St Cuthbert Mayne Catholic Primary School Review 2026: High-attaining faith school in Cranleigh

An oversubscribed Catholic primary that combines a clear faith identity with results that stand out well beyond Surrey. In the most recent Key Stage 2 measures available, 86% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, well above the England average of 62%. Its FindMySchool ranking places it well above England average (top 10%), and it sits 1st locally in the Cranleigh area for primary outcomes.

The school is one-form entry in character, with an intake size that typically feels close-knit rather than anonymous. A house system and pupil leadership roles add structure and momentum to daily life. The latest graded inspection outcome is Good (January 2023), including early years provision.

The day is shaped by routine and relationships. The school day begins at 8.50am, with the gate open from 8.40am, and finishes at 3.15pm. That slightly earlier finish matters for working families, but wraparound provision bridges the gap (more on that below).

Faith is integrated rather than bolted on. The mission statement is framed around belonging, aiming high, and growing in faith, and the wider Catholic life includes structured opportunities for pupils to lead worship and help shape prayer life through a Faith Council that meets at least fortnightly.

A house system adds identity across year groups. Pupils are placed into one of four houses, Fatima (Blue), Walsingham (Yellow), Lourdes (Red), and Jerusalem (Green). Weekly house points and a half-termly cup make effort visible, and the cross-year element can be particularly supportive for pupils who benefit from older role models.

Leadership is current and clearly signposted. Mrs Amy O’Donovan is the headteacher, and her appointment as Head of School was publicly linked to a September start, with a formal induction reported in January 2025.

The headline picture at Key Stage 2 is strong in both attainment and depth.

• Expected standard (reading, writing and maths combined): 86%, compared with an England average of 62%.

• Higher standard (greater depth) across reading, writing and maths: 35.67%, compared with an England average of 8%.

• Average scaled scores: reading 110, maths 110, GPS 109.

This places the school well beyond typical performance. In FindMySchool’s England-wide ranking for primary outcomes, it is ranked 665th in England, and 1st locally in Cranleigh, which means it outperforms around 90% of primary schools in England (top 10%). (FindMySchool ranking, based on official outcomes data.)

For parents comparing options, the FindMySchool Local Hub and Comparison Tool can help you view these measures against nearby schools using the same benchmarks, rather than relying on anecdotes.

A useful way to think about the classroom approach here is “high expectations, broken down into small steps, then practised until secure”. That shows up most clearly in core skills.

Reading is treated as a priority, not just a timetable slot. Expectations start in early years and build through a structured phonics approach, with extra help for pupils who fall behind. Older pupils are expected to read widely and choose books that stretch vocabulary and knowledge.

Mathematics is similarly structured. Concepts are taught in manageable chunks so pupils can understand, practise, and remember, and the outcomes suggest this is not just a curriculum intent statement. High scaled scores, strong expected-standard rates, and an unusually high proportion working at higher standard all point in the same direction.

The wider curriculum looks carefully planned, including enrichment woven through year-group maps. Examples referenced in curriculum materials include local area walks, museum visits, and outdoor learning experiences such as Sayers Croft. The implication is a curriculum that aims to build knowledge and experiences alongside test readiness, rather than treating enrichment as an optional extra.

As a state primary, “where next” is mostly about local secondary transfer and fit.

For many families in Cranleigh, the local mainstream secondary option is Glebelands School (11 to 16). It converted to academy status from 1 April 2024, and remains the local destination for many pupils living nearby.

Families considering Catholic secondary routes typically look further afield across Surrey and neighbouring areas, depending on admissions criteria and travel. The best approach is to shortlist secondaries early in Year 5, then use Year 6 to attend open events and test the travel pattern in real time.

Secondary applications for September 2026 entry are already framed by Surrey’s timeline, with the deadline for on-time applications for Year 7 places set out as 31 October 2025 in Surrey’s published arrangements.

Competition is real. In the most recently reported Reception admissions data available here, there were 79 applications for 29 offers, and the school is recorded as oversubscribed. The practical implication is that families should treat this as a “first preference, fully prepared paperwork” school, rather than a fallback.

Admissions are coordinated through Surrey, but the school’s admissions authority is its trust, and a Supplementary Information Form is used if you are applying under faith-related criteria. The broad structure follows a common Catholic admissions pattern: priority for looked-after children, then faith criteria, then other applicants, with ties typically resolved by distance to the school gate where applicable.

Key dates matter, and they arrive quickly. For September 2026 Reception entry in Surrey, applications open on 3 November 2025 and close on 15 January 2026. Offers are released on 16 April 2026 for paper applicants living in Surrey, with online applicants typically notified through the same national offer day window.

If you are trying to understand whether your current address gives you a realistic chance over time, the FindMySchool Map Search is the most practical starting point. It lets you check distance precisely from your home to the school gates, then compare that with historic allocation patterns where available.

Pastoral systems read as orderly rather than performative. Pupil leadership is used as a genuine tool, mentoring younger pupils and contributing to school improvement choices, which can be particularly helpful for confidence and responsibility-building.

Safeguarding has a defined leadership structure, and the January 2023 report confirmed that safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained on reporting systems and a strong culture of vigilance.

For pupils who need additional support, the school signals SEND leadership clearly within its staff structure, with a designated SENDCo listed as part of the leadership team.

The co-curricular offer is unusually specific for a primary, with a blend of internal and provider-led clubs that make it easier for families to plan a week.

Named clubs recently published for Autumn provision include Choir (Years 4 to 6), Boogie Pumps, Little Kickers (younger years), Multi Sports (Years 3 to 6), and a Cranleigh School Activities Club for Years 1 to 2. The evidence here is straightforward: the school is not just claiming “lots of clubs”, it is listing times, year groups, and providers.

For pupils, the implication is breadth without needing to travel. For parents, the main benefit is logistical, clubs sit straight after the 3.15pm finish, then wraparound can extend the day further where needed.

Sports and wider experiences also show up in school communications, including participation in events such as the London Mini Marathon route experience for a pupil running group. This kind of opportunity tends to suit pupils who enjoy representing the school and thrive on shared goals.

The school day runs 8.50am to 3.15pm, with pupils able to enter from 8.40am.

Wraparound care is clearly structured and uses the Oak Room as its base. Breakfast Club runs 7.30am to 8.40am and After School Club runs 3.15pm to 6.00pm. Published session pricing is £7 (regular) or £8 (ad hoc) for breakfast, and £13 (regular) or £14 (ad hoc) for after school, with snacks included after school.

Cranleigh does not have an operational rail station, so most families plan around car and bus routes, with the closest rail stations typically in Guildford and Horsham.

• Admissions pressure. Oversubscription means you should assume a competitive process. If you are relying on a faith criterion, the Supplementary Information Form and supporting evidence become time-critical.

• Faith commitment is central. Catholic life shapes routines and leadership opportunities. Families who prefer a fully secular approach may find the school’s identity too explicit.

• Earlier finish, wraparound costs. The 3.15pm finish is helpful for many children, but working families should price wraparound into their weekly plan.

• Breadth requires opting in. Clubs and opportunities are there, but pupils get the most from them when families commit to the routine and, where relevant, external-provider sign-ups.

A high-performing Catholic primary with clear routines, structured learning, and results that place it well above England averages. It suits families who want a faith-shaped education alongside ambitious academic expectations, and who are prepared to engage early with a competitive admissions process. Entry remains the primary hurdle; for pupils who secure a place, day-to-day school life looks purposeful and well organised.