St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School Review 2026: Small Catholic School with Strong Results in the Heart of Fulham

St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School traces its roots to 1848, when it began as two separate schools under one roof on Dawes Road in Fulham—boys downstairs, girls upstairs—with just 86 pupils and a mission to serve the Catholic community. This state-funded voluntary aided primary school in Hammersmith and Fulham now educates 112 children aged 4 to 11 under the ethos that "Jesus is at the heart of everything we think, do and say." Rated Good by Ofsted in June 2023, St Thomas of Canterbury combines a small, close-knit environment with performance that sits firmly in line with national averages, delivering 91% expected standard achievement in reading, writing and maths—well above the national 62%. Just a stone's throw from North End Road and easily accessible from Fulham Broadway, Barons Court and West Kensington tube stations, the school serves families seeking a faith-centred education in an urban setting where every child is known by name.

Founded in 1848, St Thomas of Canterbury began its life as a dual-institution serving the Catholic community in Hammersmith, with separate boys' and girls' schools housed in a single building on Dawes Road. Within a year, enrolment had surged to 210 children, reflecting strong demand for Catholic education in the area. In September 1949, following the retirement of the girls' headmistress, the two schools merged into a coeducational "Junior mixed school," and the institution has continued in that form ever since.

Today, the school describes itself as a vibrant, multi-cultural community united by the Catholic faith. The central motto—"Jesus is at the heart of everything we think, do and say"—shapes daily life, from morning prayers and participation in the Westminster Singing Programme to liturgical observance and the rosary challenge. The school marked the Jubilee Year 2025 as "Pilgrims of Hope," reinforcing its commitment to Catholic social teaching and British values.

Led by headteacher Miss Joanne Breslin, St Thomas of Canterbury is small by modern standards, with a capacity of 210 and a current roll of around 112. This modest size allows all staff to know each child and family well, creating a nurturing atmosphere where pupils feel welcome, cared for and proud to attend. Inspectors noted in the June 2023 Ofsted report that pupils thrive from the school's caring ethos and understand the importance of being kind and respectful to everyone. Pupils particularly enjoy learning outside the classroom, with educational visits to the Saatchi Gallery and Westminster Cathedral enriching their curriculum.

Governance is provided by a board chaired by Mr Bell, and the SEN Co-ordinator is Ms Fagan. The school maintains an active Parent-Teacher-Friends Association (PTFA), which supports the community and fundraising efforts. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school ensures that children receive individual attention in a family-like environment.

St Thomas of Canterbury is a mainstream primary school serving children aged 4 to 11, with no nursery provision or sixth form. The curriculum spans English, mathematics, science, history, geography, art, design and technology, modern foreign languages, physical education, religious education and PSHE, all delivered within a Catholic framework. The school incorporates a phonics programme to support early literacy.

Nationally, the school ranks 4,229th in England and sits in the 28th percentile for Hammersmith and Fulham—performance that places it in line with national averages. The latest available results show that 91% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, comfortably ahead of the national average of 62%. In individual subjects, 95% of pupils achieved the expected standard in maths, 86% in reading and grammar, and 91% in science, with the science figure notably above the national 82%.

Average scaled scores were 106 in reading and maths and 107 in grammar, punctuation and spelling—all solid, steady performances that reflect consistent teaching. However, the school's higher attainment rates (pupils achieving above the expected standard) are more modest: 20% reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to a national average of 8%, and 32% scored highly in reading, 18% in maths and 27% in grammar. Greater depth writing stood at 9%.

The combined attainment score across reading, grammar and maths was 319, indicating strong foundational outcomes. Progress scores for reading, writing and maths could not be calculated in the most recent cycle due to missing baseline data from Covid-19, so year-on-year value-added measures are not available. Nonetheless, the snapshot of attainment suggests that the school delivers reliably on core standards for the majority of its pupils.

With a small cohort and a faith-based ethos, teaching emphasises care and inclusion. The school's SEN Co-ordinator, Ms Fagan, leads provision for pupils with special educational needs, and the school website outlines a SEN offer for families requiring additional support. Ofsted found that behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and the quality of education were all Good, with pupils feeling safe and supported.

St Thomas of Canterbury does not offer selective entry, grammar streaming or specialist provision beyond its Catholic religious character. The school's strength lies in its pastoral care, community feel and ability to help children of varied backgrounds and abilities achieve the expected standard in a nurturing, faith-centred environment.

Despite its small size, St Thomas of Canterbury offers a range of extracurricular opportunities designed to develop well-rounded individuals. Pupils participate in sports, music and drama clubs, as well as initiatives such as the school council, gardening club and eco-clubs. The school encourages pupils to take responsibility and contribute to the community, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.

Educational visits play a central role in the school's enrichment programme. Recent trips have included visits to the Saatchi Gallery and Westminster Cathedral, supporting learning across the curriculum and bringing subjects to life. Pupils report that they particularly enjoy these opportunities to learn outside the classroom.

The school building and grounds, while modest, are well maintained and suitable for the needs of a small primary school. Facilities are available for community hire through a dedicated lettings system, and external organisations occasionally use the site to run performing arts camps during school holidays, providing a safe and friendly space for children to develop new skills.

Located on Estcourt Road in Fulham, the school benefits from excellent transport links, with Fulham Broadway, Barons Court and West Kensington tube stations all within easy reach. The surrounding area is well served by buses, making the school accessible for families across the borough and beyond.

St Thomas of Canterbury is oversubscribed, with 39 applications competing for 26 Reception places in the most recent admissions cycle—a subscription proportion of 1.5:1. All first-preference applicants who were offered a place received it, reflecting the school's commitment to admitting families who prioritise the school.

As a voluntary aided Catholic school, admissions are managed by the governing body in line with the school's Catholic character, not by the local authority alone. Families interested in a Reception place for September 2026 must complete three steps: book a school tour (by contacting the office on 0207 385 8165 or admin@stthomasrc.lbhf.sch.uk), complete and return the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) with supporting documents such as baptismal certificates, and submit a Common Application Form through Hammersmith and Fulham by the local authority deadline of 15 January 2026.

Tour dates for September 2026 entry were scheduled for November 2025 and early January 2026, all beginning at 9:15am. The school's Admissions Policy 2026-27 sets out oversubscription criteria, which typically prioritise Catholic families, parish membership, sibling links and distance from the school. Families are advised to consult the policy and the SIF for full details, available on the school website.

No catchment distance data is publicly reported, but as a small, faith-based school in an urban area, competition is moderate and focused primarily among Catholic families seeking a church school education. The oversubscription ratio suggests that securing a place requires careful attention to admissions criteria and timelines, particularly for families who are not regularly practising Catholics or who live further from the school.

In-year admissions are also managed by the school, and families seeking mid-year transfers should contact the office directly. Secondary transfer arrangements for Year 6 leavers are outlined on the school website, and families typically apply to Catholic secondary schools in the Westminster diocese or local authority-maintained secondaries in Hammersmith and Fulham.

St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School offers families a small, faith-centred education with a long heritage and a warm, inclusive community. The school's greatest strengths are its caring ethos, its solid academic performance well above national averages, and the close relationships forged between staff, children and families in a setting where every child is known.

Results are strong: 91% expected standard achievement in reading, writing and maths places the school comfortably ahead of the national 62%, and attainment in individual subjects—particularly maths (95%) and science (91%)—demonstrates consistent teaching and high expectations. The school's small size and 14:1 pupil-teacher ratio allow for individual attention and a nurturing environment that pupils and parents value.

However, the school's higher attainment rates are more modest, with 20% of pupils reaching the higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined. Families seeking the very highest levels of academic stretch or extensive facilities may find the school's provision more limited than larger primaries. The absence of progress scores due to Covid-19 baseline data also means that year-on-year value-added measures cannot be assessed at this time.

Admissions are competitive, with 1.5 applications per place, and the school's Catholic character shapes its intake. Families must navigate the Supplementary Information Form process and meet oversubscription criteria, with priority typically given to Catholic families who are active in the parish. For those who meet these criteria and value a small, community-oriented Catholic school in Fulham, St Thomas of Canterbury offers a stable, caring and effective choice.

The school's location—close to North End Road and well connected by tube and bus—adds practical convenience, and its history dating back to 1848 lends it a sense of continuity and tradition. Ofsted's Good rating across all categories in June 2023 confirms that leadership, teaching, behaviour and personal development are all on a sound footing.

St Thomas of Canterbury is best suited to families seeking a close-knit Catholic primary in Fulham where faith, community and solid academic standards go hand in hand. It is a school where children feel known, valued and supported, and where results show that the majority of pupils leave well prepared for the next stage of their education.

Is St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School a good school?

Yes. St Thomas of Canterbury is rated Good by Ofsted (June 2023) across all categories, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The school achieves 91% expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well above the national average of 62%, and offers a caring, faith-centred environment where pupils thrive. Its small size and strong pastoral care make it a good choice for families seeking a community-focused Catholic primary in Fulham.

How do I apply to St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School?

To apply for Reception entry, you must complete three steps: book a school tour by contacting the office (0207 385 8165 or admin@stthomasrc.lbhf.sch.uk), complete and return the school's Supplementary Information Form (SIF) with supporting documents such as baptismal certificates, and submit your Common Application Form through Hammersmith and Fulham local authority by 15 January 2026. Admissions are managed by the governing body and priority is typically given to Catholic families according to the school's published oversubscription criteria. Consult the Admissions Policy 2026-27 on the school website for full details.

What are the school's religious requirements?

St Thomas of Canterbury is a Catholic voluntary aided school in the Archdiocese of Westminster. The school's ethos centres on the belief that "Jesus is at the heart of everything we think, do and say," and daily life includes prayer, liturgical observance and Catholic social teaching. Admissions criteria typically prioritise Catholic families, and applicants are required to submit a baptismal certificate with the Supplementary Information Form. Families of other faiths or no faith may apply, but Catholic families are usually given priority under the oversubscription criteria.

How competitive is admission to St Thomas of Canterbury?

The school is oversubscribed, with 39 applications for 26 Reception places in the most recent cycle (1.5:1 ratio). All first-preference applicants who were offered a place received it. Competition is moderate and focused among Catholic families seeking a church school. Meeting the admissions criteria—particularly Catholic practice, parish membership and proximity—is important for securing a place, as is adhering to the application timeline.

What are the school's strengths and weaknesses?

Strengths include a long heritage dating back to 1848, a caring and inclusive Catholic ethos, solid academic results (91% expected standard in reading, writing and maths, well above the national 62%), a small, close-knit community where every child is known, and a 14:1 pupil-teacher ratio that allows for individual attention. Weaknesses include more modest higher attainment rates (20% reaching the higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined), the absence of recent progress scores due to Covid-19 baseline data, and a smaller range of facilities and extracurricular provision compared to larger primaries. Families seeking extensive facilities or the highest levels of academic stretch may prefer other options.