The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity.
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 53.4 vs national 43.8)
- The school is at capacity (110% full)
- 11% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, below the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
53.4
9.6 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
54%
12.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
72%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.18
Band 2Source: 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
95%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
93%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 203 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
15% 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, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 110 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Foundation school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,437
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 10.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- West Berkshire
- Head
- Mr Chris Prosser (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Location
Manor Crescent, Compton, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 6AD
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is The Downs School a selective school?
No. The Downs School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend The Downs School?
The Downs School currently has 1,437 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Downs School take?
The Downs School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Downs School?
The Downs School is in Newbury, RG20 6AD, in the West Berkshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Downs School have a sixth form?
Yes, The Downs School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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