We are delighted to share the positive outcomes from Heron Academy’s latest Ofsted visit. The scorecard recognises the significant progress our school continues to make in providing a high-quality, inclusive and ambitious education for our pupils. 
 
The scorecard highlights the strength of our inclusive practice and our commitment to ensuring every pupil can thrive. It notes that leaders have developed a thorough understanding of pupils’ needs and have embedded a “total communication environment” to remove barriers for our predominantly non-verbal learners. The report recognises that pupils benefit from targeted support, specialist interventions and strong multi-agency partnerships, helping them to make progress academically, socially and emotionally. 
 
Our personal development offer was also celebrated. Pupils enjoy a wide range of enriching opportunities through arts, music, sport and community-based learning. The scorecard recognises that these experiences help pupils develop confidence, resilience and independence while preparing them for adulthood. 
 
The report also highlights the school’s strong safeguarding culture, noting that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and that leaders have established effective systems, training and partnerships to keep pupils safe. 
 
In curriculum and teaching, the scorecard acknowledges the significant improvements made since the previous inspection, recognising our ambitious curriculum, personalised approach and the commitment of staff to ensuring learning meets the needs of every pupil. 
 
We are particularly proud that the scorecard notes that pupils are proud to be part of Heron Academy and that families express confidence in the support and interventions provided by the school. It also recognises the positive relationships, high expectations and inclusive culture that underpin daily life at Heron. 
 
Melanie Hall-Judd, Headteacher, said: “This scorecard reflects the dedication of our staff, pupils, families, governors and wider partners. We are proud of the progress we have made together and remain committed to providing the very best opportunities and outcomes for every pupil at Heron Academy.” 
 
We would like to thank our entire school community for their continued support as we continue our journey of improvement and excellence. 

Ofsted's new report cards & grades explained

Expected Standard (Green)

The new Expected Standard demonstrates that all students are receiving everything they need and deserve in that area. The Expected Standard also indicates that a school is doing everything it should to meet all statutory and non-statutory legislation.

 

Strong Standard (Dark Green)

Moving up the grades, the new Strong Standard is even harder to secure than the Expected Standard and marks out areas where excellent and consistent work is making a real difference to children and young people.

 

Needs Attention (Orange)

Schools not meeting the Expected Standard in a particular area will receive a Needs Attention outcome. This is not a fail but highlights where further improvements are needed to secure the Expected Standard. It also indicates that Ofsted is confident school leaders are likely to be able to make the necessary improvements.

 

Urgent Improvement (Red) and Exceptional (Blue)

The lowest grade, Urgent Improvement, is used when schools need to urgently address any problems preventing them from providing the Expected Standard of education.

 

Exceptional is the highest standard to achieve and recognises practice that is among the very best nationally which should be shared with other schools to help them improve.