The Downs Primary School and Nursery

About The Downs Primary School and Nursery

We take great pride in serving our local community and aim to provide the best possible education for all of our pupils. We are a two-form entry school located close to the centre of Harlow.

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Key Facts

Head/Principal Mr R Calderwood

Rating Breakdown

Based on published reviews

Safety & Security 4.7

Teaching Quality 4.7

Communication 4.7

Student Wellbeing 4.3

Facilities 5.0

Parent Survey

Official Ofsted Parent View data • 40 responses • 10% response rate

View on Ofsted

My child is happy at this school

95% positive 2.5% negative

My child feels safe at this school

92.5% positive 2.5% negative

The school makes sure its pupils are well behaved

87.5% positive 12.5% negative

The school has high expectations for my child

87.5% positive 5% negative

My child does well at this school

92.5% positive 5% negative

I would recommend this school to another parent

Data from Ofsted Parent View as of September 2025. Based on 40 parent responses to the official Ofsted survey.

School Workforce

Teacher and staff information • 2024-2025

Note: These figures are estimated based on national averages. Actual school-level data not yet available.

22.0:1

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Good

18.3

Teachers (FTE)

Estimated workforce data based on GIAS enrollment and national average ratios. Academic year 2024-2025.

Primary School Results (Key Stage 2)

Exam performance data • 2023-2024

46.0%

Reading, Writing & Maths

Meeting expected standard

Data from DfE Performance Tables for academic year 2023-2024. Published January 2024. View full performance tables

Reviews 4

E

Emily M Unconfirmed

Parent Sep 1, 2023

5.0

"Fantastic school!"

I've been blown away by the care and dedication of the staff at The Downs Primary. My child has thrived in this supportive environment, with endless opportunities to try new things and make friends. The facilities are excellent and the teachers are passionate and engaging. We feel so lucky to be a part of the school community!

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful

D

David W Unconfirmed

Parent Nov 10, 2022

4.0

"Room for improvement, but great potential"

We've had a mixed experience at The Downs Primary, with some fantastic teachers and engaging activities, but also some inconsistent communication and a bit of bullying. The school seems to be working hard to address these issues, and we appreciate the efforts made to create a positive school culture. With a bit more attention to detail, this school could be truly exceptional!

Safety & Wellbeing 3/5

Teaching & Learning 4/5

Communication 4/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 3/5

Facilities 4/5

Helpful

R

Raj D Unconfirmed

Parent Jun 15, 2022

5.0

"A wonderful school experience!"

We had a fantastic time at The Downs Primary, from the welcoming staff to the engaging lessons and exciting extracurricular activities. My child loved being part of the house system, which really promoted teamwork and camaraderie. The only reason we moved away wasn't the school itself, but we have no regrets about our time here.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful

H

Helen L Unconfirmed

Parent Mar 20, 2021

4.0

"A great foundation for our child's future"

We chose The Downs Primary for its commitment to providing a well-rounded education, and we weren't disappointed. The teachers were supportive and encouraging, and the facilities were always well-maintained. Our child made some wonderful friends and developed a love of learning that's served them well in secondary school.

Safety & Wellbeing 4/5

Teaching & Learning 4/5

Communication 4/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful