Downderry Primary School Review 2026: Outstanding Primary Serving Downham Since 1927

Founded in 1927 as part of the Downham Estate development, Downderry Primary School has served the local community for nearly a century, evolving from one of seven elementary schools built by the London County Council into an Outstanding-rated primary with nursery provision for 376 pupils aged 3 to 11. Located on Downderry Road in Downham, this mixed, non-denominational state school combines a rich heritage with contemporary practice. Under Dr David Gifford's leadership since 2018, the school ranks 10th in Bromley and within the top 18% nationally for primary attainment, with 83% of pupils reaching expected standards in reading, writing and maths compared to the national average of 62%. Inspection judgements from May 2016 confirmed Outstanding across all areas. The school's motto—"Trying your Best Equals Success / If you Believe you will Achieve"—reflects a values-led approach that extends from a free breakfast club to after-school Forest Club, serving a diverse community drawn from across the Downham area.

Downderry Primary School opened in 1927 as Downham Elementary School No 2, originally known as "School North of tramway," before becoming Downderry Road School. It was one of seven elementary schools built on the Downham Estate, designed to serve 5,816 pupils as part of the London County Council's ambitious residential development following the 1923 government funding legislation. The Downham Estate marked a milestone in social housing provision; in 2025, the estate celebrates its centenary. In 2017, the school commemorated its 90th anniversary with a week of activities including a 1920s dress-up day, a vintage bus museum in the playground, and a street party attended by the Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock and local MP Heidi Alexander, drawing together former pupils, staff and community volunteers who contributed memories and photographs.

The school's ethos centres on the belief that every child can succeed through effort and self-belief. This is embedded in daily practice: a free "Grab and Go" breakfast is available from 08:20 to 08:50 for Reception to Year 6, ensuring all pupils start the day ready to learn. The school describes itself as "large and friendly," with a dedicated and talented staff team committed to pastoral care. The "Listening Ear" anti-bullying initiative and Rights Respecting Schools accreditation underline a commitment to pupil voice and wellbeing. International partnerships with Emyezweni School and Ecole Maternelle de la Concorde reflect the school's embrace of its diverse community and global citizenship values. British Values are woven through the curriculum, alongside themed weeks such as STEM Week, Black History Week and International Week, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the local area.

Dr David Gifford has led the school as headteacher since September 2018, succeeding Tracey Lewis. The school operates an extended day from 07:45 to 18:00, offering Breakfast Club, a range of after-school activities—including Football, Cheerleading, Lego and Coding clubs—and an after-school Forest Club for pupils and the wider community. Families also have access to Downham Family Hub, which provides play groups, health appointments, baby weighing clinics, parenting support, courses, and a clothing and toy bank. This wraparound provision reflects Downderry's role as a true community hub, rooted in the neighbourhoods it has served for almost a century.

Downderry Primary School's most recent performance data places it 10th in Bromley and ranked 2,711th in England, positioning the school within the top 18% nationally for primary attainment. At Key Stage 2, 83% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well above the national average of 62%. The school's performance extends across all subjects: 86% met expectations in reading, 81% in maths, 83% in grammar, punctuation and spelling, and 90% in science (compared to 82% nationally). Attainment at the higher standard is particularly strong, with 34% achieving greater depth in reading, writing and maths combined, significantly above the national average of 8%. In individual subjects, 36% achieved high scores in reading, 45% in maths, and 55% in grammar, punctuation and spelling. Average scaled scores in reading (107), maths (107) and grammar (108) all exceed national norms.

The curriculum is comprehensive, covering English, phonics, reading, maths, science, computing and music alongside a broad range of foundation subjects. Themed learning weeks—STEM Week, Black History Week, International Week—enrich the curriculum and connect children with contemporary issues and global perspectives. A swimming programme ensures all pupils develop water safety and competency. Teaching in reading, maths and phonics is strong throughout the school, enabling rapid gains across year groups. Targeted interventions ensure that pupils with special educational needs or disabilities make rapid progress, supported by specialist staff and tailored provision.

Behaviour throughout the school is exemplary. Pupils are courteous, well-mannered and engaged in their learning. The "Listening Ear" anti-bullying initiative and Rights Respecting Schools accreditation provide frameworks for positive relationships and pupil voice. Pastoral support is underpinned by a commitment to every child's wellbeing and full participation in school life. The school's nursery provision from age 3 offers a smooth transition into Reception, with early years teaching building secure foundations in literacy, numeracy and personal development.

Downderry operates an extended school day from 07:45 to 18:00, with Breakfast Club and a free "Grab and Go" breakfast available from 08:20 to 08:50 for Reception through Year 6. After-school provision includes Football, Cheerleading, Lego and Coding clubs, alongside Forest Club, which offers outdoor learning experiences for pupils and the local community. These activities complement a rich extracurricular offer designed to develop interests, teamwork and resilience.

Facilities support a broad and balanced curriculum. Specialist spaces and resources enable hands-on learning in science, computing and the arts. The school's commitment to outdoor learning is evident in its Forest Club provision, while the swimming programme ensures all children gain essential life skills. The school's 90th anniversary museum in 2017, hosted in a vintage bus in the playground, exemplified the creative use of space to connect pupils with their school's history and the wider story of the Downham Estate.

Community links are strong. International partnerships with Emyezweni School and Ecole Maternelle de la Concorde enrich pupils' understanding of diverse cultures and global citizenship. Families benefit from Downham Family Hub, which provides a wide range of services including play groups, health appointments, parenting support and a clothing and toy bank, embedding the school within a network of local support.

Downderry Primary School is a community school within the London Borough of Lewisham, and applications are managed through the Pan London eAdmissions online portal at www.eadmissions.org.uk. The admissions cycle for Reception entry in September 2025 opened on 1 September 2024, with a deadline of 15 January 2025 for on-time applications. Lewisham no longer supplies paper application forms; all applications must be submitted online. Supplementary information forms are not required for Downderry.

The school has a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 60 for Reception. For the 2025–2026 cycle, the school received 74 applications for these 60 places. Historically, admissions data indicates significant demand: for the most recent reported year, 189 families applied for 60 places, yielding a subscription ratio of 3.15 to 1. Of these, 81 families named Downderry as their first preference, and all 60 offers went to first-preference applicants (a ratio of 1.35 to 1), indicating that while the school is competitive, first-preference applicants have a reasonable chance of securing a place.

Admissions criteria typically prioritise children looked after, those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, siblings of current pupils, and then proximity to the school by straight-line distance. The school does not operate catchment boundaries; geographical criteria are applied after higher-priority groups. As a popular local school, the furthest distance offered varies year to year depending on the number of applications and sibling priority. Prospective families are strongly advised to visit the school website and contact the admissions team for the most current information, and to check Lewisham Council's composite prospectus for detailed oversubscription criteria and previous years' distance cut-offs.

Given the school's popularity and Outstanding Ofsted rating, families should consider their proximity to the school carefully and ensure they name alternative preferences on their application. The school welcomes prospective families to visit and experience the ethos and atmosphere first-hand.

Downderry Primary School stands as a beacon of consistent excellence in the Downham community, combining nearly a century of heritage with a forward-thinking, inclusive approach to education. Its Outstanding Ofsted rating, reinforced by strong academic performance well above national averages, reflects a school culture where high expectations, pastoral care and community partnership are deeply embedded. Pupils thrive academically—with 83% reaching expected standards in reading, writing and maths, and 34% achieving greater depth—while developing as confident, courteous and engaged learners. Dr Gifford's leadership, supported by dedicated staff, ensures the school's motto—"Trying your Best Equals Success"—is lived daily.

The extended school day, free breakfast provision, Forest Club and vibrant extracurricular programme demonstrate Downderry's commitment to the whole child and the wider community. International partnerships and themed learning weeks enrich the curriculum and celebrate the area's diversity. For families seeking a welcoming, high-performing primary school rooted in Downham's history and community, Downderry offers a compelling choice. Admissions are competitive, with a subscription ratio exceeding 3:1, so proximity and first-preference applications matter. Prospective families are encouraged to visit, engage with the school's values, and assess whether Downderry's ethos aligns with their aspirations for their child.

Is Downderry Primary School a good school?

Yes. Downderry Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted (May 2016) and ranks 10th in Bromley and within the top 18% nationally for primary attainment. At Key Stage 2, 83% of pupils reach expected standards in reading, writing and maths (well above the national average of 62%), and 34% achieve greater depth compared to 8% nationally. The school offers strong teaching in reading, maths and phonics, exemplary pupil behaviour, and a rich extracurricular programme. It is a large, friendly community school with a nearly century-long heritage, dedicated staff, and a values-led approach that supports every child to reach their full potential.

How do I apply to Downderry Primary School?

Applications for Reception entry are made online via the Pan London eAdmissions portal at www.eadmissions.org.uk. The admissions cycle for September 2025 entry opened on 1 September 2024, with a deadline of 15 January 2025 for on-time applications. Lewisham no longer accepts paper forms, and no supplementary forms are required for Downderry. The school has 60 Reception places each year. Admissions are coordinated by Lewisham Council and follow standard oversubscription criteria: children looked after, those with EHCPs naming the school, siblings, then proximity by straight-line distance. Visit the school website and Lewisham's composite prospectus for detailed criteria and advice.

What is the catchment area for Downderry Primary School?

Downderry Primary School does not operate fixed catchment boundaries. Admissions are determined by Lewisham Council's oversubscription criteria, with geographical proximity applied after higher-priority groups (looked after children, EHCPs, siblings). The furthest distance offered varies year to year depending on application numbers and sibling priority. For the most recent year reported, the school received 189 applications for 60 places, with a subscription ratio of 3.15:1. Families living closer to the school have a stronger chance of securing a place. Check Lewisham Council's admissions data for previous years' distance cut-offs and contact the school for current information.

What are Downderry Primary School's exam results?

At Key Stage 2, Downderry achieves strong results well above national averages. 83% of pupils reached expected standards in reading, writing and maths combined (national average 62%). Subject-specific attainment includes 86% meeting expectations in reading, 81% in maths, 83% in grammar, punctuation and spelling, and 90% in science (national average 82%). At the higher standard, 34% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing and maths, significantly above the 8% national average. Individual high-score attainment includes 36% in reading, 45% in maths, and 55% in grammar. Average scaled scores are 107 in reading, 107 in maths, and 108 in grammar, all above national norms. These results place the school 10th in Bromley and within the top 18% nationally.

Does Downderry Primary School have a nursery?

Yes. Downderry Primary School offers nursery provision for children from age 3. The school serves pupils aged 3 to 11, with nursery as the entry point for early years education. Nursery provision supports a smooth transition into Reception and builds secure foundations in literacy, numeracy and personal development. Families interested in nursery places should contact the school directly for details on availability, application processes and timings, as nursery admissions may differ from the Reception admissions cycle managed through Lewisham Council.

Who is the headteacher of Downderry Primary School?

The headteacher is Dr David Gifford, who has led the school since September 2018. He succeeded Tracey Lewis and oversees a staff team committed to the school's ethos that "Trying your Best Equals Success / If you Believe you will Achieve." Under his leadership, the school maintains its Outstanding Ofsted rating and continues to achieve strong academic outcomes and exemplary pupil behaviour, while offering an extended school day, rich extracurricular provision and a values-led, inclusive approach to education.