The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 57.3 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2022
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
57.3
13.5 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
66%
24.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
76%
Source: 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
97%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
93%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 234 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
18% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 108 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,250
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 7.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- West Sussex
- Head
- Mr Matt Ashdown (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
November 2016 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
January 2012 | Full Inspection
Interim assessment
June 2010 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Curriculum and development visit
February 2010 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
November 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
March 2002 | Full Inspection
Location
Dale Avenue, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 8LP
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is Downlands Community School a selective school?
No. Downlands Community School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Downlands Community School's Ofsted rating?
Downlands Community School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in October 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Downlands Community School?
Downlands Community School currently has 1,250 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Downlands Community School take?
Downlands Community School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Downlands Community School?
Downlands Community School is in Hassocks, BN6 8LP, in the West Sussex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Downlands Community School have a sixth form?
No, Downlands Community School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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