St Cuthbert with St Matthias CofE Primary School Review 2026: Historic Earls Court Church School with 150-Year Heritage

In its most recent Key Stage 2 results, St Cuthbert with St Matthias achieved outcomes that placed it in line with national averages. Some 78% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well above the national average of 62%. The school demonstrated particular strength in reading, with 82% of pupils reaching the expected standard and 35% achieving the high score, both above national benchmarks. In grammar, punctuation and spelling, 76% met the expected standard and 41% achieved high scores. Mathematics results showed 82% reaching the expected standard, though only 12% achieved high scores, below the national average of 8% for higher attainment.

The school ranked 18th among primary schools in Kensington and Chelsea and 4,737th nationally. Average scaled scores were 106 in reading, 108 in grammar, punctuation and spelling, and 105 in mathematics. Writing at greater depth was achieved by 12% of pupils, and 20% reached the high standard across reading, writing and maths combined, above the national average of 8%.

The student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1 provided relatively small class sizes, supporting individualised attention. Pupils typically behaved well in classrooms and in the playground. According to Ofsted evidence, pupils felt safe and reported no bullying concerns, with staff addressing any misbehaviour or unkindness quickly. The school's most recent full inspection took place in November 2021, maintaining its Good rating after having been rated Requires Improvement in 2012 and 2014.

St Cuthbert with St Matthias was oversubscribed in its final intake cycle, with 24 applications for 11 places, representing 2.18. applications per place All first preference applicants who received offers were successful. As a Church of England voluntary aided school, the governing body managed admissions rather than the local authority.

The school's closure was precipitated by a dramatic decline in applications and pupil numbers. In its final year, only 11 pupils were planned to join Reception in September 2025, one of the lowest intakes in the borough, while 19 were leaving Year 6. The school operated across all year groups with vacancies, and by January 2025 had just 83 children on roll from Reception to Year 6. This represented less than 40% of the school's capacity of 244 places.

Families considering Church of England primary education in Earls Court and the surrounding Kensington and Chelsea area will need to explore alternative schools. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the London Diocesan Board for Schools, and the school governors jointly supported the closure decision given the unsustainable financial position created by falling rolls.

St Cuthbert with St Matthias CofE Primary School closed its doors in October 2025 after more than 150 years of service to the Earls Court community. In its final years, the school maintained a Good Ofsted rating and delivered academic results above national averages, with nearly four in five pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths. The inclusive, warm atmosphere and diverse community were notable strengths, alongside a favourable student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1.

However, the school's closure reflects the harsh realities facing small urban primary schools in areas experiencing demographic change. Despite its historical significance, strong inspection outcomes, and devoted community support, the school could not overcome the financial challenges created by operating at less than 40% capacity. With only 11 pupils joining Reception in its final intake and a funding shortfall approaching £750,000, the governors, diocese and local authority agreed that closure was unavoidable. Families who valued the school's Church of England character, small setting and multicultural ethos must now seek alternative provision in Kensington and Chelsea.

Is St Cuthbert with St Matthias CofE Primary School a good school?

The school was rated Good by Ofsted in its most recent inspection in November 2021. Academic results were above national averages, with 78% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. However, the school closed permanently on 31 October 2025 due to falling pupil numbers and financial unsustainability.

How do I apply to St Cuthbert with St Matthias CofE Primary School?

The school is permanently closed as of 31 October 2025 and is no longer accepting applications. Families seeking Church of England primary education in Kensington and Chelsea should contact the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea admissions team or the London Diocesan Board for Schools for information about alternative schools in the area.

What were the school's Key Stage 2 results?

In the school's most recent results, 78% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well above the national average of 62%. The school achieved particularly strong results in reading (82% at expected standard, 35% at high score) and grammar, punctuation and spelling (76% expected, 41% high score).

Why did St Cuthbert with St Matthias close?

The school closed due to falling pupil numbers and resulting financial unsustainability. By January 2025, only 83 children were on roll, and just 11 pupils were due to join Reception in September, representing less than 40% of the school's capacity. This created a funding shortfall of approximately £750,000 compared to operating at full capacity. The governors, London Diocesan Board for Schools, and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea jointly concluded that closure was necessary.

What was the admissions process for St Cuthbert with St Matthias?

As a Church of England voluntary aided school, admissions were managed by the governing body rather than the local authority. In the school's final intake cycle, it was oversubscribed with 24 applications for 11 places. The school served children aged 2 to 11, including nursery provision.