St James's Roman Catholic Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence Rooted in Faith

In a quiet corner of Whitton where the leafy suburbs of Richmond meet the bustle of Twickenham, St James's Roman Catholic Primary School stands as a significant pillar of the local community. This three-form entry school serves approximately 680 pupils, making it one of the larger primary provisions in the borough. Its 2024 Key Stage 2 results are exceptional, placing the school in the top 10% of all primaries in England.

The atmosphere is one of purposeful calm, where the Catholic ethos is woven into the fabric of daily life rather than existing as a separate subject. Under the leadership of the current Head Teacher, the school has maintained a reputation for balancing rigorous academic standards with a genuine commitment to the pastoral wellbeing of every child. For families seeking a faith-based education that competes with the highest-performing schools in London, St James's represents a compelling option.

The physical environment of St James's reflects its growth and popularity. The school occupies a well-maintained site on Stanley Road, featuring a blend of traditional architecture and modern extensions designed to accommodate its three-form entry status. Inside, the corridors are bright and adorned with pupil work that celebrates both academic achievement and the school's religious identity.

Mr Ciaran Beatty has led the school as Head Teacher since September 2020. Under his guidance, the school has cultivated a culture where high expectations are standard. The latest inspection in October 2024 confirmed that the school remains Outstanding in every category, including the quality of education and early years provision. This is a school where the motto, In the Garden of St James’s, We Love, Learn, and Live like Jesus, is put into practice daily through acts of service and community prayer.

Religious life is central here. The school has strong links with the nearby St James’s Church, and the liturgical year dictates the rhythm of school life. However, while the Catholic character is pervasive, the school is noted for its inclusive warmth, welcoming families who share its values of kindness and mutual respect.

The academic outcomes at St James's are among the strongest in the country. 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%. The depth of learning is equally impressive; 48% of pupils achieved the higher standard across all three core subjects, nearly six times the England average of 8%.

Ranked 712th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the elite tier, placing it in the top 5% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 12th among the high-performing schools in Richmond upon Thames, a local authority known for its competitive primary landscape.

The average scaled scores further reinforce this picture of excellence. With a score of 109 in reading and 109 in mathematics, pupils consistently outperform their peers across England. In Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling, the average score of 110 reflects a meticulous approach to literacy that begins in the earliest years.

Teaching at St James's is characterised by high levels of subject expertise and a curriculum that is both ambitious and broad. From the Nursery through to Year 6, there is a clear focus on building a strong foundation in phonics and numeracy. The October 2024 Ofsted report confirmed that teachers use assessment effectively to identify any pupils who may be falling behind, ensuring that support is implemented rapidly.

The school employs specialist teachers for certain subjects, including Music and Physical Education, which adds a layer of depth to the curriculum. In Science, 97% of pupils reached the expected standard in 2024, a testament to the school’s focus on enquiry-based learning and practical experimentation.

For the most able pupils, the school provides significant stretch. The fact that 52% of pupils achieved a high score in reading and 46% did so in mathematics suggests that the "ceiling" for learning is very high. This academic rigour prepares students exceptionally well for the transition to secondary education.

Nursery Provision

The school offers integrated nursery provision, serving children from the age of three. The Nursery is housed in a dedicated space that allows for a seamless transition into the main school’s Reception classes. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) focuses on developing communication, language, and social skills through a mix of adult-led activities and child-initiated play.

The outdoor learning environment for the Nursery is a particular strength, allowing children to develop physical skills and explore the world around them in a safe, stimulating space. Staff in the Nursery are highly experienced practitioners who work closely with parents to ensure that each child’s first experience of school is positive and nurturing.

For nursery fee details and availability, parents should visit the school website. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; see the FindMySchool guide to nursery funding for further information on how to access these places.

A significant number of pupils from St James's progress to local Catholic secondary schools, most notably St Richard Reynolds Catholic College in Twickenham and Gumley House Convent School. These pathways are well-established, and the school works closely with these secondaries to ensure a smooth transition.

In addition to the Catholic route, many pupils secure places at Richmond’s highly-regarded non-selective secondaries, such as Orleans Park School and Waldegrave School. Each year, a cohort of pupils also successfully sits the entrance examinations for London’s grammar schools and prestigious independent seniors, supported by the strong academic foundation they receive at St James's.

Securing a place at St James's is a significant challenge. The school is consistently oversubscribed; in the most recent intake, there were 222 applications for just 89 available places. This represents a subscription proportion of 2.49, meaning there are nearly two and a half applicants for every desk.

As a Voluntary Aided Catholic school, the governing body is the admissions authority. Priority is given to baptised Catholic children, and families are required to submit a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) alongside their Local Authority application. This form usually requires a priest's reference to confirm regular practice of the faith.

The application deadline for September 2026 entry is 15 January 2026. While the school does not have a formal catchment area, distance from the school gates becomes the deciding factor once faith criteria have been applied. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous years’ intake patterns.

Pastoral care at St James's is deeply rooted in its religious identity. The school operates as a close-knit community where the emotional wellbeing of pupils is treated with the same importance as their academic progress. Each class has a dedicated teacher and teaching assistant who provide a first point of contact for any concerns.

The school uses a "Values" based approach to behaviour management, encouraging pupils to reflect on their actions in the context of the school’s Christian mission. This leads to an environment that feels safe and supportive. For pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the school’s SENCO coordinates a range of interventions, ensuring that every child can access the full curriculum.

The extracurricular life at St James's is vibrant and varied. The school offers a range of clubs that cater to diverse interests, from the high-performing School Choir to the popular Coding Club. Sport is a significant pillar of school life, with teams regularly competing in borough-wide competitions in football, netball, and athletics.

Music is particularly well-regarded, with many pupils taking advantage of peripatetic instrumental lessons. The school’s commitment to STEM is evidenced by its participation in regional challenges and the integration of digital technology across the curriculum. Annual residential trips for the older year groups help to build independence and resilience before pupils move on to secondary school.

The school day typically begins at 8:50 am and concludes at 3:20 pm. For working families, St James's offers comprehensive wraparound care. The "StJ Extra" morning wraparound for nursery children starts at 7:30 am and costs £16.75 per session. For pupils in Reception to Year 6, morning provision is held in the Pilgrim Hall from 7:30 am and afternoon care is available until 6:00 pm.

In terms of transport, the school is well-served by local bus routes, and many families choose to walk or cycle. Parking in the immediate vicinity of Stanley Road is limited during drop-off and pick-up times, and residents-only access restrictions apply between 8.00 am to 9.00 am and 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm during term time.

• High Subscription Levels: With nearly 2.5 applications for every place, entry is fiercely competitive. Families must ensure they complete the Supplementary Information Form correctly and on time to be considered under the faith criteria.
• Faith Commitment: The Catholic character of the school is genuine and pervasive. Families who are not practicing Catholics may find it difficult to secure a place, as the school usually fills all its places from categories of practicing Catholic families.
• Large School Feel: As a three-form entry primary with nearly 700 pupils, St James's is much larger than the average village or suburban primary. While it is exceptionally well-managed, some children may find the scale of the school initially overwhelming compared to a smaller setting.

St James's Roman Catholic Primary School is an academic powerhouse that successfully maintains a warm, community-focused atmosphere. Its results place it among the very best schools in England, and its "Outstanding" status is evidenced by the high quality of teaching and the superb behaviour of its students.

Best suited to practicing Catholic families in the Richmond area who value academic rigour and a disciplined, faith-based environment. The main challenge for parents is the admissions process; however, for those who secure a place, the school offers an exceptional foundation for future success. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist and track key application dates.