St Catherine's RC School Review 2026: Outstanding Catholic Primary in Barnet

Beyond the parish church in Barnet, where terraced streets meet suburban green space, St Catherine's RC School has served Catholic families for decades with quiet distinction. The 2024 Key Stage 2 results place this primary among the highest-performing schools in England, ranking 351st out of 15,158 primaries and 2nd in Enfield. With 91% of pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, results significantly exceed the England average of 62%. The Catholic character shapes daily life through prayer, liturgy, and Gospel values, yet academic ambition runs equally strong. This is a school where faith and achievement reinforce rather than compete with one another.

At drop-off, the gates reveal a purposeful morning rhythm. Children greet staff warmly, many families pausing briefly at the entrance to the building where a statue of St Catherine stands watch. The school serves approximately 470 pupils aged 2 to 11, operating as a two-form entry primary with nursery provision from age two.

Mrs Catherine Burnham leads the school, bringing experience from Catholic education across North London. Under her headship, the school maintains its distinctive identity while meeting the demands of a rigorous curriculum. Staff turnover is low, a sign of stability that parents value.

The Catholic faith permeates the school day. Each morning begins with prayer. Classes attend Mass in the adjacent parish church several times each term. Religious education follows the diocesan programme, and Gospel values appear in assemblies, behaviour expectations, and the way children speak about their learning. The latest Ofsted inspection, which rated the school Good, noted that pupils demonstrate respect and kindness towards one another, reflecting the school's faith foundation.

Behaviour is calm and consistent. Children move purposefully between lessons. Classrooms display work that suggests pride in achievement. The school's values of respect, responsibility, and compassion are referenced naturally by pupils, not simply recited.

Academic outcomes at St Catherine's are exceptional. In 2024, 91% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, placing the school well above the England average of 62%. The school ranks 351st in England for primary outcomes, a FindMySchool ranking based on official data, and 2nd among all primaries in Enfield, confirming its position in the top tier locally.

Reading performance is particularly strong. The average scaled score of 111 exceeds the England average of 105, with 92% of pupils reaching expected standards and 65% achieving the higher standard. In mathematics, 97% met expected standards, with an average scaled score of 109 compared to the England average of 104. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling results mirror reading, with 94% meeting expected standards and 63% achieving higher.

At the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, 48% of pupils achieved greater depth across all three subjects, compared to the England average of 8%. This indicates not just solid teaching but genuine academic stretch for those capable of more.

Science outcomes are equally robust, with 95% reaching expected standards against the England average of 82%. Results reflect a curriculum that balances breadth with depth, preparing children thoroughly for secondary school.

Teaching follows the national curriculum with Catholic religious education integrated throughout. Each class has a dedicated teacher, with additional specialist support for music and physical education. Setting in mathematics begins in Year 5, allowing targeted teaching for different attainment levels.

The school emphasises phonics from Reception, with daily sessions supporting early reading development. By Year 2, most children read fluently. The library is well-stocked, and reading for pleasure features prominently in the school culture.

In mathematics, the curriculum follows a mastery approach. Children tackle problems requiring reasoning and explanation, not simply calculation. Year 6 receives additional morning mathematics sessions in the spring term to consolidate learning before Key Stage 2 assessments.

Religious education occupies at least 10% of curriculum time, as required by the Catholic diocese. Children study scripture, sacraments, and Church teaching. Preparation for First Holy Communion in Year 3 involves both school and parish.

Teachers know their pupils well. Class sizes average 30, but additional support staff ensure that children needing extra help receive it. The SEN coordinator works closely with teachers to identify and support pupils requiring intervention.

Pastoral care operates within a Catholic framework. Each class begins the day with prayer, and teachers reference Gospel values when addressing behaviour or resolving conflicts. The school chaplain visits regularly, supporting both liturgical life and individual pastoral needs.

The school holds the bronze award for mental health and wellbeing, indicating structured support for emotional development. A trained counsellor visits weekly for children needing additional help. Staff receive training in recognising anxiety and supporting children through difficulties.

Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied. The behaviour policy emphasises respect, responsibility, and restoration rather than purely punitive measures. Children describe feeling safe and supported.

The SEN register includes approximately 50 pupils, ranging from mild speech and language needs to more complex learning difficulties. Provision includes small-group intervention, one-to-one support, and adaptations to the curriculum. The school works closely with external specialists, including educational psychologists and speech therapists.

Extracurricular provision reflects both Catholic identity and broad educational opportunity. The school choir sings regularly at parish Masses, providing a visible link between school and church. Annual highlights include the Christmas nativity, Leavers' Mass for Year 6, and May processions honouring Our Lady.

Sports clubs run after school, including football, netball, and athletics. The school participates in local Catholic schools' tournaments, fostering friendly competition within the diocesan family. Year 5 and Year 6 pupils can join the school orchestra, with peripatetic music teachers offering individual lessons in strings, woodwind, and brass.

Coding club introduces computing beyond the curriculum. Art club allows extended creative work. A gardening club maintains raised beds where children grow vegetables, linking to science and healthy eating initiatives.

Year 6 pupils attend a residential trip to an outdoor education centre, typically in the autumn term. Activities include orienteering, rock climbing, and team challenges. The experience builds confidence and independence before secondary transition.

The school supports charitable work through CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. Children raise funds and learn about global justice issues, connecting faith to action.

Admissions for Reception entry are coordinated by Barnet Local Authority, with the school's governing body setting admissions criteria. The process follows standard timelines, with applications submitted by 15 January for September entry.

St Catherine's is consistently oversubscribed. In 2024, the school received 166 applications for 59 Reception places, representing a subscription rate of 2.81 applications per place. This level of demand reflects both the school's strong reputation and the relatively small number of Catholic primary schools in the area.

Admissions criteria prioritise Catholic children, with places allocated in the following order after looked-after children: baptised Catholic children with a Certificate of Catholic Practice, other baptised Catholic children, catechumens and members of Eastern Christian churches, children of other Christian denominations, and finally children of other faiths or no faith. Distance serves as a tiebreaker within each category, measured from the school gate.

Families must complete both the local authority Common Application Form and the school's Supplementary Information Form. For Catholic applicants, a Certificate of Catholic Practice signed by the parish priest is required, confirming regular Mass attendance over a sustained period.

The school operates a waiting list until the end of the autumn term following admission. Places occasionally become available, usually through family relocation.

Nursery provision from age two operates separately from Reception admissions. Attendance at the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place, though many nursery families do progress to Reception.

The majority of Year 6 leavers progress to Catholic secondary schools, reflecting the strong faith commitment among families. St James Catholic High School in Colindale, Queen Elizabeth's Girls' School (which has a Catholic ethos despite being a grammar school), and Finchley Catholic High School are common destinations.

Some pupils sit the 11-plus for grammar school entry. In recent years, a small number have secured places at Queen Elizabeth's Boys' School in Barnet or Dame Alice Owen's School. The school provides familiarisation with 11-plus question formats but does not offer intensive preparation. Families pursuing grammar school entry typically arrange external tutoring.

A handful of pupils transition to independent schools, occasionally supported by scholarships. The school prepares references and supports families through the independent school admissions process.

Transition arrangements are thorough. Secondary schools visit in the summer term to meet Year 6 pupils. The school shares detailed pupil information with receiving schools to ensure continuity of support, particularly for children with SEN.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, offering supervised activities and breakfast. After-school club runs until 6:00pm, providing wraparound care for working families. Both clubs must be booked in advance.

Nursery sessions for two-year-olds and three-year-olds operate mornings and afternoons. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families. For nursery fee details and eligibility, visit the school website or consult the government's guide to early years funding.

The school is located on Vale Drive in Barnet, within walking distance for families in the immediate area. On-street parking is limited during drop-off and collection times. The nearest London Underground station is High Barnet on the Northern line, approximately 15 minutes' walk. Several bus routes serve the area, with stops nearby.

School uniform is traditional: grey trousers or skirt, white shirt or blouse, school jumper with the school crest. PE kit includes a house-coloured T-shirt. Uniform can be purchased from the school office or designated suppliers.

Faith commitment expected. The school's Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Daily prayer, regular Mass, and religious education form the core of school life. Families uncomfortable with explicit Catholic teaching, liturgy, and Gospel values as the foundation for behaviour and decision-making should look elsewhere. The Supplementary Information Form requires evidence of Catholic practice, including a priest's signature confirming Mass attendance. This is not a nominally Catholic school; faith is lived daily.

Competitive admissions. With 166 applications for 59 places in 2024, entry is highly competitive. Distance within each admissions category determines who receives offers. Families should carefully review the admissions policy and ensure they meet the criteria before assuming a place. Catholic families living further from the school may find themselves unsuccessful despite meeting faith requirements.

Nursery does not guarantee Reception. Attendance at the school's nursery from age two does not provide automatic progression to Reception. Families must apply through the standard admissions process, and nursery children compete with all other applicants under the same criteria. This can disappoint families who assumed continuity.

Limited wraparound hours compared to some schools. While breakfast club from 7:45am and after-school club until 6:00pm provide wraparound care, these hours are shorter than some primaries offering 7:30am starts or 6:30pm finishes. Families with demanding work schedules may need additional childcare arrangements.

Exceptional results, strong Catholic identity, and a genuine sense of community make St Catherine's a highly sought-after choice for Catholic families in Barnet and Enfield. The school delivers academic rigour within a faith framework, where Gospel values and high expectations reinforce one another. Ranking 2nd in Enfield and in the top 3% of primaries in England, outcomes speak to skilled teaching and an ambitious curriculum. Best suited to practising Catholic families seeking excellent primary education rooted in faith, who can meet the admissions criteria and live within realistic distance of the school. The main challenge is securing a place in a heavily oversubscribed school; for those who succeed, the education provided is outstanding.