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catchment.school

Downend School Catchment Area

Reviewed by the catchment.school editorial team · Last updated 15 March 2026

Downend School is a academy converter secondary school in Bristol, South Gloucestershire , serving pupils aged 11–18, with 1429 pupils, and a capacity of 1425 places. The school is currently at or above capacity, making catchment area proximity important for admissions.

11–18

Age range

1,429

Pupils

1,425

Capacity

100%

Fill rate

Good

Ofsted 2014

Downend School Catchment Area Information

As an academy, Downend School sets its own admissions criteria, agreed with South Gloucestershire. The catchment area boundary is defined in the school's annual admissions policy, which may differ from the LA's general school admissions arrangements.

Currently oversubscribed: 1429 pupils enrolled against a capacity of 1425 places. Living within the catchment area is especially important for this school.

Not getting a place? Learn how to appeal a school place →

The official admissions policy — including the catchment boundary map — is published by South Gloucestershire before each admissions cycle. Always verify your address with the council before submitting an application, as boundaries can change year to year.

Find South Gloucestershire catchment area documents →

Downend School — School Information

Full address
Westerleigh Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6XA
Local authority
South Gloucestershire
School type
Academy converter
Phase of education
Secondary
Age range
11–18 years
Admissions policy
Non-selective
Free school meals
11% of pupils
DfE URN
139345

Other Secondary Schools in Bristol

If Downend School is oversubscribed, these secondary schools in Bristol are the next closest alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions — Downend School

Is Downend School oversubscribed?

Yes — Downend School currently has 1429 pupils enrolled against a capacity of 1425 places. Catchment area proximity is an important admissions criterion when applying.

What is the admissions policy for Downend School?

Admission to Downend School is managed by South Gloucestershire. When oversubscribed, places go to looked-after children first, then siblings, then catchment area distance. Always verify the current policy with the council before applying.

What age range does Downend School cover?

Downend School is a secondary school in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, serving pupils aged 11–18. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

What is the Ofsted rating for Downend School?

Downend School was rated Good by Ofsted in 2014. Full inspection reports are available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.