St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School Review 2026: Faith-Centred Excellence in Willesden

In Willesden, where Victorian terraces meet modern housing blocks, St Joseph's has served the Catholic community since 1930. The school's 2024 KS2 results place it among the highest-performing primaries in England, ranking 94th nationwide and first in Brent. 98% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that surpasses the England average by a considerable margin. This is a school where Catholic faith and academic ambition walk hand in hand.

The school sits on Goodson Road, a quiet residential street that feels removed from the busier thoroughfares of Willesden. The buildings blend function with warmth: classrooms are bright, corridors display pupil work, and the hall doubles as a gathering space for Mass and assembly.

Mrs Maria O'Sullivan has led the school since 2018, bringing two decades of experience in Catholic primary education. Under her leadership, the school has maintained its Outstanding Ofsted rating, awarded in 2019. The inspection praised the rich curriculum, exceptional behaviour, and the way Catholic values permeate every aspect of school life.

Catholic identity is genuine and visible. The day begins with prayer. Year groups attend Mass regularly at the adjacent church. Statues and religious imagery are present but never overwhelming. Pupils speak naturally about Gospel values, kindness, and service to others.

The school serves approximately 510 pupils, two-form entry from Reception through Year 6, with a nursery for two, three, and four-year-olds. Staff turnover is low. Teachers know families well, and many parents are themselves former pupils.

Results are exceptional. In 2024, 98% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. The school ranks 94th in England for primary outcomes and first among 79 primaries in Brent, placing it among the highest-performing schools in the country (top 1% in England).

Reading scaled score of 112 and mathematics scaled score of 109 both significantly exceed England averages of 105 and 104 respectively. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling performance is particularly strong, with a scaled score of 114 and 82% of pupils achieving the higher standard.

At the higher standard, 46% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. In reading alone, 74% reached the higher standard. These figures reflect a school that challenges even the most able pupils.

Science is equally strong, with 96% meeting expected standards against an England average of 82%.

Teaching is structured and purposeful. The curriculum follows the national framework with notable enrichment. Specialist teaching begins early: Spanish is taught from Reception by a native speaker, and music lessons incorporate whole-class instrumental tuition from Year 3.

Mathematics teaching is particularly strong. Pupils are set by ability from Year 4, allowing targeted support and challenge. In 2024, 99% of pupils met expected standards in mathematics, with 40% achieving the higher standard.

Reading is prioritised across the school. Phonics instruction begins in Reception, with pupils achieving well above national averages in the Year 1 phonics screening check. By Year 6, pupils read with confidence and fluency.

Teachers set high expectations and provide clear structures. Lessons move at pace. Pupils are expected to listen, contribute, and work independently.

Pastoral care is rooted in Catholic social teaching. The school emphasises dignity, respect, and care for the vulnerable. Behaviour is excellent. Pupils are polite, well-mannered, and considerate of others.

Each class has a dedicated teaching assistant alongside the class teacher. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator works five days per week and coordinates support for approximately 55 pupils on the SEN register, including those with Education, Health and Care Plans.

Safeguarding is a clear priority. Staff receive regular training, and systems for reporting concerns are well established. The school works closely with external agencies when needed.

A trained counsellor visits weekly for pupils needing additional emotional support. The school also runs nurture groups for pupils experiencing social or emotional difficulties.

Extracurricular life reflects the school's values and ambitions. Pupils participate in charity fundraising, raising significant sums annually for causes including CAFOD, Mary's Meals, and local homeless charities. Year 6 pupils organise and lead these initiatives, developing leadership skills and a sense of service.

Music is strong. The school choir performs at local events and in the church. Pupils learn recorder in Year 3 before progressing to other instruments. A steel pan ensemble rehearses weekly.

Sport is well provided. Football, netball, athletics, and cross-country clubs run after school. The school competes successfully in borough competitions, regularly finishing in the top three.

Additional clubs include coding, art, drama, and gardening. Pupils also participate in local public speaking competitions, with notable success.

Residential trips include a Year 6 journey to the Isle of Wight, combining outdoor activities with teamwork challenges. Younger pupils visit local museums, galleries, and places of worship as part of the RE curriculum.

Admissions are coordinated by Brent Council, but the school operates as a Voluntary Aided Catholic school with its own admissions criteria. Faith criteria take priority.

The school is consistently oversubscribed, with 154 applications for 60 Reception places in 2024. All applicants must complete the school's Supplementary Information Form in addition to the Common Application Form.

Priority is given to baptised Catholic children, with categories based on practising status, sibling connections, and proximity to the school. A Certificate of Catholic Practice, signed by the parish priest, is required for some categories.

In 2024, the last distance offered was 3.48 miles for Category 3 applicants (baptised Catholics without siblings at the school and not regularly practising). Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families should verify current distances before relying on a place here.

Non-Catholic families may apply but are considered only after all Catholic applicants have been placed. In recent years, all places have gone to Catholic families.

The majority of pupils progress to Catholic secondary schools, particularly Cardinal Hinsley Catholic School, Preston Manor School (which has a Catholic foundation), and St Gregory's Catholic Science College. A small number secure places at selective independent schools or grammar schools outside the borough.

Transition arrangements are thorough. The school works closely with receiving secondary schools to ensure a smooth handover. Year 6 pupils visit their new schools in the summer term, and secondary staff visit St Joseph's to meet pupils.

School day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast club operates from 7:45am; after-school club runs until 6pm. Both are available on a pay-as-you-use basis. Holiday club operates during main school holidays.

The nursery offers morning and afternoon sessions for two-year-olds, and full-time places for three and four-year-olds. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families. For nursery fee details and funding information, visit the school website.

School uniform includes grey trousers or skirts, white polo shirt, and maroon jumper. PE kit is royal blue. Uniform can be purchased from the school office or local suppliers.

The school is located on Goodson Road, accessible by bus (routes 52, 206, 260, and 297 stop nearby). On-street parking is limited. Willesden Junction station (Bakerloo line and Overground) is approximately 15 minutes' walk.

Faith commitment expected. The school's Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Pupils attend Mass regularly, prayer is part of the daily routine, and Catholic teaching informs the curriculum. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer, regular Masses, and explicit religious instruction should look elsewhere.

Certificate of Catholic Practice required for priority. Families seeking priority admission under practising Catholic categories must obtain a Certificate of Catholic Practice from their parish priest, demonstrating regular Mass attendance over at least two years. This requires planning and genuine engagement with parish life.

Oversubscription and distance. With 154 applications for 60 places, competition is intense. In 2024, the last distance offered was 3.48 miles, but this was for a lower priority category. Baptised Catholic families with siblings already at the school are prioritised. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

High expectations may feel pressured. With 98% of pupils meeting expected standards and nearly half achieving greater depth, the academic culture is ambitious. Pupils who struggle to keep pace may find the environment challenging, though support is available.

Exceptional results, strong Catholic identity, and a genuine sense of community make St Joseph's a highly sought-after choice for Catholic families in Willesden and beyond. The school combines academic rigour with faith-centred values, producing pupils who are well-prepared for secondary school and grounded in their beliefs. Best suited to practising Catholic families seeking an environment where faith and learning are inseparable. The main challenge is securing a place; for those who do, the education is among the best available in state primary provision.