The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Located on the busy London Road in North Cheam, St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School is a two-form entry academy that consistently performs at the highest levels of the English state sector. The school serves approximately 465 pupils, with an additional nursery provision that caters to the youngest learners from age three. The 2024 academic data places St Cecilia's in the top 10% of schools in England, a position supported by its long standing Outstanding rating from Ofsted. Under the leadership of Mr. Vince Burke, who has served as Head Teacher since September 2017, the school maintains a rigorous focus on both academic attainment and the spiritual development of its pupils within the Roman Catholic tradition.
The atmosphere at St Cecilia's is defined by its Catholic identity, which is woven into the fabric of daily life rather than treated as a separate subject. As a member of the Sancta Familia Catholic Academy Trust, the school benefits from a wider network of faith based support and shared educational values. The physical environment is well ordered and purposeful, reflecting a culture where high expectations for behaviour and mutual respect are the norm. Parents often describe the school as a close knit community where children are encouraged to support one another, a sentiment echoed by the school's commitment to Gospel values.
The leadership team, led by Mr. Burke and supported by Deputy Head Mrs. Bernadette Martin, ensures a continued emphasis on learning together, growing together, and shining in God's love. This motto is visible throughout the school and guides the pedagogical approach. While the school is located on a primary thoroughfare in Sutton, once inside the gates, the focus shifts to a calm, structured learning environment. The building and grounds are utilised effectively to provide a safe haven for learning, despite the urban setting.
St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School delivers results that are significantly above both local and England averages. In 2024, 78% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, exceeding the England average of 61%. This high level of attainment is consistent across individual subjects, with 92% reaching the standard in mathematics and 95% in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
The school ranks 790th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranks 9th among primaries in Sutton. This performance puts St Cecilia's in the top 10% of schools in England. At the higher standard, the school is particularly strong; 22% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to an England average of 8%. This suggests that the curriculum is effectively challenging the most able pupils while ensuring the vast majority reach national benchmarks.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
89.33%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
The curriculum at St Cecilia's is ambitious and broad, designed to meet the needs of a diverse pupil body while remaining rooted in the National Curriculum. Teaching is characterised by expert subject knowledge and a structured approach to lesson delivery. In the early years, the nursery provision offers a seamless entry into school life, focusing on communication, language, and social development. Practitioners in the nursery work closely with Reception staff to ensure children are well prepared for the transition to compulsory schooling.
Specialist teaching is a feature of the school, particularly in areas like music, sports, and French. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection in November 2023 awarded an Outstanding rating across all five key categories, including the quality of education and early years provision. The focus on literacy is evident in the reading scores, where the average scaled score of 108 exceeds the England average. Similarly, the average scaled score of 111 in grammar, punctuation, and spelling reflects a rigorous approach to technical English skills.
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
FMS Inspection Score calculated by FindMySchool based on official inspection data.
The school has a strong track record of successful transitions to secondary education. Average data from 2020 to 2022 shows that 34% of leavers progressed to Richard Challoner School and 24% to The Holy Cross School. Other significant destinations include St Philomena's Catholic High School for Girls (13%) and Ursuline High School Wimbledon (5%). Given the school's location in Sutton, a borough known for its highly competitive grammar schools, some pupils also secure places at selective institutions after sitting the Selective Eligibility Test (SET).
Entry to St Cecilia's is fiercely competitive. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 173 applications for just 59 places, representing nearly three applications for every available seat. The governors are the admission authority, and they apply a clear set of oversubscription criteria with priority given to baptised Catholic children.
For the 2026 entry, the deadline for primary applications is 15 January 2026. While the admissions process changed in 2025 to no longer require a Parish Priest reference (a baptismal certificate now suffices), parents must still complete both the Sutton Common Application Form (CAF) and the school's Supplementary Information Form (SIF). Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates, as distance remains a deciding factor among applicants within the same priority category.
Applications
173
Total received
Places Offered
59
Subscription Rate
2.9x
Applications per place
Pastoral care is a significant strength, anchored by the school's religious character. The wellbeing of pupils is managed through a system that promotes kindness and responsibility. The school has a dedicated SENDCo, Mrs. F. Gallant, who manages support for pupils with additional needs, ensuring that the high academic pace remains inclusive. Safeguarding procedures are robust, with a culture of vigilance that extends from the leadership team to all members of staff. The school operates as a supportive atmosphere where the spiritual and emotional needs of the children are given equal weight to their academic progress.
Extracurricular life at St Cecilia's is vibrant, with a range of clubs that extend the school day. Sports are well represented, with a dedicated sports coach, Mr. S. Dack, leading various activities. The school also offers creative outlets such as music tuition and a school choir. STEM activities are integrated into the wider curriculum, with computing and design technology having clear curriculum overviews to provide hands on experience beyond standard lessons.
The school makes good use of its local context for educational visits and annual highlights, including residential journeys for older pupils. These experiences are designed to build independence and resilience, qualities that the school values highly.
The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. St Cecilia's offers comprehensive wraparound care to support working families. The Breakfast Club opens at 7:30am, providing childcare and a breakfast for children until the school day begins. The After School Club provides care every day during term time until 6:00pm, offering activities such as arts and crafts and sports. For current nursery fee details, visit the school website. Government funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding for more information.
St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School is an academic powerhouse that delivers some of the best results in Greater London without sacrificing its spiritual core. It offers a disciplined, high achieving environment that suits children who thrive under structure and high expectations. Best suited to local Catholic families who want a seamless blend of faith and top tier education. The main challenge for parents is undoubtedly the admissions process, which requires both a strong faith connection and proximity to the school.
Yes, St Cecilia's is an exceptional school. It holds an Outstanding rating from Ofsted (last inspected November 2023) across all areas. KS2 results consistently exceed England averages, with 78% of pupils meeting expected standards in 2024. The school ranks in the top 10% of primaries in England.
Applications for Reception entry are made through the London Borough of Sutton. The deadline is 15 January 2026 for September 2026 entry. You must also complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) provided by the school to be considered under the faith criteria.
There is no formal catchment boundary. Places are allocated based on oversubscription criteria, primarily religious character and then distance. Due to high demand, securing a place typically requires living very close to the school.
Yes, the school offers both a Breakfast Club (starting at 7:30am) and an After School Club (running until 6:00pm) for all children in full time education at the school.
The most common destinations include Richard Challoner School, The Holy Cross School, and St Philomena's Catholic High School for Girls. A smaller percentage of students also transition to Ursuline High School in Wimbledon or local grammar schools.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
