News & Headteacher Blogs

The Times newspaper has ranked The Downs School & Sixth Form as one of the 'Top Schools in the UK', out of a possible 4185 secondary schools.

Earlier this term our School was invited to be part of this year's league table due to our results. We have increased our success ranking by 11% from last year, and proudly sit at #263 for the state sector and #553 for all Schools including both independent and state sector. With tough state competition from London, Grammar and selective schools, we feel pleased to have been recognised and for our students and staff to be celebrated in this way.

We sincerely thank everyone who supports our school on a daily basis. We will strive to continue to do the best for our students and staff and create a rich environment for us all to enjoy.

Links below to the various articles: 

Note: The Times Parent Power 2026 annual report is behind a paywall (£1 current introductory subscription to The Times for 3 months, then £26. T&Cs apply).

https://www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table/secondary/article/secondary-schools-revealed-2026-g9w9n8rqw

https://www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table/the-downs-school

Our results: Exam results, Performance tables & Destinations - The Downs School

Ofsted 2024: The Downs School - Open - Find an Inspection Report - Ofsted

“Standards and ambitions in this school are exceptionally high. Pupils rise consistently to meet these … A strong sense of community permeates the school. Lessons are studious and industrious. Pupils enjoy learning and the school celebrates success regularly. This enables all pupils to flourish, particularly disadvantaged pupils … Pupils make excellent use of a broad range of extracurricular activities. For example, the school’s eco club, a fantasy role-playing game club, a multitude of sporting activities and many more. Leadership and management was deemed to be good.” Ofsted 2024, as reported in this report.