Downlands Community School vs Milldown CofE Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South West, England, 3.8 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Downlands Community School
Blandford Forum · Local authority primary · Ages 3–11
201 students
Milldown CofE Academy
Blandford Forum · Academy primary · Ages 4–11
200 students
| Measure | Downlands Community School Blandford Forum, South West | Milldown CofE Academy Blandford Forum, South West |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 35 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #1221 of 1,695 | #1437 of 1,695 |
| National rank | #11217 of 15,697 | #13044 of 15,697 |
| Sector | Local authority | Academy |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Ages 3–11 | Ages 4–11 |
| Students | 201 | 200 |
| Pupils on roll | 201 | 200 |
| Free school meals | 4.7% | 23% |
| Capacity filled | 47.9% | 95.2% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | 42% | 48% |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | 4% | 3% |
| 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 | Blandford Forum | Blandford Forum |
| region | South West | South West |
| Website | www.downlandsschool.org | www.milldown.dsat.org.uk |
The verdict
- •Downlands Community School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (35.1 vs 25.7).
- •Milldown CofE Academy does better on ks2: reading, writing & maths expected standard (48% vs 42%).
- •Downlands Community School does better on ks2: higher standard (4% vs 3%).
- •Downlands Community School is the larger school with 201 students compared with 200.
- •Downlands Community School is a local authority school while Milldown CofE Academy is a academy school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 Downlands Community School better than Milldown CofE Academy?
On the Success Index (England), Downlands Community School ranks higher (35.1 vs 25.7 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 Downlands Community School and Milldown CofE Academy?
About 3.8 km in a straight line, between Blandford Forum and Blandford Forum in South West.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Downlands Community School: 201. Milldown CofE Academy: 200. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Downlands Community School and Milldown CofE Academy rank in South West?
Downlands Community School is 1221st of 1,695 and Milldown CofE Academy is 1437th of 1,695 among primary schools in South West on the 2025 Success Index (England).