St Bede's Catholic Primary School, Romford Review 2026

St Bede's Catholic Primary School, Romford, is a high achieving voluntary aided school located in Chadwell Heath. Serving approximately 470 pupils aged 3 to 11, the school is deeply rooted in its Catholic identity and serves the Redbridge and Havering communities. Gary Nott has led the school as Executive Headteacher since 2012, fostering a culture of academic ambition and spiritual growth. The school is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its status as one of the most sought after primary providers in the local area.

The school's campus on Canon Avenue provides a purposeful environment for learning, including an integrated nursery that allows for a seamless start to a child's educational journey. Performance data consistently places the school among the highest performing primaries in England, with a particularly strong track record in reading and mathematics.

The atmosphere at St Bede's is defined by its Catholic ethos, which is visible in every classroom and corridor. A sense of calm and mutual respect prevails, supported by a shared commitment to Gospel values. Pupils are encouraged to be "stewards of the world," a theme that permeates the curriculum and the school's charitable initiatives.

Physically, the school is well maintained, blending traditional classroom spaces with modern enrichment zones. The presence of the nearby Sacred Heart of Mary and St Bede's parish strengthens the school's role as the educational heart of the local Catholic community. Relationships between staff and pupils are a clear strength; there is a palpable sense of respect, and children appear genuinely happy and engaged in their surroundings.

Academic performance at St Bede's is exceptional. In 2024, 93% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%.

In terms of higher achievement, 44% of pupils reached a higher standard in all three core subjects, vastly outperforming the England average of 8%. The school's grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) scores are particularly strong, with a scaled score of 111. Ranked 741st in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the elite tier of providers. Within Havering, it is ranked 6th among local primaries, placing it well within the top 10% of schools in England.

Teaching at St Bede's is characterized by high levels of subject expertise and a structured approach to the National Curriculum. In the early years, there is a strong focus on phonics and early numeracy, providing a firm foundation for later success. As pupils move through the school, they encounter a broad and balanced curriculum that includes specialist led sessions in music and physical education.

The school uses a "Mastery" approach in mathematics, ensuring that children have a deep understanding of concepts before moving on to new topics. In English, there is a visible culture of reading for pleasure, supported by well stocked class libraries. External assessments confirm that teachers use tracking effectively to identify and close gaps in learning.

Most pupils from St Bede's progress to local Catholic secondary schools, notably The Campion School for boys and St Edward's Academy. A significant number also secure places at The Ursuline Academy Ilford or St Catherine's.

The school provides comprehensive support for the transition to secondary education, including liaison meetings between Year 6 teachers and secondary heads of year. For families considering selective grammar schools in Redbridge or the Southend area, the school's strong academic foundation provides a competitive edge, though formal 11 plus preparation is largely the responsibility of parents.

Securing a place at St Bede's is a competitive process. For the most recent intake, there were 90 applications for just 47 offers, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.91. This means nearly two families applied for every available seat.

As a voluntary aided Catholic school, the governing body is the admissions authority. Priority is given to baptized Catholic children whose families are practicing members of a parish, evidenced by a Certificate of Catholic Practice. Parents must complete both the Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF) and the school's Supplementary Information Form (SIF) to be considered under the faith criteria.

Pastoral care is deeply integrated into the school's religious character. The school has a dedicated pastoral lead who works with families to provide support during challenging times. Safeguarding is effective and pervasive; pupils report feeling safe and know which adults to turn to if they have concerns. The school also places a strong emphasis on mental health, with regular wellbeing initiatives and quiet reflection spaces available for pupils.

The extracurricular offer at St Bede's is diverse, designed to cater to a range of interests. Music flourishes, with a school choir that frequently performs at liturgical events. Sports are also a pillar of school life, with representative teams in football, netball, and athletics.

Specific clubs found in recent programming include Coding Club, Chess, and a thriving Art and Design group. The school also participates in the Mini Vinnies programme, where pupils engage in social justice projects and local charity work. Annual highlights include residential trips for older pupils, which help build independence and team working skills.

The school day typically begins at 8:50 am and concludes at 3:20 pm. For working parents, St Bede's offers wraparound care via an on site Breakfast Club and an After School Club. The school is well served by local transport links, located within walking distance of Chadwell Heath station (Elizabeth Line). Parking in the immediate vicinity is restricted, and the school strongly encourages families to use the "Walk to School" initiative.

Fees & Financial Aid

St Bede's Catholic Primary School is a state funded voluntary aided school; therefore, there are no tuition fees. Parents are expected to provide school uniforms and may be asked for voluntary contributions towards school trips and special enrichment activities. For families requiring financial assistance with these costs, the school can often provide support through the Pupil Premium fund or other hardship grants.

• Faith Commitment: The school's Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer and explicit religious teaching may find the environment does not suit them.
• High Demand: With almost two applications for every place, entry is difficult for those who do not meet the highest priority criteria. practicing Catholic families from the local parish have the strongest chance of admission.
• Integrated Nursery: While the school has a nursery, a place there does not guarantee admission to the main school's Reception class. Families must reapply through the standard local authority process.

St Bede's Catholic Primary School, Romford, is a high performing institution that successfully marries academic rigour with a warm, faith filled environment. Its results are among the best in the country, and the school maintains a strong focus on spiritual growth. It is best suited to Catholic families in the Chadwell Heath area who seek a disciplined and high achieving start for their children.