Downs Barn School
69 Downs Barns Boulevard, Downs Barn, 69 Downs Barn Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK14 7NAOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Downs Barn School is a primary school in Milton Keynes for ages 2 to 7. It is one of the 121 schools in Milton Keynes. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in February 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 13 February 2024, report published 21 March 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 13 February 2024
Pupils are very proud of their school. They are safe, happy and incredibly kind towards each other. Pupils know that the school's values of respect, responsibility, resilience and reflection are at the heart of this thriving community. Events throughout the year, such as the school's 'Day of Culture and Diversity', help to give pupils a sense of belonging. During these events, pupils and their families share cultural dress, foods, artefacts and customs with a sense of joy and celebration. Pupils' behaviour is consistently positive. The school's commitment to inclusion and partnership work with parents helps pupils to sustain good behaviour inside the classroom. Pupils love the care and support that they receive. One pupil represented the views of many, saying: 'Everyone is welcome to our school, and we accept everyone for who they are.' Disadvantaged pupils consistently benefit from the extra-curricular activities that the school provides. Pupils value school trips, such as visits to London, the theatre, the local park, the library and the city centre. These are memorable experiences that help pupils to build confidence and develop their understanding of the world. The school has high expectations for pupils' achievement and ensures that pupils learn effectively and are prepared for their next stage of education well.
What the school should improve
- In some wider curriculum subjects, the school does not yet provide enough opportunities to check and revisit essential knowledge and vocabulary. This means that a small number of pupils do not build and connect their learning as effectively as they could. The school should support staff to implement the curriculum consistently well, including precise curriculum components that will help pupils achieve the highest possible outcomes.
- A small number of pupils do not attend school as regularly as they should. As a result, they miss out on the full range of opportunities that are available to them in school, as well as essential learning. The school should continue to do all that it can to support pupils with improving their attendance.
Pupil numbers and mix
96 pupils on roll, with places for 90
Schools near Downs Barn School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwood School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 69% met the expected standard |
| St Monica's Catholic Primary School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Good | 60% met the expected standard |
| Brooksward School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | 76% met the expected standard |
| Germander Park School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Willen Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 73% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 2 to 7
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Kate Mathews
- Phone
- 01908604430
- Address
- 69 Downs Barns Boulevard, Downs Barn, 69 Downs Barn Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK14 7NA
- Local authority
- Milton Keynes
- URN
- 110372
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.