Margaret Roper Catholic Primary School Review 2026: Elite Academic Outcomes with a Grounded Catholic Mission

When the Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone in 1863, he was witnessing the birth of an institution rooted in service to the orphaned. Today, Margaret Roper Catholic Primary School carries that legacy forward on the Purley campus that opened in 1962, where pupils achieve some of the strongest academic outcomes in Croydon. The school ranks 207th in England for primary performance, placing it in the elite tier (top 2%) nationally (FindMySchool ranking). In 2024, 89% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 61%. Behaviour was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in July 2023, and Early Years provision was judged Outstanding. The school serves 214 pupils aged 4-11 and operates as a voluntary aided Catholic school attached to the Parish of Purley, within the Archdiocese of Southwark.

Pupils are genuinely happy here. The Ofsted report noted that everyone feels welcome and part of the school community, with values threading visibly through daily life. Under the leadership of Mr Dermot Mooney, who has served as headteacher since 2006, the school creates an environment where learning is valued and behaviour flourishes. Two assistant heads, Miss Emma Holloway and Mrs Christine Garcia, form part of a stable, experienced leadership team. The chair of governors is Anne-Marie Sawyer.

The school's grounds occupy a dominating position overlooking Purley. An extensive games field adjoins a heated indoor swimming pool, loaned one day each week by the neighbouring Thomas More Catholic School, the secondary partner. The outdoor environment extends learning beyond classrooms. A memorial garden, pavilion, well-stocked pond, wild garden, and soft-surface play areas create spaces for reflection and discovery. The Foundation Stage has its own all-weather outdoor classroom and dedicated play area, ensuring even the youngest pupils access quality outdoor learning.

The Catholic character is genuine and woven throughout school life. Daily collective worship, prayer, and explicit religious teaching are central to the curriculum. Pupils learn about faith while respecting other cultures and beliefs. The school's patron is Margaret Roper, the 16th-century humanist and daughter of Sir Thomas More, whose example shapes the school's values of humility, service, love, responsibility and excellence. The school's overarching mission centres on Gospel values and developing "an educated heart" alongside academic achievement.

Key Stage 2 Performance

Margaret Roper's academic outcomes are consistently exceptional. In 2024, 89% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, well above the England average of 61%. This represents a 28-percentage-point advantage over the national benchmark.

Reading performance was particularly strong. Scaled scores averaged 110 (England average: 100), with 93% of pupils meeting expected standard and 62% achieving greater depth. The school's focus on phonics and early intervention ensures secure foundations from Reception onwards. Teachers encourage pupils to develop a genuine passion for reading, beginning with carefully chosen texts in the early years, progressing to library visits, book recommendations, and shared reading experiences.

In mathematics, 90% of pupils met expected standard (England average: 73%), with a scaled score of 111. The early years were identified by Ofsted as providing a very strong foundation; for example, children in Reception counted the total number of legs for sets of animals accurately, demonstrating both fluency and conceptual understanding. This excellence continues through primary, with 57% achieving greater depth in mathematics.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling results were equally strong. The scaled score of 112 indicates consistent teaching of transcription skills and grammatical knowledge. 83% met expected standard, with 70% achieving greater depth. The school also reported a combined reading, writing and mathematics score of 80% at the expected standard — a 19%age-point advantage over the England average of 61%.

Science attainment saw 86% of pupils reach the expected standard (England average: 82%).

National Rankings

Margaret Roper ranks 207th in England for primary outcomes, placing it in the top 2% of all primary schools nationally (FindMySchool ranking). Within Croydon, it ranks 2nd among all primaries, establishing it as among the strongest-performing schools locally.

Ofsted observed that leaders provide an ambitious curriculum for all pupils so that they achieve well. The school has identified the key knowledge and skills pupils should master in most subjects, allowing teachers to build pupil knowledge progressively. For instance, Year 5 pupils used their prior knowledge of oceans to debate coastal conservation issues, deepening geographical understanding through application.

Teaching is underpinned by consistent phonics instruction. All staff have received training to ensure pupils learn through a systematic approach, enabling secure blending of sounds. Pupils new to English are supported well, with multilingual approaches recognising the school's diverse community. Teachers encourage sustained engagement with texts and independent reading habits from Reception through Year 6.

In mathematics, staff skilfully use technology to support access for pupils with SEND, ensuring the same curriculum is available to all while targeted support removes barriers. The school's curriculum in a few subjects remains under development, and teachers are refining their approach to swiftly address misconceptions when checking understanding, areas Ofsted highlighted for continued attention.

Early years education is exceptional. Children develop resilience and problem-solving skills through thoughtfully planned activities. Reception pupils used their knowledge of joining materials to construct pirate hats independently. Teachers skillfully identify each child's knowledge and plan activities to deepen learning. The emphasis on secure foundations means pupils are fully ready for Year 1.

Year 6 pupils progress to a wide range of secondary schools, reflecting choice and parental preference within the Croydon area. In 2025, pupils are moving to Wallington County Grammar School, Whitgift School, The John Fisher School, Riddlesdown Collegiate, Thomas More Catholic School, St Bede's School, St Philomena's Convent School, Fairley House School, and Woodcote High School. The school does not track pupils beyond their first secondary destination, but strong primary attainment and solid progress measures position leavers well for secondary entry.

Sports and Physical Development

Pupils participate in a wide range of sporting events and competitions. The Thomas More Sports Hall is used regularly for physical education and enrichment. The school's extensive games field supports outdoor games, while the heated swimming pool enables aquatic activities. School outings enhance the curriculum, with pupils enthusiastically describing how field visits strengthen their learning. Formal competitions and inter-house sports create opportunities for both elite performers and wide participation across the pupil body.

Music and Performance

Visits and clubs enhance the curriculum offer. Pupils take pride in representing the school at music events and sporting competitions. While the school website does not publish a detailed list of specific music ensembles, the curriculum includes opportunities for pupils to develop musical interests. Performance is woven throughout school life, with pupils engaging in seasonal productions and celebrations.

Leadership and Character Development

Leaders provide a wealth of opportunities to develop pupils' characters. Pupils take on leadership roles such as friendship ambassadors, who provide peer support during playtime and social transitions. These roles foster responsibility and empathy. Pupils are encouraged to support the wider school community through fundraising events and charitable work. The Catholic social teaching curriculum emphasises service to others and environmental stewardship.

Languages and Cultural Understanding

French is taught in the upper school, with Latin now offered to Year 6 pupils. Communication in a foreign language is valued as an opportunity to understand other cultures. This linguistic breadth supports the school's commitment to recognising "the richness of other cultures and faiths" and equips pupils with skills for an increasingly multilingual world.

Enrichment and Trips

The upper school participates in visits and residential programmes in Britain and Europe. These experiences extend learning beyond the classroom, with pupils developing independence and cultural understanding. A Year 6 residential to Normandy in 2024 combined history, geography and personal development.

Year Groups and Pastoral Organisation

Pupils are organised into eight main classes, each identified by colour (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Pearl, Violet), creating an accessible naming system for young children whilst maintaining class identity. This colour-based system helps Reception and younger pupils navigate school with confidence.

Margaret Roper is heavily oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 105 applications for 30 Reception places, a ratio of 3.5 applications per place. This reflects exceptional local demand and the school's strong reputation.

Admission follows standard local authority procedures. Parents apply through Croydon's coordinated primary admissions system, with applications closing in January for September entry. The school requires Catholic applicants to complete a Certificate of Catholic Practice, which is not mandatory but is needed to apply under the faith criteria. All applicants must complete an Admissions Administration Document to support the admissions process.

The admissions criteria prioritise: looked-after children; children with statements naming the school; Catholic pupils with evidence of practice; children of other faiths and denominations; and, finally, other applicants. Within each category, oversubscription is resolved by proximity to the school, then random draw if necessary. The school advises early registration and recommends visits during the designated open session in the autumn term. Families interested in joining should check the school website for specific dates and timelines.

Ofsted confirmed that arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Leaders know pupils and families well. Robust systems track and support vulnerable pupils, with close liaison with external agencies. All staff receive regular training on safeguarding and know how to identify and report concerns. Governors monitor procedures actively.

Pupils feel safe at school. Teachers provide a range of strategies for pupils to share feelings and worries. Children understand how to keep safe online. The school's values of respect and care are embedded in routines from Reception onwards. Pupils abide by these routines because they respect their peers and genuinely enjoy the positive school environment. This culture of care extends to specific pastoral roles; friendship ambassadors provide structured peer support, particularly at transition times.

Attendance is strong because pupils want to be at school. The positive, calm atmosphere supports pupil focus during lessons and builds their self-regulation.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Full wraparound care is provided: breakfast club opens from 7:30am and after-school club continues until 5:55pm. These extended hours support working families and provide continuity of care.

The school is located in Purley, South London, accessed via Russell Hill Road. The neighbouring Thomas More Catholic School shares facilities and serves as the secondary pathway for those wishing to continue their education within a Catholic environment. Parking is available, though parents are advised that roadworks around Russell Hill Road may periodically affect access.

Croydon Local Authority coordinates school admissions. The school is a voluntary aided institution, meaning its foundation body (the Archdiocese of Southwark) and the local authority share governance responsibility.

Competitive entry. With 3.5 applications per place, admission is fiercely competitive. Families should register early and ensure they understand the faith criteria, if applicable. Siblings are given priority after looked-after children and those with statements, which may affect entry chances for younger siblings without Catholic Practice evidence.

Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. This school embodies Catholic faith explicitly. Daily prayer, regular Masses, religious education, and faith-based service are central. Families uncomfortable with explicit religious teaching or Catholic values should consider secular or non-denominational alternatives.

Faith criteria favour practising Catholics. While the school welcomes families from other faiths and no faith, the admissions criteria prioritise Catholics with evidence of practice, then other faiths, then others. Non-Catholic families should understand this hierarchy when applying.

Curriculum development ongoing. Ofsted noted that curriculum thinking in a few subjects remains under development. The school is actively addressing this area and expects to refine knowledge sequencing in all subjects to deepen pupil understanding.

Margaret Roper is an elite-performing primary school with consistently strong academic outcomes, excellent behaviour, and an explicitly Catholic mission grounded in service and Gospel values. The school ranks in the top 2% of schools nationally and delivers outcomes that rival many independent preparatory schools. Leadership is stable and experienced, the teaching staff are committed, and the curriculum combines academic rigour with character development. Parents here report genuine happiness and a sense of belonging.

The school is best suited to families within the local Croydon area who value Catholic education and can secure a place within a highly competitive admissions process. For Catholic families or those seeking a faith-informed education, the strong academic results and warm community atmosphere make this an exceptional choice. For non-Catholic families, the explicit religious character means understanding this dimension before applying is essential.

The main challenge is admission itself. Competition is intense, and families should register promptly and familiarise themselves with application timelines and criteria.