St James the Great Roman Catholic Primary School Review 2026: Faith-Rooted Excellence in Peckham

On Peckham Road, where Victorian terraces give way to modern estates, St James the Great has quietly built one of the strongest academic records in South London. The 2024 KS2 results place this Catholic primary in the top 4% of schools in England. 92% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that sits 30%age points above the England average. The school serves 210 pupils aged 3 to 11, with a nursery that welcomes children from age three. Faith shapes every element of school life, from daily prayer to the explicit Catholic values that frame behaviour and expectations.

The school occupies a Victorian building on a busy road, softened by careful use of colour and displays that celebrate both faith and achievement. At drop-off, children greet staff warmly and head to classrooms without fuss. The atmosphere is calm, purposeful, and kind.

Catholic identity is genuine and visible. A statue of Our Lady stands in the entrance hall. Classrooms display prayers alongside times tables. The school day begins with collective worship, and Mass is celebrated regularly in the nearby church of St James. Religious education follows the Archdiocese of Southwark scheme, and sacramental preparation is integrated into the curriculum for those families who request it.

Mrs Catherine Murphy has led the school since 2018, bringing two decades of Catholic education experience. Her leadership combines high academic expectations with a warmth that pupils and families describe as welcoming. Staff turnover is low, and several teachers have taught at the school for over a decade.

The school's mission statement, rooted in Gospel values, emphasises Love, Respect, and Service. These are not abstract words. Pupils use the language naturally when explaining why they help younger children or include someone who feels left out.

In 2024, 92% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. The school ranks 575th in England for primary outcomes, a proprietary FindMySchool ranking based on official data, placing it well above England average in the top 4%. Among 63 primaries in Southwark, St James the Great ranks 8th.

Reading performance is particularly strong. The average scaled score of 109 exceeds the England average of 105, and 97% of pupils met the expected standard. At the higher standard, 52% achieved greater depth in reading, compared to the England average of 30%.

In mathematics, the average scaled score of 107 sits above the England average of 104. 93% of pupils met the expected standard, and 28% achieved the higher standard, well above the England average of 19%.

Grammar, punctuation, and spelling results are exceptional. The average scaled score of 113 is significantly above the England average of 106, and 76% of pupils achieved the higher standard, compared to the England average of 36%.

At the higher standard across all three subjects, 35% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, more than four times the England average of 8%.

The curriculum follows the national framework with additional emphasis on religious education, which occupies 10% of teaching time. Phonics begins in Reception using the Read Write Inc scheme. Reading is prioritised across all year groups, with guided reading sessions four times weekly.

Mathematics teaching follows a mastery approach, with pupils working through concepts systematically before moving on. Setting begins in Year 5 to allow targeted support and extension. Year 6 receives additional morning sessions in the spring term to consolidate learning before SATs.

Teachers have strong subject knowledge and deliver lessons with clarity. Pupils describe feeling supported when they find work difficult, and challenged when they are ready to move ahead. Marking is consistent and constructive, with clear next steps.

The school has invested in computing resources, with a dedicated suite and classroom tablets. Coding is taught from Year 1. Spanish is introduced in Year 3, taught by a specialist teacher.

Each class has a dedicated teaching assistant, providing consistent support throughout the day. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) works four days per week and coordinates provision for approximately 30 pupils on the SEN register. Interventions are targeted and time-limited, with regular review to ensure impact.

Behaviour is excellent. The school's approach is rooted in Catholic values of respect and kindness, with clear expectations and consistent application. Pupils describe feeling safe and happy. Low-level disruption is rare.

A trained counsellor visits weekly to support children experiencing anxiety, bereavement, or family difficulties. The school works closely with families, and pastoral support extends beyond the school gates when needed.

Anti-bullying work is embedded in the curriculum, with particular emphasis on inclusion and treating others as Christ would. Pupils speak confidently about what to do if they feel worried or excluded.

The extracurricular programme reflects both the school's size and its commitment to breadth. Clubs run after school four days per week, changing termly. Current offerings include football, netball, dance, art, choir, and gardening. All Year 4 pupils learn recorder as part of the music curriculum; those showing aptitude can progress to other instruments with peripatetic teachers.

The school choir performs at local care homes and churches, linking music with the Catholic emphasis on service. An annual Christmas concert draws families together, and the Year 6 leavers' Mass marks the end of primary education with solemnity and celebration.

Sport is taken seriously despite limited outdoor space. The school uses Burgess Park for athletics and cross-country, and pupils compete in local tournaments. Swimming lessons are provided for Year 4.

Service projects are integral to school life. Pupils raise funds for CAFOD and local charities, and older pupils support younger children as reading buddies and playground friends. The Mini Vinnies group, inspired by the Society of St Vincent de Paul, meets weekly to discuss how they can serve the school and parish community.

Admissions are coordinated by Southwark Council, with the school as its own admissions authority. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with 37 applications for 17 places in 2024. This represents a subscription ratio of 2.18, meaning over two applications for every available place.

After looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated according to the following priority order. First, baptised Catholic children who are practising members of a Catholic parish, evidenced by a Certificate of Catholic Practice signed by a parish priest. Second, other baptised Catholic children. Third, children of other Christian denominations. Fourth, children of other faiths. Fifth, any remaining applicants.

The Certificate of Catholic Practice requires regular Mass attendance over a sustained period, typically interpreted as weekly attendance for at least two years. Families should contact their parish priest well in advance of application to understand what is expected.

For families meeting the faith criteria, proximity is less of a limiting factor than at non-faith schools. However, the school serves a wide area, and competition remains strong among practising Catholic families.

Parents or guardians wishing to apply should complete both the Southwark Common Application Form and the school's Supplementary Information Form, available on the school website. The application deadline for Reception entry is 15 January.

The majority of pupils progress to Catholic secondary schools, with St Michael's Catholic College in Bermondsey and St Thomas the Apostle College in Peckham being the most common destinations. Both schools give priority to baptised Catholic children, and the transition process is well established.

Some families opt for non-faith secondaries, including Harris Academy Peckham and Charter School Dulwich. A small number of pupils secure places at selective independent or grammar schools, supported by the school's strong academic foundation.

The school maintains contact with feeder secondaries and arranges transition visits in the summer term. Year 6 pupils visit their new schools and participate in activities designed to ease the move.

The nursery welcomes children from age three, offering both morning and afternoon sessions. The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is delivered with the same attention to Catholic values that characterises the rest of the school. Outdoor learning is prioritised, and the nursery garden provides a safe space for exploration and play.

Staff ratios exceed statutory requirements, ensuring close attention to each child's development. Children in the nursery are taught by qualified Early Years practitioners, with support from teaching assistants.

Government-funded hours are available for eligible families. For current nursery fees and session times, visit the school website or contact the school office directly. Families interested in nursery places should apply early, as demand is high.

Children in the nursery benefit from seamless transition into Reception, with familiar staff, routines, and environment. Priority for Reception places follows the same admissions criteria as for external applicants.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:15pm. Breakfast club operates from 7:45am, providing a calm start to the day with breakfast available. After-school club runs until 6pm, offering supervised activities and homework support. Both wraparound services are popular and spaces should be booked in advance.

The school is located on Peckham Road, a short walk from Peckham Rye Station (Overground) and well served by buses including the 12, 36, 171, and 345. Parking is limited, and families are encouraged to walk or use public transport.

School uniform is required and available from the school office or designated suppliers. The uniform policy includes a distinctive burgundy jumper with the school badge, reinforcing identity and pride.

Faith commitment expected. The school's Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer, regular Mass, and explicit religious teaching should look elsewhere. The Certificate of Catholic Practice requirement means consistent church attendance is not optional for the highest priority applicants.

Oversubscribed with faith priority. With 37 applications for 17 places in 2024, entry is competitive. Meeting the Catholic criteria is essential for most families securing places. Baptism alone does not guarantee priority; active parish involvement, evidenced by the Certificate of Catholic Practice, is required.

Limited outdoor space. The school site is constrained by its urban location. While staff make excellent use of available space and access nearby parks, families seeking extensive playing fields will not find them here.

Nursery to Reception transition not automatic. Although children in the nursery benefit from familiarity with the school, they must still apply for Reception through the standard admissions process and meet the same faith criteria as external applicants.

St James the Great delivers outstanding academic outcomes rooted in a genuine Catholic ethos. Results place the school in the top 4% in England, and the warmth and clarity of the school's mission create an environment where children feel valued and challenged. Best suited to practising Catholic families seeking excellent primary education within a faith context. The school's commitment to Gospel values, combined with rigorous teaching and high expectations, produces pupils who are both academically strong and deeply grounded in service and kindness. The main challenge is securing a place, which requires active parish involvement and the Certificate of Catholic Practice for most successful applicants.