The South Downs School
Beechy Avenue, Eastbourne, BN20 8NUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The South Downs School is a special school in Eastbourne for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 214 schools in East Sussex. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in June 2014.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 25 June 2014, report published 17 July 2014
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 12 November 2024
The South Downs School is a happy, welcoming and inclusive community. Pupils quickly settle into school life. This is because adults take the time to know pupils' complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They have high expectations of pupils' behaviour and academic achievements. Pupils excel in all areas of their learning and achieve highly. Positive, caring and respectful relationships between staff and pupils are the cornerstone of everyday routines. At times, pupils struggle to manage their behaviours, feelings and emotions. Skilled staff address pupils' anxieties and concerns with patience. Consequently, pupils learn to make the right choices, take risks safely and communicate their views confidently. Staff deal with incidents of unkindness swiftly and highly effectively. Pupils talk with thought and consideration about the importance of mutual respect. As one Year 1 pupil said, 'It is not cool to make fun of anyone for being who they are. We are all the same and play together as a community.' Pupils immerse themselves wholeheartedly in school life. Visits, trips and clubs enhance pupils' positive experiences. They enjoy cooking, gardening and outdoor learning within the school's extensive grounds. Pupils learn about relevant topics such as safe travel and healthy living.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
15 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
164 pupils on roll, with places for 160
Schools near The South Downs School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summerdown School | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
| Anderida Learning Centre | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| The Lindfield School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 8.6 |
| Hazel Court School | 3 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Not published |
| Cuckmere House School | 5 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | Attainment 8: 11.2 |
School details
- School type
- Academy special converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE SOUTHFIELD TRUST
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Rachael Smart
- Phone
- 01323730302
- Address
- Beechy Avenue, Eastbourne, BN20 8NU
- Local authority
- East Sussex
- URN
- 142745
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.