St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Highgate Review 2026: Outstanding Catholic Education with a Nurturing Heart

On a leafy stretch of Highgate Hill where north London climbs towards Hampstead Heath, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School has served families for over a century. The 2024 Key Stage 2 results place this voluntary-aided Catholic school in the top 4% of primaries in England, a position backed by an Outstanding Ofsted rating. With 470 pupils aged 2 to 11, the school balances academic ambition with a genuine commitment to Gospel values, creating an environment where children are known, challenged, and cherished.

Beyond the school gates, visitors find a community built on Catholic faith and mutual respect. The school building sits on a prominent corner site, the red-brick Victorian facade signalling a long-established presence in Highgate. Inside, displays of pupil work line corridors alongside images of saints and Gospel quotations. Prayer corners in each classroom provide quiet spaces for reflection.

Mr Paul Dunne has led the school since 2020, bringing experience from Catholic education leadership across London. Under his guidance, the school secured its Outstanding rating in 2023, with inspectors noting the palpable sense of community and the school's success in living out its mission to educate the whole child within a Catholic framework.

Catholic life permeates daily routines. The school day begins with morning prayer. Weekly Mass, held at the nearby Church of St Joseph, draws the whole school community together. Chaplaincy support is available for families, and sacramental preparation for First Holy Communion and Reconciliation is woven into the Year 3 curriculum. For families seeking a school where faith is not an add-on but the foundation, St Joseph's delivers authentically.

Values of kindness, respect, and service are not simply displayed but actively practised. Pupils speak naturally about helping others and show genuine care for one another. The behaviour policy references Gospel values explicitly, and staff model the compassion they expect to see.

Academic outcomes are exceptional. In 2024, 91% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. The school ranks 595th in England for primary outcomes and 6th among Islington's primaries, placing it well above England average and in the top 4% nationally.

Subject-specific performance is equally strong. The average scaled score for reading was 109 (England average: 100), for mathematics 109 (England average: 101), and for grammar, punctuation, and spelling an impressive 111. At the higher standard, 38% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%.

In science, 94% of pupils met the expected standard, well above the England average of 82%. These results reflect consistently high expectations and rigorous teaching across all subjects.

The curriculum follows the national framework with thoughtful Catholic enrichment. Religious education receives the same curriculum time as English, reflecting the school's priorities. Pupils study Scripture, the lives of saints, and the Church's liturgical year. This is not tokenistic. RE lessons are academically demanding, with pupils encouraged to think critically about faith and morality.

In mathematics, teaching emphasises mastery. Pupils work through concepts in depth before moving on, with challenge provided through reasoning and problem-solving rather than acceleration. Setting begins in Year 5 to ensure appropriate challenge for all abilities.

Literacy is a strength. Guided reading sessions happen daily, and the school library is well-stocked with texts reflecting diverse voices and experiences. Pupils write across genres, and evidence in books shows teachers providing detailed, constructive feedback. Greater depth writing opportunities allow the most able to extend their skills.

Specialist teaching in music and physical education ensures breadth. French is taught from Reception by a specialist linguist, giving pupils a head start in modern foreign languages before secondary school. Computing includes coding and online safety, with pupils creating animations and understanding algorithms by Year 6.

Homework is set weekly, with reading expected nightly. The homework policy balances consolidation with family time, mindful that primary-aged children benefit from play and rest as much as academic practice.

The pastoral system reflects Catholic teaching on the dignity of every person. Each class has a dedicated teaching assistant alongside the class teacher, ensuring that pupils receive individual attention. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator works full-time and oversees support for approximately 55 pupils on the SEN register, ranging from speech and language needs to specific learning difficulties.

Inclusion is not an abstract ideal here. Pupils with SEND are supported within mainstream classes wherever possible, with targeted intervention groups for literacy and numeracy. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, awarded for its effective SEND provision.

Behaviour is excellent. Pupils move calmly through the building, hold doors for others, and speak politely to adults and peers. The behaviour policy is rooted in restorative justice principles, encouraging pupils to understand the impact of their actions and make amends. Exclusions are rare.

A trained counsellor visits weekly, offering short-term support for pupils experiencing anxiety, bereavement, or family difficulties. Play therapy is available for younger children who find it hard to express feelings verbally. These interventions are handled sensitively, with parental consent and communication.

Safeguarding is robust. Staff training is up to date, and the designated safeguarding lead is visible and accessible. Pupils learn about keeping safe online, healthy relationships, and who to turn to if worried. The safeguarding culture is strong, with staff alert to signs of concern.

Extracurricular provision is broad for a primary school. Clubs run four days a week after school and include football, netball, athletics, choir, art, drama, coding, and chess. Participation is encouraged, and clubs change termly to offer variety. Breakfast club and after-school care provide wraparound from 7:45am until 6pm, easing pressure on working families.

Music thrives. The school choir performs at local events and in church services. Pupils in Year 4 learn the recorder as part of the curriculum, and those showing particular aptitude can progress to other instruments through peripatetic lessons. Annual music showcases give pupils the chance to perform for parents.

Drama productions happen twice yearly, with Nativity plays for younger pupils and larger-scale performances for Key Stage 2. The 2024 summer production involved over 100 children, with every Year 5 and 6 pupil taking a role on stage or behind the scenes.

Sport is well-organised. The school fields teams in local leagues for football, netball, and cross-country. Sports Day, held at Parliament Hill athletics track, is a highlight of the summer term. Pupils also benefit from specialist PE teaching, with sessions covering gymnastics, dance, invasion games, and athletics.

Residential trips enrich the curriculum. Year 6 pupils travel to the Isle of Wight for a week of outdoor education, building independence and resilience. Year 4 pupils enjoy a two-day trip to a countryside retreat, often their first experience away from home. These trips are subsidised to ensure all families can afford to participate.

Service projects connect pupils to the wider world. The school supports CAFOD and other Catholic charities, with pupils organising fundraising events. Harvest collections go to local food banks. Older pupils visit a nearby care home, singing and sharing stories with residents. These experiences instil a sense of responsibility and compassion.

Admissions are coordinated by Islington Council, with the school as its own admission authority. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with 137 applications for 60 Reception places in 2024. The oversubscription criteria prioritise baptised Catholic children, with evidence of baptism required. A Certificate of Catholic Practice, signed by the parish priest, is necessary for certain criteria.

After looked-after children and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school, places are allocated in the following order: baptised Catholic children who are regular worshippers, other baptised Catholic children, catechumens and members of Eastern Christian churches, children of other Christian denominations, children of other faiths, and finally any remaining children. Within each category, distance from the school is used as a tiebreaker.

In 2024, the last distance offered was 2.736 miles, reflecting the school's popularity and relatively small catchment within the Catholic community. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families should verify current distances with the school or local authority before assuming a place is secure.

Application deadlines follow the Islington coordinated admissions timetable, with forms due by 15 January for September entry. Supplementary information forms for Catholic applicants must be submitted directly to the school by the same date. Late applications are considered only after on-time applications have been processed.

Nursery provision is available for children from age 2, with separate admissions handled directly by the school. Attendance at the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place, though nursery families are supported through the admissions process. For nursery fee details and eligibility for government-funded hours, visit the school website or contact the school office directly.

The majority of St Joseph's pupils progress to Catholic secondary schools, reflecting the families' commitment to faith-based education. Popular destinations include St Aloysius' College in Highgate, La Sainte Union in Camden, and St Michael's Catholic Grammar School in Barnet for those passing the entrance test.

A smaller number transfer to non-denominational state secondaries such as Highbury Grove or Acland Burghley, often based on proximity or sibling links. A handful pursue independent school places, with scholarships occasionally secured at schools like City of London or Highgate School.

The school provides preparation for secondary transfer, with meetings for Year 6 families explaining the application process. Teachers complete reference forms, and the school liaises with receiving schools to ensure smooth transitions. For pupils moving to Catholic secondaries, sacramental records and parish references are coordinated carefully.

St Michael's Catholic Grammar School attracts significant interest among St Joseph's families. The school provides familiarisation with selective test formats but does not offer intensive 11-plus preparation. Families seeking grammar school entry typically arrange external tutoring, though the school encourages a balanced approach that does not overwhelm children with test pressure.

The school day runs from 8:55am to 3:30pm for Reception to Year 6. Nursery hours vary depending on the session chosen, with morning, afternoon, and full-day options available. Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, offering a calm start to the day with cereal, toast, and fruit. After-school club runs until 6pm, providing play, homework support, and a light snack.

Wraparound care is charged at competitive rates, with discounts for siblings. Holiday clubs operate during most school breaks, though not all half-terms. Families requiring wraparound provision should check availability directly with the school office.

School uniform is traditional and available from a designated supplier. The uniform policy includes PE kit, and pupils are expected to bring a water bottle and book bag daily. The school operates a second-hand uniform shop, easing costs for families.

Transport links are good. Archway and Highgate Underground stations are within walking distance, and several bus routes serve Highgate Hill. Parking near the school is restricted, and families are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport. A walking bus scheme operates from Archway, with parent volunteers supervising the route.

Faith commitment expected. The school's Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer, weekly Mass, and explicit religious teaching should look elsewhere. Non-Catholic families are welcome to apply, but they must accept that the school's mission is rooted in the Gospel and Catholic social teaching.

Admissions criteria favour practising Catholics. The oversubscription criteria give priority to families with a Certificate of Catholic Practice, which requires regular Mass attendance verified by a parish priest. For non-practising Catholic families or those of other faiths, securing a place is significantly harder, particularly given the 2024 last distance of 2.736 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Nursery does not guarantee Reception entry. While the nursery provides an excellent early years experience, attendance does not secure a Reception place. Families must apply through the coordinated admissions process and meet the oversubscription criteria. This can be frustrating for families who assume nursery attendance ensures continuity.

Limited outdoor space for a primary of this size. The Highgate Hill site is constrained, and while the playground is adequate, space for sports and outdoor learning is more limited than at some suburban primaries. The school compensates with use of nearby green spaces and Parliament Hill Fields, but families seeking extensive outdoor facilities may find this a drawback.

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School combines outstanding academic results with a deeply rooted Catholic ethos, creating an environment where children achieve highly while developing compassion, service, and faith. Ranked in the top 4% of primaries in England, the school delivers rigorous teaching, a rich curriculum, and exceptional pastoral care. Best suited to Catholic families who want their children educated within a faith community that takes the Gospel seriously. The school's popularity makes entry competitive, particularly for families without a Certificate of Catholic Practice, but for those who secure a place, the education is first-rate.