Ofsted inspectors visited Heathfield Academy, on Aberdeen Road, on July 1 and 2, for their first inspection since being judged Outstanding in 2018.
Since September 2024, Ofsted no longer gives schools an overall effectiveness grade.
However, inspectors confirmed that Heathfield Academy has taken effective action to maintain the high standards identified at its last full inspection.
Inspectors said pupils “thrive at this exceptional school” and benefit from “an excellent education” from the moment they start in Reception.
They praised the “kind and caring” relationships between pupils and staff, noting that children are confident teachers will listen and help if they have any worries.
As a result, inspectors said pupils feel “happy and safe at school”.
Pupils’ behaviour was described as “impeccable”, with children collaborating and focusing extremely well on their learning.
The school was found to have “high academic ambition” for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and inspectors said pupils are “rightly proud” to meet those expectations.
End-of-year outcomes for Year 6 pupils in reading, writing and mathematics in 2024 were “extremely high”, with pupils “exceptionally well prepared” for secondary school.
Inspectors praised the range of leadership opportunities available, including house captains, reading buddies and a children’s parliament.
Pupils were said to develop a “deep understanding of human rights and British values”, leaving them “very well prepared for life in modern Britain”.
Heathfield’s curriculum was described as “broad, balanced and ambitious”, with teachers using their “very strong subject knowledge” to explain new ideas clearly and check pupils’ understanding effectively.
The report highlighted the school’s “deep culture of reading”, saying younger pupils quickly become confident readers thanks to highly effective phonics teaching.
Older pupils were said to “appreciate the high-quality texts they read”, which develop their curiosity and love of learning.
Inspectors found that pupils with SEND are “exceptionally well supported”, with staff identifying needs swiftly and providing tailored support.
Pupils were described as “polite, helpful and friendly”, and attendance across the school remains high.
The report also praised the school’s work to develop pupils’ personal, social and emotional understanding through a well-planned PSHE programme covering topics such as mental health, financial literacy and social media use.
Pupils take part in enrichment activities including workshops, educational visits and clubs in subjects such as coding, chess, sewing and environmental awareness.
Year 5 pupils were noted for their work with local architects on the impact of climate change in the community.
Disadvantaged pupils were said to be “fully included” in all aspects of school life.
Inspectors said the school is “led exceptionally well at all levels”, with staff praising the support they receive for both their well-being and professional development.
Parents were equally positive, with one describing Heathfield as “a magical place”.
Heathfield Academy is part of STEP Academy Trust, which also oversees other schools in the area.
Nathaniel Blanks, Head Teacher at Heathfield Academy, said: “Our whole school community is delighted with the outcome of the report.
“Our staff are committed to giving our pupils the best possible learning experiences every day, so to see this ethos reflected and applauded in the report is excellent.
“We will continue to live and breathe our values of Passion, Urgency, Positivity, Aspiration and Commitment in everything we do to give our pupils the best start on their education journey.
“I would like to say a huge thank you and well done to all our staff, pupils, families and the wider Heathfield Academy community.”
Sarah Mackay, Head of EYFS and Phonics at STEP Academy Trust and former Head at Heathfield, said: “I am incredibly proud of our recent Ofsted report, which reflects the dedication, passion and excellence of the brilliant team at Heathfield and the wider STEP community.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, the unwavering support of our families and the vibrant spirit of our children.”
