St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Upminster Review 2026: Academic Excellence Rooted in Faith

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Upminster, sits on a leafier stretch of St Mary's Lane, serving as a beacon of high academic standards and traditional Catholic values in the London Borough of Havering. This two-form entry school for 420 pupils has carved out a reputation for exceptional performance, with its latest results placing it in the top 4% of primary schools in England. Under the leadership of Mr Michael Ross, who took over from the long-serving Bernadette Matthews in September 2022, the school balances a rigorous approach to the core curriculum with a warm, inclusive atmosphere where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. The Victorian heritage of the main building, paired with modern additions, creates an environment that feels both established and forward-looking.

The atmosphere at St Joseph's is defined by its Catholic identity, which permeates daily life through prayer, assembly, and a clear emphasis on service and kindness. The school motto, Work, Pray, and Play Together, provides a framework for the pupils' development. Beyond the red-brick facade, the school operates with a quiet, purposeful energy. Behaviour is a noted strength; pupils are polite, articulate, and demonstrate high levels of respect for one another and the staff.

Mr Michael Ross has maintained the school's high standards while fostering a sense of community that extends to families and the local parish. The physical environment is well-maintained, featuring bright classrooms and specialized areas for music and art. Despite the school's size, there is a distinct feeling of being part of a large family, where senior pupils often take on leadership roles as monitors or play leaders for the younger children.

The academic outcomes at St Joseph's are consistently outstanding. In 2024, approximately 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that towers over the England average of 62%. This high-attaining culture is further evidenced at the top end of the scale; 35% of pupils achieved the higher standard in all three core areas, more than four times the England average of 8%.

The school's mathematics performance is particularly striking, with 95% of pupils reaching the expected standard and an average scaled score of 109. In grammar, punctuation, and spelling, the average score of 112 reflects a meticulous approach to literacy. St Joseph's ranks 2nd among 56 primary schools in Havering and 514th in England (FindMySchool proprietary ranking). This performance places the school in the elite tier, outperforming 96% of schools in England.

Teaching at St Joseph's is characterized by high expectations and a structured curriculum. Mathematics is taught with a mastery approach, ensuring that pupils develop deep conceptual understanding before moving on to complex problem-solving. Literacy lessons are equally robust, with a strong focus on phonics in the early years and sophisticated textual analysis as pupils progress toward Year 6.

Specialist teaching is utilized effectively, particularly in music and physical education. The school provides a broad curriculum that includes history, geography, and science, often taught through engaging themes that link subjects together. Teachers are noted for their subject expertise and their ability to tailor support for different learners, ensuring that those who need extra help receive it promptly while more able pupils are constantly challenged.

As a high-performing primary in Havering, St Joseph's is a key feeder for several sought-after secondary schools. Data from the most recent leavers indicates a strong pipeline to high-performing local schools: approximately 32% of students progress to The Coopers' Company and Coborn School, 31% to Sacred Heart of Mary Girls' School, and 23% to The Campion School (for boys).

A significant number of Year 6 pupils also sit the 11-plus exams for grammar schools in neighbouring Essex, with many successfully securing places at Southend or Westcliff grammars. The school provides comprehensive transition support, including meetings with secondary staff and familiarization days to ensure pupils move on with confidence.

Securing a place at St Joseph's is a competitive process. As a voluntary-aided Catholic school, the governing body is the admissions authority. For the most recent intake, the school received 135 applications for 60 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 2.25.

Priority is given to baptized Catholic children, particularly those residing in the parishes of St Joseph’s, Upminster, and the Sacred Heart of Mary, Hornchurch. Applicants must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) in addition to the local authority application. For 2026 entry, the deadline for both the common application and the SIF is 15 January 2026. Parents are encouraged to use the FindMySchoolMap Search to assess their proximity to the school relative to the historic parish boundaries.

Pastoral care is deeply integrated into the school's faith-based ethos. The chaplaincy team and the school's "Gospel values" program ensure that emotional wellbeing is prioritized alongside academic achievement. Pupils have access to a variety of support structures, including a designated Inclusion Lead who coordinates help for those with additional needs. The school operates a buddy system where older pupils mentor younger ones, fostering a culture of peer support. Mental health awareness is part of the curriculum, and the school works closely with external agencies when more specialized support is required.

Extracurricular life at St Joseph's is vibrant and varied. The school is particularly well-regarded for its musical provision, with a thriving choir that performs at local events and a range of peripatetic instrument lessons. Sports also feature heavily; the school makes excellent use of its playground and field spaces for football, netball, and athletics.

Specific clubs such as the Mini Vinnies (a youth branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society) allow pupils to engage in social justice and charity work, while the Coding Club and Science Club cater to those with a technical bent. Annual residential trips for older pupils, including a visit to a rural activity centre, are highlights of the school calendar, building independence and team-working skills.

The school day begins at 8:50am and concludes at 3:20pm for all pupils. St Joseph's offers on-site wraparound care managed by the school. The Breakfast Club runs from 7:30am at a cost of £5.50 per day, including a healthy breakfast. The After School Club runs until 6:00pm at a cost of £14.50 per day, providing a range of supervised indoor and outdoor activities. Transport-wise, the school is a short walk from Upminster station (District Line and C2C), making it accessible for commuting parents, though local parking is restricted during drop-off and pick-up times.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded voluntary aided school, meaning there are no tuition fees. Families are, however, responsible for costs associated with school uniform, optional trips, and wraparound care services. The school office can provide information on support for these costs for families eligible for Pupil Premium funding.

• Oversubscribed status: With over two applications for every place, St Joseph's is one of the most competitive primaries in Havering. Families must ensure their SIF is completed accurately and submitted on time.
• Faith commitment: The Catholic ethos is not just a label but a daily practice. Families are expected to support the religious life of the school, including attendance at Mass and participation in religious education.
• Academic pace: The school's high rankings are the result of a fast-paced and demanding curriculum. While supportive, the environment may feel intense for pupils who prefer a more relaxed approach to learning.

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School offers a potent combination of elite academic performance and a steadfast commitment to Catholic character. It is a school where traditional values meet modern teaching methods, resulting in pupils who are both high-achieving and socially responsible. It best suits families who value a structured, faith-led education and are prepared to engage fully with the school community. For those seeking a place in one of Havering’s top-performing schools, the challenge lies solely in the admissions process.