St Antony's Catholic Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in a Nurturing Community

In the leafy outskirts of Woodford Bridge, St Antony's Catholic Primary School has established itself as one of the highest-performing primaries in Redbridge. The school serves a diverse community within the Diocese of Brentwood, combining a rigorous academic environment with a deeply embedded Catholic ethos. Current data from 2024 places the school in the top 10% of primary schools in England (FindMySchool ranking), with Key Stage 2 results that significantly outpace national benchmarks.

With a capacity for 420 pupils across two forms of entry, the school is large enough to offer a broad range of facilities while maintaining the close-knit feel of a parish school. Mrs Angela Moore, the current head teacher, leads a stable and dedicated staff team that focuses on high expectations for every child. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection confirmed its status as a Good school, highlighting the exemplary behaviour and the ambitious curriculum that challenges pupils to excel.

The atmosphere at St Antony's is one of calm, focused energy. The Victorian architecture of the original building on Mornington Road has been enhanced by modern additions, creating a learning environment that feels both historic and forward-looking. As a Catholic school, the religious character is the bedrock of daily life. The school's motto, Christo et Mariae (For Christ and Mary), is not merely a historical footnote but a guiding principle that shapes the school's approach to pastoral care and personal development.

Prayer and liturgy are integrated naturally into the school day. The school maintains strong links with the local parish, and the liturgical calendar dictates much of the school's communal life. However, while the Catholic identity is pervasive, the school is known for its inclusive and welcoming culture, attracting families who value its structured and values-driven approach to education.

The academic performance at St Antony's tells a story of consistent excellence. In 2024, an impressive 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%. Even more striking is the proportion of pupils achieving at a higher standard; 42% of pupils hit this top tier in all three subjects, compared to the England average of just 8%.

Ranked 10th among all primaries in Redbridge and 984th in England (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits firmly in the elite tier of primary education. Reading is a particular strength, with an average scaled score of 110 and nearly half of the cohort (48%) achieving a high score. These results reflect a teaching approach that prioritises core literacy and numeracy from the earliest years.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to spark curiosity while ensuring mastery of the basics. In the early years, the integrated nursery provision provides a seamless transition into Reception, focusing on communication, language, and social development. The school uses a variety of specialist teachers, particularly in music and physical education, ensuring that pupils receive high-quality instruction across all disciplines.

Teachers at St Antony's have high expectations and expert subject knowledge. Lessons are structured to build on prior learning, with regular assessments used to identify and support pupils who may be falling behind. This rigorous approach is balanced by a focus on creativity; writing is a standout area, with 45% of pupils achieving greater depth in the most recent assessments.

The majority of pupils from St Antony's progress to high-performing secondary schools within Redbridge and the neighbouring boroughs. Given the school's Catholic character, many families choose to continue their child's faith journey at secondary schools such as Trinity Catholic High School in Woodford Green or Ursuline Academy in Ilford.

The school's strong academic record also makes its pupils competitive candidates for the local grammar schools, including Ilford County High School and Woodford County High School. The transition process is well-managed, with Year 6 staff working closely with receiving secondary schools to ensure that academic and pastoral records are shared effectively.

St Antony's is a voluntary aided school, and admissions are managed by the Governing Body in accordance with the Redbridge coordinated scheme. The school is consistently oversubscribed; for the most recent intake, there were 101 applications for just 58 offers. This creates a subscription proportion of 1.74, indicating that nearly two families apply for every available place.

The admissions policy gives priority to baptised Catholic children, particularly those from the local parish. A Supplementary Information Form (SIF) is required as part of the application process. Families should note that the school's popularity means that meeting the faith criteria is often essential for securing a place. Parents can use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their proximity to the school and compare it to local intake patterns.

The school's "Good" Ofsted rating is reflected in its exceptional pastoral care. Safeguarding is described as effective, with a culture that prioritises the safety and happiness of every child. Pupils report feeling safe and valued, and they are encouraged to take on leadership roles through the school council and as liturgy leaders.

Support for pupils with special educational needs is well-integrated. The school's inclusive approach ensures that all children, regardless of their starting point, are given the tools to thrive. The emphasis on Gospel values, such as kindness, respect, and forgiveness, creates a school community where bullying is rare and behaviour is consistently high.

Extracurricular life at St Antony's is vibrant and varied. The school offers a range of clubs that extend the learning day, including a highly-regarded school choir that performs at local events and liturgical celebrations. STEM excellence is promoted through dedicated coding and robotics clubs, while sports teams compete regularly in local Redbridge leagues.

Physical education is a priority, with the school making full use of its outdoor spaces for football, netball, and athletics. Annual residentials for older pupils provide opportunities for team-building and outdoor adventure, fostering independence and resilience as they prepare for the move to secondary school.

The school day begins at 8:50am and concludes at 3:20pm. For working families, wraparound care is available through a breakfast club from 7:45am and an after-school club that runs until 6:00pm. These sessions are popular and typically require advance booking.

The school is well-served by local transport links, located within walking distance of several bus routes serving Woodford and Ilford. While parking on Mornington Road is limited, the school promotes a "walk to school" initiative to manage congestion and support student health.

• Strong Faith Commitment: The school's Catholic identity is central to its daily operation. Families who are not active in the Catholic faith may find it more difficult to secure a place given the high level of oversubscription from within the parish.
• Academic Rigour: While the school is nurturing, it is also academically demanding. The high percentages of pupils achieving at the "greater depth" standard reflect a pace of learning that may be intensive for some.
• Nursery Transition: While the school has an on-site nursery, a place in the nursery does not guarantee admission to the main school's Reception class. Families must re-apply through the local authority process.

St Antony's Catholic Primary School is a powerhouse of primary education in East London. It successfully balances a traditional, faith-based environment with cutting-edge academic results that place it among the best in England. Best suited to families seeking a disciplined, high-achieving school with a strong moral and religious framework. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool.uk to manage their shortlist.