Downshire Primary School Hillsborough, HILLSBOROUGH
Downshire Primary School Hillsborough is a primary school for pupils in Hillsborough.
Data last updated 18 Oct 2026
Downshire Primary School Hillsborough in detail
School in Northern Ireland
Downshire Primary School Hillsborough is a controlled school in Northern Ireland, where schools are inspected by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) rather than Ofsted.
621 pupils are enrolled, 5% are entitled to free school meals and 12% are Catholic and 50% Protestant.
80 pupils (13% of those enrolled) are on the special educational needs register at stages 1 to 3 of the Code of Practice, 28 of them with a statement.
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state primary schools to Downshire Primary School Hillsborough are Meadow Bridge Primary School (2.6 miles), Riverdale Primary School (2.8 miles), Old Warren Primary School (2.8 miles) and Knockmore Primary School (3 miles).
Meadow Bridge Primary SchoolRiverdale Primary SchoolOld Warren Primary SchoolKnockmore Primary School
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Downshire Primary School Hillsborough.
8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Wapping Lane, 190 metres away.
Sources: Department of Education (NI) school data; NaPTAN (Department for Transport)
Key Information
Department of Education (NI)Inspection
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Downshire Primary School Hillsborough in March 2017.
Source: Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), Northern Ireland.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Special Measures
Keep up with Downshire Primary School Hillsborough
Getting There
Bus Stops
Commute and house prices
Special educational needs
80
Pupils on the SEN register (stages 1 to 3)
12.9%
of pupils enrolled
28
With a statement (stage 3)
52
At stages 1 to 2
From the Department of Education (NI) school census. The department does not publish very small counts, which show here as "Not published".
Questions parents ask about Downshire Primary School Hillsborough
When was Downshire Primary School Hillsborough last inspected?
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) last published an inspection report on Downshire Primary School Hillsborough in March 2017.
How are places allocated at Downshire Primary School Hillsborough?
Northern Ireland does not use catchment areas. Places at Downshire Primary School Hillsborough are allocated on the school's published admissions criteria through the Education Authority's transfer process, and post-primary schools may use an entrance assessment.
How do I apply to Downshire Primary School Hillsborough?
Apply through the Education Authority's online admissions system, naming Downshire Primary School Hillsborough. Applications usually open in January, and post-primary places may depend on an entrance assessment taken in the previous autumn.
Where is Downshire Primary School Hillsborough?
Downshire Primary School Hillsborough is at 7 BALLYNAHINCH ROAD, HILLSBOROUGH, DOWN, BT26 6AR.