The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2014).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 51.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2014
- The school is at capacity (100% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
51.0
7.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
54%
11.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
35%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.23
Band 4Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
96%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
6%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 220 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
20% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 14 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 102 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,429
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 11%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- South Gloucestershire
- Trust
- CASTLE SCHOOL EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Rachael Corns (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
4 official reports linked on this page, including 3 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Westerleigh Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6XA
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmStanbridge Primary School
Primary · Very close
St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Primary School
Primary · 351m away
Barley Close Community Primary School
Primary · 533m away
Emersons Green Primary School
Primary · 753m away
Bromley Heath Junior School
Primary · 934m away
Bromley Heath Infant School
Primary · 956m away
Blackhorse Primary School
Primary · 989m away
Christ Church, Church of England Infant School, Downend
Primary · 1.2km away
Questions parents ask
Is Downend School a selective school?
No. Downend School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Downend School's Ofsted rating?
Downend School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in October 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Downend School?
Downend School currently has 1,429 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Downend School take?
Downend School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Downend School?
Downend School is in Bristol, BS16 6XA, in the South Gloucestershire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Downend School have a sixth form?
Yes, Downend School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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