Part of castle school education trust

"Castle School Education Trust is committed to high quality education across the primary, secondary and sixth form key stages. Our schools cover the South Gloucestershire area. We encourage independence within each school within a strong framework of values."

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Downend

To report a child's absence for years 7-11 please email dow-studentabsence@cset.co.uk or call 01454 862395.  For 6th Form please call 01454 862333.  

Admissions (Year 6 to 7 applications)

It is important that parents and carers make an informed decision as to which school they would prefer their child(ren) to attend, and there is no substitute for visiting any school that you are considering. Downend School holds an Open Evening in September each year, and also runs a number of open mornings during September and October, providing an opportunity for parents and students to see the school at work.


If your child is starting school for the first time in September or transferring from Year 6 Primary School to Year 7 Secondary School you will need to complete an application form which can be found in the back of the Admission to Schools Booklet.  Responsibility for September bulk admissions to Year 7 rests with South Gloucestershire Council Admissions and Transport Department.  This includes managing a waiting list for parents whose children haven't been successful, the school only takes responsibility of the waiting list the September the children would have started in Year 7.

A copy of this booklet is available on the South Gloucestershire Council Admissions to Schools web page: South Gloucester - Secondary school admissions. 


The information contained in the admission booklet and on this website should help you in the initial stages of the process.

Please click here for the admissions and appeals timeline for the 2024 Cohort.


A copy of the CSET admissions policy is available in the Documents and Policies section of this website. The policy explains the admission criteria in the event of the school being over- subscribed.

If you wish to appeal for a place Downend School from September 2024 following the bulk admissions, please email dow-admin@cset.co.uk for an appeal for to be issued.  The deadline for submitted an appeal is Tuesday 16th April 2024.

For further information regarding our Transition programme for students transferring from year 6 to 7, please CLICK HERE for the Transition page.

IN-YEAR ADMISSIONS (APPLICATIONS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR)

If you have moved to the local area during the school year or already live in South Gloucestershire and wish to move your child to a different school, please contact Downend School on 01454 862300 or email dow-admin@cset.co.uk for more details on the admission process and request a copy of the application form.


Requests for in year transfer school places are normally only considered approximately six weeks prior to a requested start date. If the place is being sought for a September admission to an existing year group, applications can be made in mid-June.

We welcome and recommend visits from parents and prospective students to see Downend School at work, before submitting an application.  Please contact us for further details, or to arrange a visit.

More information for in-year applications within South Gloucestershire Local Authority area is available at: South Gloucestershire - Secondary School Admissions