St Alban's Catholic Academy vs The Downs Primary School and Nursery
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in East of England, England, 1.0 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
St Alban's Catholic Academy
Harlow · Academy primary · Ages 3–11
227 students
The Downs Primary School and Nursery
Harlow · Academy primary · Ages 3–11
362 students
| Measure | St Alban's Catholic Academy Harlow, East of England | The Downs Primary School and Nursery Harlow, East of England |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 38 Lower 50% | 29 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #1279 of 1,872 | #1506 of 1,872 |
| National rank | #10520 of 15,697 | #12477 of 15,697 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Ages 3–11 | Ages 3–11 |
| Students | 227 | 362 |
| Pupils on roll | 227 | 362 |
| Free school meals | 14.8% | 26.9% |
| Capacity filled | 108.1% | 86.2% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | 57% | 52% |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | 3% | 4% |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | – | – |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | – | – |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | – | – |
| EBacc average points | – | – |
| A level points per entry | – | – |
| town | Harlow | Harlow |
| region | East of England | East of England |
| Website | www.st-albans.essex.sch.uk | www.downsschool.com |
The verdict
- •St Alban's Catholic Academy scores higher on the Success Index (England) (38.3 vs 28.8).
- •St Alban's Catholic Academy does better on ks2: reading, writing & maths expected standard (57% vs 52%).
- •The Downs Primary School and Nursery does better on ks2: higher standard (4% vs 3%).
- •The Downs Primary School and Nursery is the larger school with 362 students compared with 227.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is St Alban's Catholic Academy better than The Downs Primary School and Nursery?
On the Success Index (England), St Alban's Catholic Academy ranks higher (38.3 vs 28.8 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are St Alban's Catholic Academy and The Downs Primary School and Nursery?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Harlow and Harlow in East of England.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
St Alban's Catholic Academy: 227. The Downs Primary School and Nursery: 362. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do St Alban's Catholic Academy and The Downs Primary School and Nursery rank in East of England?
St Alban's Catholic Academy is 1279th of 1,872 and The Downs Primary School and Nursery is 1506th of 1,872 among primary schools in East of England on the 2025 Success Index (England).