Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School, Hackney Review 2026: Outstanding Catholic Education in De Beauvoir Town

Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School, Hackney, is a Voluntary Aided Catholic primary school serving 4–11-year-olds in De Beauvoir Town, London. Graded Outstanding by Ofsted in October 2023 across all areas—including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision—the school serves around 210 pupils with a deliberate commitment to remaining small-scale. With a motto of "Shine with love, kindness and respect," headteacher Aoife O'Grady leads a close-knit community where strong Catholic values meet exceptional academic results. In the most recent assessments, 91% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, placing the school well above the national average of 62%, and ranking 16th in Hackney and 2,170th in England. The school operates a single-form entry, admitting 30 children each year into Reception.

Our Lady and St Joseph's is rooted in Catholic social teaching and a determination to know and care for each child individually. The school's motto, emblazoned on a stained glass window in the main hall, sets the tone for daily life: pupils are encouraged to shine with love, kindness and respect in all they do. Headteacher Aoife O'Grady describes the school as having "deep roots in the community," and this commitment to local service is evident in the school's inclusive approach. While Catholic in character, the school welcomes children from diverse backgrounds, and celebrates this diversity through events such as Cultural Diversity Day, where pupils share their unique heritage and traditions.

The atmosphere is deliberately family-like. Parents often cite the warmth and accessibility of staff, and the headteacher makes clear that the school's small size is intentional, enabling staff to tailor provision and respond swiftly to each child's needs. Catholic values underpin the curriculum, with weekly Mass, prayer and religious education forming central pillars, but these sit alongside a modern, inclusive pastoral approach that includes wellbeing programmes such as Zones of Regulation. The result is a school where children feel safe, valued and ambitious.

Academic performance at Our Lady and St Joseph's is exceptional. In the latest Key Stage 2 results, 91% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths—29% above the national average. The school also excels at the higher standard: 35% of pupils achieved the higher standard in all three subjects, compared to 8% nationally. In reading, 90% reached the expected standard, with 40% achieving the higher standard; in maths, 93% met expectations and 47% achieved high scores. Average scaled scores were 108 in both reading and maths, and 107 in grammar, punctuation and spelling, all comfortably above the national norm of around 105.

Reading is prioritised from the first day, with all staff trained to deliver phonics effectively. The curriculum is broad, balanced and ambitious, ensuring pupils with different starting points—including those with special educational needs and disadvantages—master the same content as their peers. High-quality support is in place for pupils with SEND, and the school's small size allows staff to identify and address needs swiftly. Leadership ensures teachers have the training and resources to deliver excellent lessons across all subjects, not only in English and maths.

Behaviour and attitudes are Outstanding. Pupils exhibit excellent conduct in lessons and around the school, supporting one another and building a strong sense of community. Attendance is closely monitored, and the school works with families to ensure children are present and ready to learn.

Extracurricular provision at Our Lady and St Joseph's reflects the school's commitment to holistic development. Breakfast Club and After School Care provide wraparound support for working families. Clubs include Art and Sewing, Karate, and Multisports, offering pupils opportunities to explore interests beyond the classroom. The school's small campus in De Beauvoir Town includes well-used play areas, a hall with the school's motto in stained glass, and classrooms designed to foster independence and collaboration.

Pastoral care is a particular strength. The school's emphasis on wellbeing, underpinned by Catholic teaching and modern emotional literacy programmes, ensures children develop resilience, empathy and confidence. Cultural Diversity Day and other community events celebrate the richness of the school's intake, while weekly Mass and prayer services root pupils in the Catholic tradition.

Our Lady and St Joseph's is heavily oversubscribed. With a Published Admission Number of 30 for Reception, the school received 75 applications for 29 places in the most recent cycle—a subscription rate of 2.59 to 1. As a Voluntary Aided Catholic school, the governing body is the admissions authority, and priority is given to baptised Catholic children, with detailed oversubscription criteria set out in the school's admissions policy. Families are required to complete both the local authority Common Application Form and the school's Supplementary Information Form.

Distance from the school often plays a role in final offers under the faith criteria, though specific distance cut-offs vary year to year. Parents interested in a place are strongly advised to consult the determined admissions policy on the Hackney Education website and to contact the school directly. Parent tours are held every Thursday at 10am (booking on 020 7254 7353), providing an opportunity to see the school in action and discuss admissions with the headteacher.

Given the school's Outstanding Ofsted rating, exceptional results and strong community reputation, competition for places is intense. Early engagement with the admissions process, and careful attention to the faith criteria and deadlines, is essential. The school serves families across Hackney and beyond, with particular strength in De Beauvoir Town and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School, Hackney, is an exceptional choice for families seeking a small, values-driven school with outstanding academic outcomes and a genuine sense of community. The combination of Outstanding Ofsted grades, results that place the school well above national averages, and a warm, inclusive Catholic ethos make it one of Hackney's most sought-after primary schools. Headteacher Aoife O'Grady and her team have created a school where children thrive academically, socially and spiritually.

The school's deliberate small size is both a strength and a limiting factor: families value the close relationships and individual attention, but demand far outstrips supply. For Catholic families, or those who share the school's values of love, kindness and respect, Our Lady and St Joseph's offers a rare blend of academic excellence and pastoral warmth. The admissions process is competitive, and families should engage early. For those fortunate enough to secure a place, the school delivers an education grounded in faith, community and high expectations.

Is Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School, Hackney a good school?

Yes. Our Lady and St Joseph's is graded Outstanding by Ofsted (October 2023) in all areas, with 91% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at Key Stage 2—well above the national average of 62%. The school ranks 16th in Hackney and 2,170th in England for primary performance, and offers a strong Catholic ethos alongside inclusive pastoral care.

How do I apply to Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School, Hackney?

Applications are made through Hackney's coordinated admissions process, with a Supplementary Information Form required for faith-based criteria. The Published Admission Number is 30 for Reception. The school is heavily oversubscribed (2.59 applications per place), so early engagement is essential. Parent tours are held every Thursday at 10am. For full admissions criteria and upcoming deadlines, visit the school website at www.olsjschool.net or contact the school on 020 7254 7353.

What is the catchment area for Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School, Hackney?

Our Lady and St Joseph's is a Voluntary Aided Catholic school, meaning admissions are primarily faith-based rather than distance-based. However, distance may be used as a tie-breaker within oversubscription criteria. The school serves families across Hackney and neighbouring boroughs. Specific distance cut-offs vary year to year. Consult the determined admissions policy on the Hackney Education website for details.

What are the school's strengths?

The school's strengths include Outstanding Ofsted grades across all areas, exceptional academic results (91% reaching expected standard in reading, writing and maths), a warm and inclusive Catholic ethos, excellent behaviour and attitudes, high-quality SEND support, and a deliberately small, family-like environment where every child is known and valued.