Downside Primary School

Primary
Local authority maintained
Ages 4 to 11

Ofsted: Good

Chaul End Lane, Luton, LU4 8EZOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Downside Primary School is a primary school in Luton for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 77 schools in Luton. It ranks 5th of 41 primary schools in Luton. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2015.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 6 May 2015, report published 5 June 2015

Overall effectiveness: Good
Leadership and management: Good
Early years provision: Good

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

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 November 2024

Pupils thrive at this school. They make excellent progress from their starting points. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who speak English as an additional language. Downside is a large and inclusive school where pupils are happy and feel safe. Pupils fully understand the routines of the school day and the high expectations of them. They display exemplary behaviour at all times. In lessons, pupils listen very carefully to every instruction. They work hard and try their best at all times. They learn exceptionally well because teachers explain things clearly and ensure expectations are high. Lots of pupils join and leave the school during the school year. New pupils are immediately and warmly welcomed into the 'Downside family'. Each class elects a 'Class Ambassador' who takes the lead in supporting any new arrivals. There are a wide range of after-school clubs like football and choir. A range of trips, visits and experiences extend and enhance the curriculum. For example, pupils visit a range of places of worship and a variety of faith leaders visit them. As a result, they have lots of knowledge about different religions.

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

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

145 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths79%

79%, 17 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths14%

14%, 6 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score108

108, 2 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score108

108, 3 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score110

110, 5 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

1,015 pupils on roll, with places for 1,050

Eligible for free school meals20.3%

20.3%, 6.2 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language35%

35%, 13.4 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support11.8%

11.8%, 3 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan5.2%

5.2%, 0.8 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Downside Primary School

School	Distance	Ofsted	Results
Foxdell Primary School	0.7 miles	Ofsted judgements: Good	66% met the expected standard
Beechwood Primary School	0.7 miles	Ofsted: Good	46% met the expected standard
Maidenhall Primary School	0.7 miles	Report card: Expected standard to strong standard	67% met the expected standard
Norton Road Primary School	0.9 miles	Ofsted: Good	43% met the expected standard
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School	0.9 miles	Ofsted: Good	Not published

School details

School type: Community school
Sector: Local authority maintained
Age range: 4 to 11
Gender: Mixed
Nursery classes: No
Headteacher: Miss K Hooker
Phone: 01582587160
Website: downside-primary.co.uk (opens in a new tab)
Address: Chaul End Lane, Luton, LU4 8EZ
Local authority: Luton
URN: 109567

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.