Herons’ Moor Academy, located in the Locking Castle area of Weston-super-Mare, has received a positive “Good” rating across all areas from Ofsted following a detailed two-day inspection in May 2025. The primary school, serving 441 pupils aged 3 to 11, is part of the Cabot Learning Federation and is led by Principal Georgina Tinker, who joined in September 2024.
Inspectors celebrated Herons’ Moor as “a happy community where pupils and staff feel a strong sense of belonging.” They highlighted the school’s welcoming atmosphere, strong relationships, and a curriculum designed to be both clear and ambitious. From the youngest Nursery children to Year 6 students, expectations for behaviour and learning are high, with pupils demonstrating enthusiasm and readiness for their next educational stages.
Central to the school’s success is its emphasis on language development. From Nursery, children are encouraged to use subject-specific vocabulary, supported by expert teaching that helps pupils build their communication skills and reading fluency. Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provisions are well tailored, ensuring all pupils receive the support they need to progress confidently.
Reading is a particularly strong area at Herons’ Moor. Inspectors noted the effective support in place for pupils at risk of falling behind, which bolsters both fluency and confidence. However, the report did identify areas for improvement, including more consistent assessment practices in some subjects and higher expectations for handwriting and presentation, which currently show variability.
Beyond academics, Herons’ Moor offers a rich array of extracurricular opportunities. Pupils participate in leadership roles and community projects, such as the eco council’s collaboration with the local council and choir performances at community venues. Clubs like cheerleading, football, chess, and art provide varied experiences that contribute to well-rounded development.
Staff members express strong support for the professional development they receive, and effective leadership from both the school and the Cabot Learning Federation ensures continuous improvement. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences and the support available.
The school’s unique shared campus with a special school also enhances pupils’ social understanding and celebration of diversity. Ofsted confirmed that safeguarding measures are robust and effective.
Principal Georgina Tinker expressed pride in the inspection outcome, emphasizing the commitment of the entire school community to nurturing every child’s potential. The school looks forward to building on these achievements, continuing to foster a caring, inspiring environment for all its pupils.