the academic and pastoral support available to them.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
233 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
97 students
Average A level grade C+, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,415 pupils on roll, with places for 1,425
Schools near Downend School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mangotsfield School | 1 mile | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Attainment 8: 41.3 |
| Lyde Green Community School | 1 mile | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| Bristol Metropolitan Academy | 2 miles | Report card: Expected standard | Attainment 8: 46.9 |
| King's Oak Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | Attainment 8: 42.0 |
| Bristol Brunel Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 43.6 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- PATHWAY TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Rachael Corns
- Phone
- 01454862300
- Address
- Westerleigh Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6XA
- Local authority
- South Gloucestershire
- URN
- 139345
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.