There are few things more important than choosing the right school for your child, each school has its own unique and individual character. Downend is an exciting and improving school with a special atmosphere.

Downend School goes from strength to strength. I am just beginning my third year as head teacher at Downend School and I know I made the right choice. We are on a journey to becoming an outstanding school.

At Downend we aim to provide every student with their own special pathway to success. Every student can achieve more than they thought possible.

Partnership with parents is critical to our success. We nurture a sense of belonging and pride in our school community – if students feel safe, motivated and happy then they will achieve. As a specialist technology college we are leading the way in developing our specialist subjects. Our links with primary schools as a technology college are excellent. Our post-16 centre is vibrant and we have seen a significant increase in numbers in recent years.

We believe in learning beyond the classroom offering an extensive range of extra-curricular activities, trips and residentials. A group of students have just returned from a four week expedition to India. All of this is underpinned with a pastoral system of support, care and guidance. At Downend School every child really does matter.

Finally, we are on an upwards journey together. We have had the best results ever this year and they will improve year on year. I took great pride in showing groups of prospective parents around the school recently. They met staff and students and visited a range of lessons. The response from them was overwhelming. It was the ethos, family values and interaction of students and staff that they felt was truly special.

For more information, please call the school on 01454 862300, see the website www.downend.com, email admin@downend.com or visit the school at Westerleigh Road, Downend, South Gloucestershire, BS16 6XA.