The Downs School named "gold star state school"

Tatler magazine recognises success of Compton school

A COMPTON school has been named as one of the top secondary schools in the country, according to influential society magazine Tatler.

The Downs School was included among 11 primary schools and 21 secondary schools as “gold star state schools” in the third annual guide published by the magazine this month.

Tatler praised the school for its exam results, “charming and well-disciplined pupils”, inspirational teachers and its range of extra-curricular activities.

Headteacher Chris Prosser said: “This is a huge achievement, which demonstrates that, since being judged outstanding by Ofsted in June 2013, we have not become complacent and instead continued to build on our tradition of excellence and move beyond outstanding.

“It shows that governors, staff and parents are all highly ambitious for their students. Excellence is pursued in everything we do and I am delighted that all our hard work and dedication has been recognised.”

Assistant headteacher Phil Wilson added: “It is great that the hard work put in by our staff and students is being recognised outside the local community.”

English teacher Anya Smith said: “We all aspire to be the best of the best, but to achieve that status as one of Tatler’s 21 gold star state schools must delight all associated with The Downs School. The worthy accolade is in recognition of, in Tatler’s words, ‘stellar exam results, charming well-disciplined pupils, inspiring teachers and a boggling range of extra-curriculars’ as well as Ofsted’s outstanding rating.

“Now Tatler’s readership of 173,000 know what past and present pupils, parents, staff and friends of the school already knew – that being part of The Downs School is something worth celebrating.”

“Congratulations one and all.”