Heron Park Primary Academy
Eastbourne, BN22 9EE · East Sussex · primary school
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107th of 130 primary schools in East Sussex we can score, 144 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 1.3/10 against 1,867 of them, against 1.5/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 41.0 · 9 | 40% | 0.36 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.79 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.60 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Heron Park Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 41.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (1.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join dance, volleyball, football and gymnastics clubs, or learn guitar, violin, keyboard, piano and singing. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 303 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment towards the higher standard? How does the current curriculum align with the 2022 inspection recommendations?
What Ofsted said about Heron Park Primary Academy
Overview
Heron Park Primary Academy is described as a place where pupils are proud and happy, guided by core values of being ‘respectful, curious, independent, resilient and aspirational’. Leaders and staff have driven ‘considerable improvement’ since the previous inspection, establishing a ‘good standard of education’ with strong strategic direction and support from the trust.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe and welcome, with bullying being rare and staff resolving issues quickly; they trust adults and use ‘worry boxes’ to raise concerns.
- English and mathematics curricula are ‘well ordered’, allowing teachers to spot knowledge gaps promptly and provide effective support, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Reading is taught ‘consistently and expertly’, with a new library at the heart of the school; phonics skills are learned quickly, and struggling pupils receive timely help.
- The early years curriculum is developed well, with language development interwoven through activities, ensuring children ‘get off to a good start’.
- Governors are increasingly effective, using improved information to ‘question leaders’ and help drive the school forward.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum is not yet fully in place in some subjects, meaning pupils ‘do not learn and remember the planned curriculum fully’.
- Some subject leaders are new or unfamiliar with new curriculum plans, limiting their ability to support teachers; senior leaders must provide further training to ensure consistent implementation.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being vigilant in recording and reporting concerns, and the curriculum adapted to address risks such as online safety.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 31% |
| 2023/24 | 44% |
| 2024/25 | 41% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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