The South Downs School
Academy special converter · Ages 4–11 · Eastbourne, East Sussex
The South Downs School is a special school in Eastbourne, East Sussex for ages 4–11 (academy special converter). Its latest Ofsted outcome is Standards maintained, from the inspection on 13 November 2024.
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Key facts
- Address
- Beechy Avenue, Eastbourne, BN20 8NU
- Type
- Academy special converter
- Ages
- 4–11
- Council
- East Sussex
- Pupils on roll
- 164 January 2026 school census
- Free school meals
- 42.1% of pupils eligible
- Pupils per teacher
- 6.7
Official record: Get Information about Schools · as at 15 September 2026
Ofsted
Standards maintained Inspected 13 November 2024
Strengths
- “The South Downs School is a happy, welcoming and inclusive community.”
- “Pupils quickly settle into school life.”
- “This is because adults take the time to know pupils’ complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).”
To improve
- “At times, pupils struggle to manage their behaviours, feelings and emotions.”
Safeguarding: Effective
Quoted from the Ofsted report published 10 December 2024 (read the report). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Exam results
| Measure | School | England |
|---|---|---|
| Key stage 2 · reading, writing and maths, expected standard (2024/25) | 0% | 62% |
Department for Education school performance data. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
What a pass unlocks for The South Downs School
- Earlier exam results, 2022/23 to 2023/24
- Crime, sold prices and rents, broadband and transport around the school
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Nearby special, independent and other schools
Straight-line distance, in East Sussex.
- The Cavendish School 0.4 mi Not judged Last distance published
- Gildredge House 0.9 mi Not judged Last distance published
- Summerdown School 1.4 mi Not judged
- Eastbourne College 1.6 mi No Ofsted grade
- Anderida Learning Centre 1.7 mi No Ofsted grade
- St Andrew's Prep 1.7 mi No Ofsted grade
- The Lindfield School 1.8 mi Standards maintained
- Bede's Prep School 1.9 mi No Ofsted grade