St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School Review 2026: A Close-Knit Catholic Community in Thamesmead

St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School sits in the heart of Thamesmead, serving children aged 3 to 11 with a distinctly warm and nurturing approach. This voluntary-aided Catholic primary school, part of the Southwark Diocese, describes itself as a "hidden gem" where every child is known individually. With capacity for 262 pupils and a current roll of around 200, the school operates as a small yet vibrant community. The most recent results show 90% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths—well above the national average of 62%—placing the school in line with national performance expectations. Ofsted inspectors rated the school Good overall in November 2022, with behaviour and attitudes judged Outstanding. Despite its Catholic foundation, the school proudly welcomes families from all faith backgrounds, with the current cohort comprising 54% Christian, 39% Roman Catholic, 4% Muslim and 2% other faiths. Led by headteacher Ms Dawn Webb, St Margaret Clitherow combines rigorous academics with strong pastoral care, all within a faith-based framework that emphasises Catholic social teaching and service.

St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School is rooted in Catholic values but defined by its inclusive spirit. The school's mission centres on creating a warm and welcoming community where the love of God is shared and lived out daily. This is not simply rhetoric; inspectors noted the school's exceptional standards in behaviour and attitudes, awarding an Outstanding rating in this area—a reflection of the school's genuine commitment to pastoral care and character formation.

The school maintains close ties with St Paul's Parish in Thamesmead, hosting regular collective worship and integrating faith into the daily rhythm of school life. Initiatives such as Mini Vinnies, a student-led service group, and the Wednesday Word programme encourage pupils to live out Catholic social teaching through acts of service and reflection. Yet the school is explicit in its welcome to families from all religious backgrounds, a stance that shapes its open and inclusive atmosphere.

Parents and staff describe the environment as nurturing and close-knit, a place where children feel safe, known and supported. The school emphasises that it is "small enough to care," and this sentiment appears to translate into practice. With a pupil-to-teacher ratio of 20:1, teachers have the capacity to build strong relationships with pupils and tailor support where needed. The emphasis on community extends beyond the classroom, with the school fostering connections with local families and encouraging parental involvement.

The physical setting in Thamesmead, a riverside neighbourhood in southeast London, provides a distinct context. The school serves a community with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and a wide range of family structures, reflecting the broader demographic of the area. This diversity enriches the school's culture, creating an environment where children learn alongside peers from different walks of life.

St Margaret Clitherow delivers strong academic outcomes, particularly in literacy and science. The most recent Key Stage 2 results show 90% of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, far exceeding the national average of 62%. The school's performance in individual subjects is equally robust: 93% met the expected standard in reading (national average 73%), 82% in maths (national average 73%), and an impressive 96% in science (national average 82%).

Attainment at greater depth is also noteworthy. Around 27% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined, more than three times the national average of 8%. In reading alone, 32% reached the high score, while 25% did so in maths and 29% in grammar, punctuation and spelling. These figures suggest that the school not only supports pupils to meet baseline expectations but also stretches those capable of working beyond.

Average scaled scores provide further evidence of consistent performance. Pupils scored an average of 106 in reading and grammar, and 105 in maths—all above the national standard of 100. This places St Margaret Clitherow among solid performers nationally, demonstrating that teaching is effective across the ability range.

The school ranks 5,472nd in England for primary performance, placing it in the middle tier of schools nationally. Locally, it ranks 43rd in Greenwich out of a competitive field. While these rankings reflect steady rather than exceptional performance, they align with a school that prioritises inclusive education and supports pupils from diverse starting points.

Teaching quality underpins these results. Inspectors noted that in mathematics, teachers routinely check pupils' prior understanding and explain key concepts clearly, linking new learning to what has been covered before. This approach builds knowledge systematically and ensures that pupils develop a strong foundation. The school's curriculum is broad and balanced, with a clear focus on literacy and numeracy while also providing rich opportunities in the arts, sciences and humanities.

Early years provision is rated Good by Ofsted, with children in the nursery and reception classes benefiting from a play-based curriculum that promotes language development, social skills and early literacy. The school offers 52 nursery places and 30 reception places, allowing for smooth transitions and strong foundations before Key Stage 1.

Support for pupils with special educational needs is embedded throughout the school. A dedicated SENCo oversees provision, and staff work closely with families and external agencies to ensure that children receive appropriate intervention. The school's inclusive ethos means that pupils with SEND are fully integrated into mainstream classes, with differentiated teaching and targeted support provided as needed.

Extracurricular life at St Margaret Clitherow is active and varied. Pupils enjoy opportunities to participate in basketball, multi-skills, gymnastics, football, dance and archery—a range that caters to different interests and abilities. These activities take place after school and provide valuable chances for children to develop teamwork, resilience and physical fitness. The school's emphasis on extracurricular engagement reflects a broader commitment to holistic development, ensuring that pupils experience more than just academic learning.

The school also runs a breakfast club, offering wraparound care for working families and providing a calm, structured start to the day. This provision supports parents and contributes to pupils' readiness to learn.

Faith-based activities form another strand of student life. Regular collective worship at St Paul's Church, participation in sacramental preparation, and engagement with the Mini Vinnies service group give pupils opportunities to explore their spirituality and contribute to the wider community. These experiences are valued by families who seek a school where faith is more than a label.

While the school's facilities are not extensively documented, its location in Thamesmead and its capacity for over 260 pupils suggest a functional campus with adequate classroom space, play areas and specialist rooms. The school's focus on small-scale, personalised education suggests that resources are used effectively to support teaching and learning.

Admissions to St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School are coordinated by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, with applications submitted online via the local authority's eAdmissions portal. The standard deadline for reception applications is 15 January each year, with offers made on National Offer Day in mid-April. Parents applying to St Margaret Clitherow must also complete a Supplementary Information Form and return it to the school office by the application deadline.

The school is oversubscribed, with the most recent admissions data showing 44 applications for just 13 reception places—a subscription ratio of 3.38. This level of competition means that places are highly sought after, and not all applicants will secure a place. The school gave 100% of its offers to first-preference applicants, indicating that families who rank St Margaret Clitherow as their top choice have the best chance of admission, though competition remains intense.

As a voluntary-aided Catholic school, admissions criteria typically prioritise baptised Catholic children, children from Catholic families actively involved in parish life, children of other Christian denominations, and children from other faiths. Sibling connections, proximity to the school, and evidence of regular church attendance are likely factors in determining priority, though specific criteria should be confirmed directly with the school or via the admissions policy available on its website.

In-year applications for places in other year groups are handled directly by the school. Parents seeking a mid-year transfer are encouraged to contact the school office on 020 8310 1699 to check availability and arrange a visit. The school welcomes prospective families to tour the campus, and open mornings are held regularly—typically every Thursday from 9:15 to 11:00 am—allowing parents to see the school in action.

Given the high level of demand and limited places, families interested in St Margaret Clitherow are advised to apply early, attend an open morning, and ensure that all required documentation—including baptismal certificates and evidence of church attendance where applicable—is submitted on time. The school's inclusive admissions approach means that children from all faith backgrounds are genuinely welcome, but the oversubscription rate means that meeting criteria alone may not guarantee a place.

St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School is a strong choice for families seeking a small, nurturing Catholic primary with solid academic results and an inclusive ethos. The school's standout feature is its warm, community-focused atmosphere, recognised by Ofsted's Outstanding rating for behaviour and attitudes. Results consistently exceed national averages, with particularly impressive performance at greater depth, suggesting that the school challenges pupils to reach their full potential.

The school's Catholic identity is clear but not exclusive; families from all faith backgrounds are welcomed and integrated into the school's life. This openness, combined with strong pastoral care and a broad extracurricular offer, makes St Margaret Clitherow an appealing option for parents who value a faith-based education within a diverse and supportive environment.

Competition for places is intense, with more than three applicants for every reception place, and proximity to the school or active involvement in parish life may be deciding factors. Families who prioritise a small, close-knit school with strong values and above-average academic outcomes should consider St Margaret Clitherow seriously, but should also have realistic expectations about the admissions process.

For parents seeking a "hidden gem" in Thamesmead—a school where children are known, supported and inspired to thrive—St Margaret Clitherow delivers on its promise.

Is St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School a good school?

Yes. St Margaret Clitherow is rated Good by Ofsted, with behaviour and attitudes judged Outstanding. Academic results are well above national averages, with 90% of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to 62% nationally. The school combines strong teaching with excellent pastoral care, creating an environment where pupils thrive academically and personally.

How do I apply to St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School?

Applications for reception entry are made online via the Royal Borough of Greenwich eAdmissions portal at www.eadmissions.org.uk. The deadline is typically 15 January, with offers made in mid-April. You must also complete a Supplementary Information Form and return it to the school office by the deadline. For in-year applications, contact the school directly on 020 8310 1699.

What are the admissions criteria for St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School?

As a voluntary-aided Catholic school, admissions criteria typically prioritise baptised Catholic children, children from families with active parish involvement, children of other Christian denominations, and children from other faiths. Sibling connections and proximity to the school are also likely factors. The school is oversubscribed, so meeting criteria does not guarantee a place. Consult the admissions policy on the school website or contact the school for full details.

Does St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School accept children from non-Catholic families?

Yes. The school explicitly welcomes children from all faith backgrounds. The current cohort includes 54% Christian, 39% Roman Catholic, 4% Muslim and 2% other faiths. While Catholic children may receive priority in admissions, the school's inclusive approach means that families from all backgrounds are genuinely welcome.

What extracurricular activities does St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School offer?

Pupils can participate in basketball, multi-skills, gymnastics, football, dance and archery. The school also offers a breakfast club and faith-based activities such as Mini Vinnies, a student-led service group, and regular collective worship at St Paul's Church.