The short version
Below-average SATs results. At capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2023).
- SATs results are below the national average, with 52% meeting the expected standard (national: 62%)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2023
- The school is at capacity (96% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Reading, Writing & Maths
Expected standard
Pupils meeting expected level in all three
52%
-10.0pp vs nationalHigher standard
Pupils exceeding expected level
4%
-4.0pp vs nationalSubject scores
Reading
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
103
-3.0 vs nationalMaths
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
102
-3.0 vs nationalGrammar & spelling
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
103
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 12 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
19% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
1% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 21 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 9 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 42 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Primary
- Ages
- 3–11
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 402
- Capacity
- 96%
- FSM
- 30.3%
Governance
- Local authority
- Essex
- Trust
- THE PASSMORES CO-OPERATIVE LEARNING COMMUNITY
- Head
- Headteacher Rob Calderwood (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
- Nursery
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
The Hides, Harlow, Essex, CM20 3RB
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmBmat Stem Academy
Secondary · Very close
Freshwaters Primary Academy
Primary · 467m away
St Alban's Catholic Academy
Primary · 1.0km away
Pemberley Academy
Primary · 1.1km away
William Martin Church of England Junior School
Primary · 1.1km away
Hare Street Community Primary School and Nursery
Primary · 1.1km away
Sir Frederick Gibberd College
Secondary · 1.1km away
Harlow Fields School and College
Special school · 1.1km away
Questions parents ask
What is The Downs Primary School and Nursery's Ofsted rating?
The Downs Primary School and Nursery was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in May 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Downs Primary School and Nursery?
The Downs Primary School and Nursery currently has 402 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Downs Primary School and Nursery take?
The Downs Primary School and Nursery caters for pupils aged 3 to 11. It is classified as a primary school.
Where is The Downs Primary School and Nursery?
The Downs Primary School and Nursery is in Harlow, CM20 3RB, in the Essex local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Downs Primary School and Nursery have a sixth form?
No, The Downs Primary School and Nursery does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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