Heathfield Community College

  • Secondary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Good

Cade Street, Heathfield, TN21 8RJOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Heathfield Community College is a secondary school in Heathfield for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 214 schools in East Sussex. It ranks 7th of 22 secondary schools in East Sussex. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 23 May 2023, report published 5 July 2023

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 May 2023

Leaders have very high aspirations for pupils at this school. They are determined that pupils receive a great education. Staff meet the needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), well. The school values of 'Pride, Ambition, Community' are lived out in daily life. Pupils flourish here. They are well mannered and polite. Staff set a high bar in terms of pupils' conduct. Pupils feel happy and safe in this vibrant and nurturing school. They know that the well-regarded pastoral team will help them with any problems. Bullying is rare. If it happens, pupils know how to report it. It is dealt with swiftly by staff. Pupils benefit from a wealth of leadership opportunities. They relish taking on these important roles, including digital geniuses, sports leaders and eco-reps. Pupils make a real difference to continually improving life at their school. Their views are sought, valued and acted on by leaders. Pupils enjoy an extensive range of enrichment activities and educational trips. Many participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. Others represent their school in sports, music and arts. The school's radio, newspaper and TV station showcase pupils' interests and views on current affairs exceptionally well.

What the school should improve

  • A small minority of staff do not have strong enough pedagogical knowledge. This means that, in some subjects, pupils do not learn and achieve as well as they could. Leaders know this and are supporting staff. Leaders should continue to provide less experienced staff with professional development so that the delivery of the curriculum is strong across all areas.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

232 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score50.6

50.6, 4.5 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths53.9%

53.9%, 8.5 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths73.3%

73.3%, 8.5 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc51.7%

51.7%, 11.2 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score4.49

4.49, 0.4 above the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

142 students

Average point score per A level entry38.83

38.83, 3.83 above the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade B, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,416 pupils on roll, with places for 1,500

Eligible for free school meals14.8%

14.8%, 11.7 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language2.8%

2.8%, 18.8 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support4%

4%, 10.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.5%

2.5%, 3.5 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Heathfield Community College

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Mayfield School4 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 63.5
Uplands Academy7 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 42.5
Hailsham Academy7 milesOfsted: InadequateNot published
Beacon Academy8 milesOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 50.2
Bede's Senior School8 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 26.4

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Ms Caroline Barlow
Address
Cade Street, Heathfield, TN21 8RJ
Local authority
East Sussex
URN
114587

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.