Heron Primary School
Gloucester, GL4 4BN · Gloucestershire · primary school
Check the area around this school
174th of 218 primary schools in Gloucestershire we can score, 241 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,058 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.3/10 among them, against 3.2/10 nationally. 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 62% | 1.69 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 38% | 1.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Heron Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.3 out of 10 among them, against 3.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Music and Drama, Sign Language, Recorder Club, Summer Singers, Chess Club, and Tag Rugby. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 402 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 to bridge the gap between the 55.0% expected standard and the 64% national median? What specific strategies are used to help the 5.0% of pupils aiming for the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Heron Primary School
Overview
Heron Primary School is described as an “inclusive, welcoming school” where staff are “ambitious for pupils to be successful learners.” The report highlights a strong focus on pupil well-being, with an extensive curriculum designed to build “resilience, confidence and self-belief” following the pandemic. Pupils are reported to be happy, feel safe, and demonstrate high standards of behaviour and respect.
Strengths
- The curriculum “builds pupils’ knowledge about each subject securely,” helping them store information in long-term memory and apply it successfully over time.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “achieve well,” supported by clear targets and adapted lessons that ensure they keep up with peers.
- Most pupils become “competent, independent readers” by the time they move to secondary school, having mastered the phonics code early on.
- Staff apply behaviour rules consistently, resulting in lessons that “flow without interruption” and pupils who “behave well and show respect.”
- The school fosters strong community ties, acting on parent feedback to increase extra-curricular clubs and valuing “strong relationships” with families.
Areas to improve
- The school should promote the value of reading to ensure a “love of reading is part of the school’s culture,” as some older pupils avoid reading due to a lack of confidence or enjoyment.
- Persistent absence remains an issue for a small number of pupils; the school must implement its renewed attendance policies “robustly” to ensure these children access the curriculum.
- Teachers have not identified all specific vocabulary needed for early years personal, social, and emotional development, potentially hindering children’s ability to “express themselves clearly” and interact socially.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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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