Heronsgate Primary School Review 2026: Dual-Site Excellence in Thamesmead

Heronsgate Primary School is among the highest-performing primary schools in England, ranking in the top 16% nationally and placing 19th out of 53 ranked primaries in Greenwich. This Outstanding-rated, non-denominational community primary operates across two campuses in the Royal Borough of Greenwich: the main Thamesmead site on Whinchat Road and the Royal Arsenal campus on Burrage Grove in Woolwich. Serving 748 pupils aged 3 to 11, Heronsgate has built a reputation for academic strength anchored by its distinctive mission to "discover and realise the genius in everyone". The school's standout features include its designation as an Apple Distinguished School and Apple Regional Training Centre for 2025-26, alongside exceptional results that see 84% of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well above the national average of 62%.

Ofsted inspectors in December 2022 found an "exceptional school" where staff and pupils are fully committed to the school's ambition. The school admits 60 children to the Thamesmead campus and 30 to the Royal Arsenal site each September, with admissions managed by Royal Borough of Greenwich. With nursery provision from age 3 and a capacity of 918, this is a large school that maintains a warm community ethos across both locations.

Heronsgate Primary School's core philosophy revolves around the belief that every child possesses unique potential waiting to be unlocked. The school's mission—to "discover and realise the genius in everyone"—is not merely a slogan but a lived commitment reflected in the school's highly personalised approach to learning and support. Core values of responsibility, respect, resilience, kindness, honesty and co-operation underpin daily life, shaping interactions between staff, pupils and families.

The dual-site structure is central to Heronsgate's identity. The Thamesmead campus, set on Whinchat Road in the SE28 postcode, serves as the larger of the two sites, while the Royal Arsenal campus on Burrage Grove provides a second home for younger learners in Woolwich. Both campuses maintain state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, specialist music rooms and extensive grounds. Inspectors noted that the school's leadership and governors share a highly ambitious vision, supported by staff who appreciate the strong professional development culture and the emphasis on wellbeing.

Heronsgate's ethos extends beyond academic achievement. Through the Heronsgate Charter, pupils participate in enterprise activities, fundraising for the local community and learning first aid. The school holds the Royal Borough of Greenwich Equality Charter, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive practices, and its early years provision earned an Outstanding grade from Ofsted. Parents and carers benefit from breakfast clubs, after-school programmes and support from the Friends of Heronsgate parent organisation.

Heronsgate Primary School delivers outcomes that place it among the strongest performers in the country. At Key Stage 2, 84% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, significantly above the national average of 62%. The school excels particularly in mathematics, where 88% of pupils met the expected standard and 45% achieved the higher standard, compared to just 8% nationally. In reading, 84% reached the expected standard, with 40% hitting the high score threshold. Grammar, punctuation and spelling saw 85% meeting expectations and 41% achieving high scores.

The combined scaled score across reading, grammar and maths stood at 323, reflecting strong attainment across the board. Notably, 31% of pupils achieved the higher standard in all three core subjects, nearly four times the national average of 8%. Science performance was equally impressive, with 86% of pupils reaching the expected standard, above the national figure of 82%.

Leadership and curriculum design underpin these results. Ofsted inspectors in December 2022 praised the well-sequenced, ambitious curriculum that ensures pupils with special educational needs and disabilities achieve well and learn alongside their peers. Leaders have developed precise systems to identify SEND pupils early and deploy expert support, with plans tailored to individual needs. The SENDCos, Mrs Jegede and Miss Bashford, oversee this provision, ensuring that pupils with complex needs receive the help they require.

Reading is a particular strength. Staff are highly trained in phonics instruction, and children in the early years build confidence and enjoyment through a carefully structured early reading curriculum. By Year 1, pupils develop strong phonics knowledge, enabling them to read with accuracy and fluency and fostering a genuine love of reading. Inspectors noted that all pupils, regardless of background or starting point, benefit from expert teaching and high expectations.

The school's Apple Distinguished School status and role as an Apple Regional Training Centre for 2025-26 reflect its commitment to integrating technology meaningfully into the curriculum. Under the leadership of Director of Digital Learning Mr Lings, Heronsgate delivers training courses to educators across the region, building confidence in using Apple technology inside and outside the classroom.

Admissions to Heronsgate Primary School are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and competition for places is intense. At the most recent primary entry round, the school received 193 applications for 82 places, resulting in a subscription rate of 2.35, meaning the school was more than twice oversubscribed. All first-preference applicants who received offers did so successfully, but the high level of demand means securing a place can be challenging.

The admissions criteria prioritise children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school, looked-after and previously looked-after children, pupils with professionally supported medical or social needs, siblings of current pupils, and finally children living closest to the school. Distance is the key determinant for most applicants, and the furthest distance offered in the most recent round was 33.4 miles, though this outlier likely reflects sibling priority or exceptional circumstances. In practice, proximity to one of the two campuses is essential for most families.

Parents apply to Heronsgate Primary School without initially specifying a campus preference. Once a place is offered, the school invites families to indicate their preferred site—Thamesmead (60 places) or Royal Arsenal (30 places). This dual-site model offers flexibility while maintaining a single admissions process. Families whose children turn four on or before 31 August 2026 must apply to the Royal Borough of Greenwich for a primary place, with the closing date typically in mid-January for September entry.

Heronsgate's location in West Thamesmead and Woolwich places it at the heart of a diverse, well-connected area of South East London. The SE28 and SE18 postcodes are served by good transport links, including bus routes and proximity to Elizabeth Line services at Woolwich. The school offers tours for prospective parents, with visits scheduled at both campuses throughout the autumn term. Given the school's popularity and strong results, attending a tour and submitting a well-informed application is advisable.

Heronsgate Primary School is an exceptional choice for families seeking a high-achieving, inclusive and forward-thinking primary education in Greenwich. The school's Outstanding Ofsted rating, top-tier academic performance and innovative approach to technology distinguish it as one of the capital's standout primaries. Results speak for themselves: 84% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, with 31% achieving the higher standard across all three—figures that place Heronsgate firmly in the top tier nationally.

The dual-site model, while operationally complex, offers families in both Thamesmead and Woolwich access to the same excellent provision. The school's mission to "discover and realise the genius in everyone" is more than rhetoric; it is reflected in the strong SEND support, expert phonics teaching, ambitious curriculum and commitment to equality. Leadership is robust, staff wellbeing is prioritised, and the ethos of resilience, respect and co-operation permeates the school community.

Competition for places is fierce, and proximity remains the decisive factor for most applicants. Families should apply early, attend a school tour and ensure their application reflects their genuine preference. For those fortunate enough to secure a place, Heronsgate offers a nurturing yet academically rigorous environment where children are encouraged to achieve their best and develop a lifelong love of learning. This is a school that combines warmth, ambition and excellence in equal measure.

Is Heronsgate Primary School a good school?

Yes, Heronsgate Primary School is an Outstanding school according to Ofsted (inspected December 2022) and ranks in the top 16% of primary schools nationally. It delivers well-above-average results, with 84% of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, significantly higher than the national average of 62%. The school excels in mathematics, reading and science, and provides strong support for pupils with SEND. Leadership is highly ambitious, the curriculum is well-sequenced, and the school holds Apple Distinguished School status.

How do I apply to Heronsgate Primary School?

Admissions are managed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Parents whose children turn four on or before 31 August 2026 must apply through the Greenwich admissions portal, typically by mid-January for September entry. Once a place is offered, families indicate their preferred campus (Thamesmead or Royal Arsenal). The school prioritises children with EHC Plans, looked-after children, those with medical or social needs, siblings and then proximity. Given the high demand (subscription rate of 2.35), early application and attendance at a school tour are advisable.

What are the admission criteria for Heronsgate Primary School?

Admissions follow Royal Borough of Greenwich criteria: children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school receive highest priority, followed by looked-after and previously looked-after children, pupils with professionally supported medical or social needs, siblings of current pupils, and finally children ranked by distance from the school. The school operates across two sites, and families indicate campus preference after an offer is made. Sibling priority and distance are the key determinants for most families.

What age range does Heronsgate Primary School cater to?

Heronsgate Primary School serves children aged 3 to 11, with nursery provision from age 3 and primary education through to Year 6. The school operates across two campuses in Greenwich—Thamesmead and Royal Arsenal—with a total capacity of 918 pupils. Reception entry admits 60 children at the Thamesmead site and 30 at Royal Arsenal each September. The school does not have secondary or sixth form provision.

What is the Ofsted rating for Heronsgate Primary School?

Heronsgate Primary School was rated Outstanding in all categories by Ofsted in December 2022, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Inspectors described it as an "exceptional school" where staff and pupils are fully committed to discovering and realising the genius in everyone. The school's phonics teaching, SEND support and curriculum were all highlighted as strengths.