Holy Cross RC School Review 2026: Faith-Centred Bilingual Primary in Fulham with Strong Academic Outcomes

Holy Cross RC School is a three-form entry Catholic primary in Fulham, educating 615 boys and girls aged 3 to 11. What sets this school apart is its unique Fulham Bilingual option: one of the three entry forms attends a dedicated bilingual site where pupils alternate weekly between the French and English national curricula, immersing children in two languages and cultures from Reception onwards. The school is rated Good by Ofsted (November 2024) and ranks 3,107th in England for primary outcomes, placing it well above the national average. With 88% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at Key Stage 2—against a national average of 62%—and 35% achieving the higher standard compared to 8% nationally, Holy Cross delivers results that put it in the top fifth of state primaries. Admissions are heavily oversubscribed, with nearly four applications for every place.

Situated on Basuto Road in the heart of Fulham, the school traces its roots to 1884, when a school chapel opened in what is now Ashington Road. Today it serves a mixed, urban community under the leadership of Executive Headteacher Kathleen Williams. The school combines a strong Catholic ethos with contemporary initiatives in wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and equality education, and has been recognised as an Attachment Aware School and a Healthy Relationship Champion School.

Holy Cross describes itself as a thriving, friendly community committed to inspiring pupils on their journey to fullness of life. Catholic values permeate every aspect of school life: daily prayer, weekly Mass, religious education rooted in the Archdiocese of Westminster's programme, and a focus on Catholic Social Teaching that emphasises the common good. The school's mission is to encourage high aspirations, personal excellence and a strong sense of community responsibility. Pupils are encouraged to live out the school's values framework in their daily interactions, and charity work and service to others are woven into the curriculum.

The school's history reflects the growth of Catholic education in Fulham. In 1842, a mass centre and school for girls and infants was established in Parsons Green Lane. By 1884, a modest mission serving Irish workers in Crown Street had evolved into a school chapel on Cassingley Road (now Ashington Road), formally opened by Cardinal Manning. As pupil numbers grew, the school expanded to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse local community. Today, Holy Cross remains deeply connected to its parish, with strong links to Holy Cross Church and an active partnership with the diocese.

The atmosphere is warm, purposeful and inclusive. Pupils take pride in their school and engage enthusiastically with learning. The Fulham Bilingual programme—a partnership between Holy Cross and L'Ecole Marie d'Orliac—offers families the choice of a dual-curriculum education, giving one-third of each cohort the opportunity to become fluent in French while maintaining full coverage of the English national curriculum. This bespoke shared syllabus is validated by educational authorities in both countries and reflects the school's ambition to offer something distinctive and internationally minded.

Recent initiatives underscore a commitment to holistic development. The school has adopted the Nurturing Schools Programme, including the RE:SET (Relationships Education: School's Equality Toolkit), which has earned it recognition as a healthy relationship champion school. Environmental stewardship is promoted through the Laudato Si initiative, encouraging pupils to care for creation. The school's Attachment Aware approach prioritises emotional wellbeing, ensuring that pastoral support is as robust as academic provision. Parents are active partners through the Parent Council and the Friends of Holy Cross PTA, contributing to a cohesive school community.

Academic performance at Holy Cross is strong across all key measures. At Key Stage 2, pupils achieved an average combined scaled score of 321 in reading, grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS), and maths, well above national benchmarks. In reading, 88% reached the expected standard and 41% achieved the higher standard; in maths, 86% met expectations and 34% excelled; in writing, 31% demonstrated greater depth. The proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths stood at 88%, significantly above the England average of 62%. Science performance was particularly notable, with 93% reaching the expected standard compared to 82% nationally.

These results place Holy Cross in the top fifth of state primary schools nationally and 25th locally in Hammersmith and Fulham. Progress measures indicate that the school is adding substantial value, with attainment well above average in reading, maths and GPS. The school's ranking at 3,107th nationally (top 20th percentile) reflects consistent, high-quality teaching and learning.

The curriculum is broad, knowledge-rich and carefully sequenced. Teachers have identified key concepts that pupils revisit and deepen across year groups, ensuring solid understanding of subject matter. Reading is prioritised throughout the school, with pupils reading widely and often for both pleasure and purpose. Fluency and comprehension are strong, enabling children to access all areas of the curriculum effectively. In the bilingual stream, pupils benefit from a bespoke syllabus that integrates both the French and English programmes of study, with equal time devoted to each language. This challenging dual-curriculum approach develops linguistic agility, cultural awareness and cognitive flexibility.

The school provides robust support for pupils with special educational needs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Pastoral care and academic intervention are closely integrated, and the school's Attachment Aware ethos ensures that social and emotional barriers to learning are addressed promptly. Pupil Premium provision is carefully targeted. The Nurturing Schools framework and the school's commitment to equity mean that every learner matters equally, regardless of background.

Ofsted's November 2024 inspection confirmed the school's Good rating and highlighted high standards in early years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Inspectors noted that attainment is well above national averages and praised the school's broad curriculum and commitment to pupil wellbeing. Areas identified for further development included ensuring consistency in the standard of work across all curriculum areas, a typical refinement for a high-performing school aiming for excellence across the board.

Holy Cross offers a rich programme of extracurricular clubs and enrichment activities. Pupils can participate in chess, gymnastics, choir and karate, building teamwork, confidence and physical fitness. Performing arts are prominent, with opportunities to engage with Shakespearean drama and develop performance skills. Musical and creative arts events are regular features of the school calendar, allowing children to showcase their talents and explore new interests.

Pupils engage in a wide range of school trips, events and workshops that deepen learning and broaden horizons. The school runs a breakfast club and an after-school club, providing wraparound care that supports working families. Early years provision includes nursery places for three-year-olds, offering rich indoor and outdoor learning experiences that prepare children for a smooth transition into Reception.

The school site includes modern classrooms, specialist spaces and outdoor areas designed to support active learning. The Fulham Bilingual site operates separately but under the same governance and leadership, ensuring consistency of ethos and standards across both locations. Facilities support a curriculum that values physical activity, creative expression and practical investigation.

Personal development is excellent. Pupils participate in charity work and community service, developing empathy and a sense of civic responsibility. The school's focus on Catholic Social Teaching, environmental stewardship and equality education shapes pupils' character and prepares them to be thoughtful, responsible citizens. Behaviour is good, and pupils feel safe, respected and valued.

Admissions to Holy Cross are managed by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, with the school applying Catholic admissions criteria. For Reception 2024 entry, the school offered 86 places against 341 applications, giving a subscription ratio of nearly four applications per place. This level of demand reflects the school's strong reputation, faith identity and unique bilingual offering.

The admissions policy prioritises baptised Catholic children, with criteria typically including looked-after children, siblings, children of staff, and then Catholic children ranked by proximity to the school or supporting parish. Families applying to the Fulham Bilingual stream follow a separate process, with criteria outlined on the school's admissions pages. Admission to the bilingual stream may require demonstration of commitment to bilingual education and, in some cases, existing proficiency in French, though this varies and families should consult the school directly.

Catchment distances and cut-off points vary year on year depending on the applicant pool. The school does not publish fixed catchment boundaries, and competition is intense for both the main site and the bilingual option. Parents are advised to review the school's admissions policy carefully, ensure baptismal certificates and supporting documentation are in order, and consider the school's oversubscription criteria when assessing their child's prospects.

Applications for Reception and Nursery places are made through the local authority's coordinated admissions process, with deadlines typically in January for the following September entry. The school provides information sessions and tours for prospective families; contacting the school directly is recommended to understand current admissions trends and to arrange a visit.

Given the level of demand, families should consider applying to a range of schools. For Catholic families within the school's likely catchment, Holy Cross represents an excellent choice combining strong academics, a supportive faith community and, for some, access to a bilingual education unique in the state sector.

Holy Cross RC School is a high-performing, oversubscribed Catholic primary that combines academic rigour with a nurturing, faith-centred ethos. Results are strong, with attainment well above national averages in reading, writing, maths and science, and progress measures that demonstrate the school is adding genuine value. The school ranks in the top fifth of state primaries nationally, reflecting consistent quality and effective leadership.

What distinguishes Holy Cross is the Fulham Bilingual option, offering one-third of each cohort a fully immersive dual-curriculum experience in French and English. This distinctive provision, validated by educational authorities in both countries, adds a dimension of linguistic and cultural enrichment rare in the maintained sector. For families seeking a bilingual education within a Catholic framework, this combination is exceptional.

The school's commitment to pastoral care, equality, environmental responsibility and character formation ensures that children develop as well-rounded individuals, not just as high achievers. Initiatives such as the Attachment Aware approach, the Nurturing Schools Programme and the Laudato Si environmental project reflect a contemporary, inclusive vision of Catholic education.

Leadership is strong, with Executive Headteacher Kathleen Williams overseeing both the main site and the bilingual programme, supported by dedicated heads of school at each location. Governance is stable, and the school benefits from close ties with the parish and the Archdiocese of Westminster. Ofsted's Good rating and recent ungraded inspection confirm that standards remain high and that the school is well-positioned to sustain and improve its performance.

For Catholic families in Fulham and neighbouring areas, Holy Cross offers an excellent all-round education, strong results, a warm community and, for some, the opportunity for bilingual learning. Competition for places is fierce, and families should apply with realistic expectations, but for those who secure a place, the school delivers a rich, values-led education that prepares children well for secondary school and beyond.

Is Holy Cross RC School a good school?

Yes. Holy Cross is rated Good by Ofsted (November 2024) and ranks in the top fifth of state primary schools nationally for academic outcomes. 88% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at Key Stage 2, compared to 62% nationally, and 35% achieved the higher standard against a national average of 8%. The school combines strong academic performance with a nurturing Catholic ethos, excellent pastoral care and a unique bilingual option. Parents and inspectors consistently praise the school's warm community, high expectations and commitment to the whole child. It is a highly sought-after school with nearly four applications per place.

How do I apply to Holy Cross RC School?

Applications for Reception and Nursery places are made through the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham's coordinated admissions system, with deadlines typically in mid-January for the following September. The school applies Catholic admissions criteria, prioritising baptised Catholic children with reference to looked-after status, siblings, staff connections and proximity to the school or supporting parish. Families interested in the Fulham Bilingual stream should consult the school's admissions page for additional criteria and application processes. It is essential to complete the local authority Common Application Form and the school's Supplementary Information Form, providing supporting documents such as baptismal certificates. Given high demand, visiting the school, attending open events and seeking advice from the admissions office are strongly recommended. Contact the school directly via its website or the Hammersmith and Fulham admissions team for guidance.

What makes the Fulham Bilingual programme unique?

The Fulham Bilingual is a state-funded partnership between Holy Cross RC School and L'Ecole Marie d'Orliac, offering one form of entry per year a fully immersive dual-curriculum education in French and English. Pupils alternate weekly between the French and English national curricula, receiving equal time in both languages and developing fluency in both. The bespoke shared syllabus is validated by educational authorities in France and England, ensuring full statutory coverage of both programmes. This approach develops linguistic proficiency, cultural awareness and cognitive flexibility, preparing pupils for an increasingly global world. It is a rare opportunity within the maintained sector and is highly competitive. Families considering the bilingual stream should understand the commitment required and consult the school for specific admissions criteria.

What is the school's Catholic ethos like?

Holy Cross is a Catholic voluntary aided school in the Archdiocese of Westminster, and its Catholic identity is central to daily life. Pupils participate in regular prayer, weekly Mass, religious education lessons and celebrations of the liturgical calendar. The school promotes Catholic Social Teaching, emphasising the common good, service to others and care for creation. Values such as respect, compassion, integrity and responsibility are taught explicitly and modelled by staff. The school has strong links with Holy Cross Church and the wider parish, and parents are expected to support the school's Catholic mission. The community is inclusive and welcoming, and non-Catholic families who respect and support the school's ethos are part of the school community. Faith formation and character development are seen as inseparable from academic learning.

How competitive is admission to Holy Cross RC School?

Very competitive. For Reception 2024, the school received 341 applications for 86 places, a subscription ratio of nearly four to one. Demand is driven by the school's strong academic results, Good Ofsted rating, Catholic identity and unique bilingual option. Admissions criteria prioritise baptised Catholic children, with oversubscription determined by proximity to the school or supporting parish, sibling connections and other factors set out in the admissions policy. Families applying to the bilingual stream face additional selection processes. Cut-off distances and criteria vary annually depending on the applicant pool. Families should review the admissions policy carefully, ensure all documentation is in order, and consider their realistic prospects. Visiting the school and seeking advice from the admissions office can help clarify whether a child is likely to be offered a place.

What are the school's results and national ranking?

Holy Cross ranks 3,107th nationally out of more than 15,000 state primary schools, placing it in the top 20th percentile for academic outcomes. At Key Stage 2, 88% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to a national average of 62%, and 35% achieved the higher standard against 8% nationally. Average scaled scores were 108 in reading, 106 in maths and 107 in grammar, punctuation and spelling, all well above national benchmarks. In science, 93% met expectations compared to 82% nationally. These results reflect high-quality teaching, a knowledge-rich curriculum and effective support for all learners. The school also ranks 25th locally in Hammersmith and Fulham, a highly competitive area. Progress measures indicate the school is adding substantial value across the ability range.