Downland School

Downland School has maintained the standards set at its previous inspection, showcasing a commitment to supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The environment is calm and nurturing, allowing pupils to thrive academically and personally, despite many having experienced disruptions at prior placements. The school emphasizes a tailored curriculum that supports core skills, fostering a culture where pupils are seen beyond their disabilities, resulting in positive attitudes towards learning and a commitment to achieving their potential. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in developing students' writing skills across various subjects.

Strengths

• Provides a calm and nurturing environment for students.
• Understands individual needs of pupils well and maintains high expectations.
• Focuses on core skills in reading, writing, and mathematics throughout the curriculum.
• Offers excellent pastoral support and positive relationships with staff.
• Encourages pupils to participate in enriching experiences and diverse extracurricular activities.
• Provides effective careers guidance preparing pupils for college or work.

Areas for Improvement

• Students do not have sufficient opportunities to write at length across the curriculum.

In 2024–25 pupils at Downland School attended 79.7% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 44.9% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 33.0% of pupils at Downland School were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 Downland School had 5.6 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 21.8% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 Downland School had 102 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: social, emotional and mental health; autistic spectrum disorder.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 Downland School received £35,247 and spent £35,436 for each of its 102 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £711,000 (£6,970 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Devizes · Wiltshire local authority: places and applications

What is Downland School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Downland School is Good, from an inspection in November 2024.

When was Downland School last inspected by Ofsted?

Downland School was last inspected in November 2024.

How many pupils does Downland School have?

Downland School has 102 pupils on roll.

What age range does Downland School cover?

Downland School for pupils aged 10 to 16.

What are Downland School's GCSE results?

In 2022 its average Attainment 8 score was 13.4, and 0% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Downland School?

Downland School is at Downlands Road, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 5EF.