Welcome

Dear Parents,

At The Downs School & Sixth Form, we give all our students the very best start in life, helping them develop into well-rounded young adults who are prepared to venture into a rapidly changing world with confidence and determination.

Set in the heart of the Berkshire Downs, The Downs School is an exceptional place, where we pride ourselves on our small school feel and strong sense of community. Our ethos is rooted in the values of courage, responsibility, equality, ambition, resilience, creativity, and integrity, which shape the development of our students and the positive culture within our school. These values, shared by staff, students, and parents, guide our partnership as we work together to create an environment where young people are supported to realise their full potential and achieve their personal goals.

The Downs School is high performing with a proven track record of success with our young people, but we are not a school that wants to stand still. We know that there is always more to do to ensure that every child’s educational experience is rich, character-building, and of the highest possible standard. We do this by promoting equality of access and achievement for all, via a rich and diverse curriculum that allows students to become confident, well-rounded, and creative citizens who are ambitious for their future selves.

This year’s GCSE, A Level, and BTEC results have been excellent, with The Downs School being the best-performing non-selective school in West Berkshire. I am so proud of how students, staff, and parents worked as a team to achieve this success. Our students’ achievements epitomise what The Downs School stands for: strong partnerships, resilience, and a desire to achieve at all levels.

At A level, a hugely impressive 13% of entries gained A* grades. 30% of entries achieved A*-A grades, 60% A*-B grades, and 83% A*-C grades. At BTEC, 57% of entries gained a Distinction*-Distinction in vocational courses. These results compare extremely well with the results achieved by past cohorts.

At GCSE, an incredible 13% of all examinations taken resulted in grades 8 or 9; 26% of entries were grades 9-7; 76% of entries were grades 9-4. 57% of students achieved grades 5 and above in both English and Mathematics. In vocational courses 19% of entries achieved Distinction or Distinction*

The excellence in our staff room reflects the passion, expertise, and dedication of our teaching and associate team, who are fully committed to the success and well-being of every student. It is their commitment that drives the outstanding outcomes we see year after year.

We also believe in the importance of serving our community. We encourage our students, and staff to actively engage in volunteering and give back to the wider community. Together, we share the responsibility to care for our planet and to create positive change.

Through our enrichment opportunities for all students, including a variety of trips and experiences we ensure that each young person has the chance to explore their talents and contribute meaningfully both within and beyond the school.

We recognise the trust placed upon us by parents, who actively choose our school for their children. We work in partnership with our students, who contribute to decisions made within our school, ensuring that they are valued and confident.

I am extremely proud to be the Headteacher of such a vibrant school community and encourage you to visit and see us in action. We very much look forward to welcoming you and your family to The Downs School.

With warm regards,

Mr C Prosser, Headteacher

Ofsted Report 2024