The Downs School
Decision summary
This summary combines published school data and is designed to help you decide what to check next. It does not guarantee a school place or replace official admissions guidance.
Attainment 8 of 53.4 is above the national average of around 46.
- Attainment 8:
- 53.4
- 5+ Eng & Maths:
- 72%
- Academic year:
- 2024/2025
Pupils made above-average progress compared with similar pupils nationally. The confidence interval is entirely above zero, which is strong evidence of added value.
- Progress 8:
- +0.32
- Confidence interval:
- [0.13, 0.52]
Admissions realism depends on your home postcode and the school's published allocation data. Enter your postcode on this page to get a more specific assessment, and always verify the latest policy on the school's official admissions page.
This is a selective school. Admission usually requires passing an entrance test. Check the school's admissions policy for test registration deadlines.
- Selective admissions: an entrance test (usually the 11+ or equivalent) is required. Check registration and test dates well in advance.
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Performance over time
Attainment 8 over time
Progress 8 over time(not available 2024/25)
Historical results
| Year | Pupils | Att8 | P8 | 5+ E&M | EBacc % | EBacc APS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/2025 | 206 | 53.4 | — | 71.8% | 72.3% | 5.0 |
| 2023/2024 | 206 | 52.6 | +0.32 | 71.8% | 70.9% | 4.9 |
| 2022/2023 | 203 | 57.1 | +0.78 | 81.0% | 55.0% | 5.2 |
| 2021/2022 | 179 | 55.7 | +0.53 | 82.0% | 29.0% | 4.7 |
Nearby and similar schools
Other secondary schools in West Berkshire for local comparison.
School information
| URN | 110102 |
| Local authority | West Berkshire |
| Region | South East |
| Phase | Secondary |
| Type | Foundation school |
| Gender of entry | Mixed |
| Age range | 11-18 |
| Headteacher | Headteacher Chris Prosser |
| Trust | — |
| Admissions | Non-selective |
| Religious character | None |
| Postcode | RG20 6AD |
| Latest pupils | 206 |
| FSM eligible | 10.6% |
Contact and identifiers
Manor Crescent, Compton, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 6AD
http://www.thedownsschool.org/View local authority page1635270000| DfE number | 5406 |
| UKPRN | 10006654 |
| Opened | — |
| GIAS updated | 25 Feb 2026 |
Data sources and freshness
| Official record updated | 25 Feb 2026 |
| Latest KS4 year | 2024/2025 |
| Latest KS2 year | — |
| Ofsted published | 10 Nov 2024 |
Latest Ofsted inspection
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
| Inspection type | S5 Inspection |
| Category of concern | — |
| Inspection date | 1 Oct 2024 |
| Publication date | 10 Nov 2024 |