"A strong academic foundation for all students"

Heron Hall Academy Ofsted Inspection 2024

"A strong academic foundation for all students"

Ofsted has published its report on the findings of its inspection of our school in October.

Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement – such as ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ - in inspections of state-funded schools. However, the report captures many aspects of the exceptional work happening at Heron Hall Academy, which we are immensely proud of.  

Heron Hall Academy will continue to strive for excellence and improvement in everything we do, ensuring every pupil achieves their full potential.

Key Highlights from the Report:

1. A welcoming and inclusive community:

"Pupils value the diversity celebrated at Heron Hall. All pupils, and students in the sixth form, are welcomed to this highly inclusive community, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)."

" Pupils feel safe and supported, knowing that well-trained staff are available to help them with any worries."

 2. Ambitious curriculum and high standards in teaching:

"Pupils follow a carefully considered curriculum, including in the sixth form." Lessons are "typically purposeful," helping pupils "build up their knowledge and skills over time."  This demonstrates the school’s commitment to ensuring a strong academic foundation for all pupils.

 3. High-quality teaching:

"Teachers have strong subject knowledge and present knowledge clearly. Teachers routinely check pupils’ understanding. This ensures that, in most cases, any misconceptions are swiftly identified and corrected." This reflects the effectiveness of the teaching in fostering high standards.

 4. Closing the disadvantage gap:

"The gap between those who are disadvantaged and those who are not is closing and smaller than the gap nationally." This highlights the school’s success in ensuring equity in academic achievement.

5. Opportunities beyond the classroom:

Pupils enjoy "an ambitious range of additional activities to further enhance their learning," including the robotics club, book club, and talks with professionals such as a criminal barrister. They also benefit from regular visits "beyond their local area," including trips to "Kew Gardens and the Houses of Parliament."

6. Tailored support for all pupils:

Systems are in place to "identify pupils with additional needs," ensuring that pupils with SEND or early-stage English learners receive the help they need to "access the same curriculum as their peers." 

Pupils struggling with reading are supported to "read with increasing accuracy, fluency, and confidence," with the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers "smaller than the gap nationally."

7. Strong preparation for the future:

Pupils, including sixth-form students, are supported to "prepare for their next stage of education, employment or training." The school provides opportunities to "learn about and engage positively with a range of employers and further education providers," including during work experience placements and the "annual careers fair."

These findings affirm the hard work of our dedicated staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the support of our wider school community.

We will continue to build on this positive foundation as we strive for excellence in every area. Your partnership in supporting our pupils' success is invaluable, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.

You can read the full Ofsted report and letter here.