Heston Community School Review 2026: A Hub of Ambition in West London

Located in the heart of Heston, Heston Community School serves a diverse and vibrant population within the London Borough of Hounslow. This mixed secondary and post-16 school, which has been part of the local landscape since its establishment in 1932, currently caters to approximately 1,300 students. The school has a reputation for combining academic steady-handedness with a commitment to social mobility.

Under the leadership of Headteacher Mr Ranjit Berdesha, who was appointed to the role in 2017 after serving as Deputy Head, the school has maintained a consistent focus on high expectations. The latest official assessments confirm that Heston Community School remains a Good school, with inspectors highlighting the strong sense of community and the respectful relationships between students and staff. The campus itself is a mix of original 1930s architecture and modern additions, including a specialist sports hall and refurbished science laboratories.

The atmosphere at Heston Community School is one of calm productivity. At the start of the day, the gates on Heston Road reveal a well-ordered environment where students arrive promptly and in smart uniform. There is a palpable sense of diversity here, with many languages spoken across the school community, yet a shared identity as Hestonians.

The school operates as a part of a wider community hub, and this is reflected in the staff's approach to pastoral care. Teachers are visible and accessible, and students report feeling safe and well-supported. The 1932 red-brick facade provides a sense of historical continuity, while the newer blocks represent the school's forward-looking aspirations.

Leadership is stable and experienced. Mr Berdesha’s long tenure has allowed for a consistent implementation of the school’s core values: Ambition, Resilience, and Responsibility. These values are woven into the daily life of the school, from the way achievements are celebrated in assemblies to the restorative approach used to manage behaviour.

At GCSE, Heston Community School demonstrates solid performance. The school ranks 1,340th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranks 13th among 16 secondary schools in Hounslow. This places the school in the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflecting a consistent and reliable academic standard.

The Progress 8 score of +0.29 is a significant indicator for parents; it shows that students here make more progress between Year 7 and Year 11 than their peers with similar starting points across England. The average Attainment 8 score sits at 48.6, which is comfortably above the England average.

In the Sixth Form, the school ranks 1,107th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the 9th position locally in Hounslow. More than half of all A-level entries (53.2%) achieved A* to B grades, while over 20% hit the top A* or A grades. These results exceed local averages and demonstrate that the school is a viable alternative to local sixth form colleges for academically ambitious students.

Teaching follows a structured and ambitious framework designed to challenge students at all levels. The curriculum is broad in Key Stage 3, allowing students to explore a wide range of subjects before narrowing their focus for GCSEs. In the secondary phase, there is a strong emphasis on the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects, with nearly 25% of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above across this rigorous suite of qualifications.

The school provides specialist support for students with additional needs through its special classes provision. This integrated approach ensures that students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are not isolated but are supported to access the full curriculum.

Sixth Form students have access to a dedicated study centre and a range of A-level and vocational pathways. Subject expertise is a strength in the post-16 phase, particularly in Mathematics, Science, and the Humanities, where teachers use their deep subject knowledge to prepare students for university-level study.

Where Students Go Next

For the 2023/24 cohort, the progression data tells a story of high aspirations. According to official figures, 71% of leavers progressed to university, a figure that highlights the school's success in fostering academic ambition.

While the school does not publish a full list of specific university destinations for every student, the published figures suggest that the elite university pipeline is active. In the most recent measurement period, five students submitted applications to Oxford or Cambridge, with one student successfully securing a place at the University of Cambridge.

Beyond university, 11% of students entered direct employment and 6% secured apprenticeships. This varied range of destinations suggests that the school’s careers guidance effectively supports students in finding the right pathway for their skills and interests.

Securing a place at Heston Community School is a competitive process. The school is consistently oversubscribed. In the 2025 cycle, there were 552 applications for 200 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 2.76 applications for every offer made.

Admissions are coordinated by the Hounslow Local Authority. After priority is given to looked-after children and those with specific medical or social needs, places are allocated based on sibling links and then proximity to the school. In 2025, the last distance offered was 2.215 miles. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Fees & Financial Aid

Heston Community School is a state-funded academy, which means it is free to attend for all eligible residents. There are no tuition fees.

Associated costs such as school uniforms, educational trips, and specialized equipment for certain practical subjects are the responsibility of families. However, the school provides financial support through the Pupil Premium and other grants for families facing financial hardship. Support for students in the Sixth Form is also available through the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, which helps cover costs like transport, books, and essential equipment.

Pastoral care is a clear priority, structured around a year-group system that ensures every student has a dedicated tutor and Head of Year. This ensures that students are known as individuals and that any issues, whether academic or personal, are identified early.

The school’s commitment to wellbeing is evidenced by its investment in mental health support and peer mentoring. Behaviour is generally calm and consistent, with clear expectations that are understood by the student body. External reviews point to a safeguarding culture that is effective and pervasive, with students reporting that they know who to turn to if they have concerns.

The extracurricular life of the school is varied and designed to cater to a range of interests. Heston Community School is particularly well-regarded for its sports provision, making use of the large sports hall and outdoor courts for competitive fixtures in football, basketball, and netball.

STEM

STEM excellence is a growing focus. The school hosts a popular Coding Club and participates in regional robotics competitions. Science enrichment includes the Dissection Society for aspiring medical students and regular visits to London's major museums and universities to inspire interest in engineering and physics.

Creative arts also play a significant role, with an annual school production and various music ensembles, including the Heston Choir and a growing jazz band. The school’s facilities for art and design technology are well-utilised, with student work frequently displayed in the main reception area.

The school day typically begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:10pm. For students in the Sixth Form, the day may extend depending on their specific timetable and study requirements.

The school is well-served by local transport. The nearest Underground station is Hounslow West (Piccadilly Line), which is about a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride away. Several bus routes, including the 111 and H32, stop directly outside or very near the school. There is limited on-site parking for visitors, so walking or public transport is encouraged for local families.

• Oversubscribed Status: With nearly three applications for every place, Heston is a popular choice. Families living towards the edge of the two-mile last-offered distance should be aware that entry is not guaranteed. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• Urban Environment: The school is located on a busy road in a densely populated area. While the campus itself is secure and well-managed, the immediate surroundings are typically urban and can be congested during drop-off and pick-up times.
• High Academic Expectations: The school’s focus on the EBacc and traditional A-levels means the pace is purposeful. While support is available, students are expected to be self-motivated and resilient in their studies.

Heston Community School is a robust and reliable choice for families in West London who are looking for a school that balances academic ambition with a strong community feel. Its solid GCSE and A-level results, combined with a positive progress score, demonstrate that it serves its students well across the ability range. Best suited to local families who want a well-ordered, inclusive environment with a clear pathway to university and professional employment.