St Mary's RC Junior School Review 2026: A Catholic School with Outstanding Behaviour Culture

When Catholic education took root in Sutton in 1890, it began with a simple mission to serve local families. Today, St Mary's RC Junior School in Carshalton carries that legacy forward, housed in a historic setting that blends Victorian heritage with modern teaching. The school sits on the grounds of Carshalton House, a Grade II* listed building dating to the late seventeenth century, where generations of pupils have learned within these distinctive brick walls. With 362 pupils across Years 3 to 6, the school combines strong academic outcomes (90% reaching expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics, well above the England average of 62%) with a genuinely impressive culture where behaviour and personal development both earned Outstanding ratings in the most recent Ofsted inspection. The school ranks 743rd nationally (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 5% of primaries in England, and sits 8th among Sutton's primary schools.

The school's Catholic character is genuine and woven through daily life. Prayer, reflection, and Gospel values shape the rhythm of the day, with staff and pupils alike treating these not as add-ons but as central to the school's identity. The recent Ofsted inspection highlighted that behaviour and attitudes across the school are genuinely Outstanding, a rare accolade that speaks to something deeper than compliance.

Pupils describe feeling happy and safe here. They report they enjoy learning because they love their teachers and the challenges set for them. On the rare occasions when behaviour falls short, the school uses a restorative "repair and reflect" system, helping pupils think through their actions and make things right rather than simply punishing. This approach seems to work; pupils report feeling genuinely confident that bullying is rare and that staff will resolve issues promptly. The playground is vibrant and purposeful, with staff providing a range of structured activities alongside free play.

Shirley Hulme leads the school as headteacher, overseeing a team of 18 teachers and 20 support staff who know their pupils well. The school draws from a diverse catchment, with 61% of pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds and strong representation across cultures. This diversity enriches the learning environment, reflected in recent assemblies celebrating deaf awareness and plans to introduce Gaelic Football as an additional activity.

KS2 Outcomes

90% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics in 2024, well above the England average of 62%. This represents genuinely strong performance.

Breaking this down by subject reveals a particularly impressive picture. Reading scaled scores averaged 109 (England average 100), showing that pupils make progress in comprehension and fluency above typical expectations. Mathematics scaled scores of 108 similarly exceed England norms. The standout strength lies in grammar, punctuation and spelling, where 91% of pupils reached expected standard with a scaled score of 111, and 63% achieved higher standards compared to the England average of just 8%.

Science performance was also strong, with 95% of pupils reaching expected standards, compared to 82% nationally. This indicates rigorous science teaching right across the school, from understanding living things to physical processes.

Local Context

Ranking 8th among 45 primary schools in Sutton places St Mary's firmly in the upper tier locally, though the national ranking of 743rd (FindMySchool data) demonstrates that performance here consistently sits above average but not in the elite tier. The consistency of results across recent years suggests these figures represent genuine, sustained achievement rather than a single strong cohort.

Teaching follows clear structures with high expectations. The curriculum balances the statutory national requirements with Catholic values integrated throughout. Pupils develop secure reading and mathematics foundations through focused, well-organised lessons where teachers explain concepts clearly and pupils are encouraged to think, question and persevere.

The "Come and See" religious education programme (standard in Catholic schools) helps pupils explore Gospel values alongside age-appropriate understanding of other faiths. This is not tokenistic; pupils regularly engage in reflection and prayer as part of their learning, developing spiritual awareness alongside academic skills.

Music and drama feature prominently in the curriculum, with year groups producing annual performances. Year 3 pupils recently wrote and performed their own nativity script titled "Celebrate This Christmas," while Year 6 produced a full staging of Oliver. These are not passive experiences; pupils develop confidence, collaboration skills, and public speaking ability through active participation. The school also brings the arts to life beyond the classroom, with the whole school attending theatre productions like "George's Marvellous Medicine" at the Secombe Centre, enriching cultural experiences that extend beyond the school gates.

Most pupils progress to one of Sutton's secondary schools. The nearest non-selective option is Carshalton Boys Sports College, whilst selective alternatives include Wallington County Grammar School for those sitting the 11-plus examination. The school provides familiarisation with 11-plus style questions but does not offer intensive preparation, respecting families' choices about whether to pursue selective education.

The school's role is to prepare pupils thoroughly across the full breadth of the curriculum, giving them strong foundations in reading, writing, mathematics and reasoning so that whatever secondary school path they follow, they are well-equipped. In this respect, the KS2 results suggest that work is being accomplished.

The extracurricular programme is genuinely broad and reflects the school's commitment to developing the whole person, not just test scores. The range of clubs and activities runs across sport, creative arts, music and academic enrichment, offering pupils genuine choice and breadth.

Sport and Physical Activity

Sport runs through the school year with vigour. The autumn and spring terms feature football and tag rugby, introducing tactical team play and physical resilience. Netball continues across the year for those interested, developing hand-eye coordination and teamwork. Cricket and athletics arrive in summer, with cross-country running available for pupils keen to build fitness and stamina. Tennis offers technical skill development, and gym sessions build strength and confidence. The school also fields teams in competitive matches against other schools, giving motivated pupils opportunities to represent the school and test themselves against peers from elsewhere.

Music Programme

The music offering extends well beyond a single curriculum lesson. The recorder club introduces pupils to instrumental learning, and a school choir rehearses regularly, performing at assemblies and special events. This allows pupils who might not pursue formal music lessons at home to experience ensemble singing and the discipline of learning music with others.

Drama and Performing Arts

The annual year group productions form a highlight of the school year. Year 3's nativity performances blend narrative, music and stagecraft, whilst Year 6's summer production (recently Oliver) involves larger casts, orchestration and professional-standard staging. These require pupils to memorise lines, take direction, work as part of an ensemble and manage performance nerves. The experience is transformative for many; pupils talk about the experience with evident pride and pleasure.

Academic and Enrichment Clubs

Beyond sport and drama, an ICT club introduces pupils to computing skills and problem-solving. The reading club fosters a love of books and discussion for keen readers. These clubs meet regular participation, suggesting pupils find them engaging and worthwhile.

Wider Learning Experiences

Year 6 pupils participate in the Junior Citizenship programme delivered by local police, building understanding of safety, responsibility and community. All classes visit the local ecology centre, connecting classroom learning about habitats and living things to real-world environments. These trips ensure learning comes alive beyond the classroom walls.

Clubs Summary

The club system remains a recognised strength of the school. Football, netball, tag rugby, cricket, tennis, athletics, cross country, gym sessions, ICT club, recorder club, reading club, and choir provide roughly a club for every two pupils, ensuring broad access to enrichment. This aligns with the school's ethos of supporting the development of happy, resilient, well-rounded learners who experience success in multiple domains, not just academic ones.

St Mary's is a Catholic voluntary aided school, meaning it is state-funded but can give priority to Catholic families in admissions. Pupils typically arrive at Year 3 (age 7-8) after completion of the infant phase at the linked St Mary's RC Infants School on West Street. The vast majority of pupils progress directly from the infant school, meaning continuity and strong knowledge of each child's learning journey.

Admissions for external applicants are managed by Sutton Local Authority. The school is not significantly oversubscribed, meaning most families who express a preference can secure a place. There is no formal catchment area; instead, places are allocated by distance, then other criteria. Given the school's location on Shorts Road in Carshalton, pupils generally come from the immediate local area and neighbouring districts within Sutton borough.

For families considering entry, the local authority admissions process opens in September, with application deadlines typically in October, and outcomes released in April. The school holds open sessions for prospective families during the autumn term; families should contact the school directly for current dates.

Pastoral care is structured, intentional and genuinely attentive. The recent Ofsted report awarded Personal Development an Outstanding grade, reflecting the breadth of support and opportunity the school provides.

Each class has a dedicated form tutor who knows their pupils deeply. Beyond academic progress, staff monitor wellbeing, resilience and emotional development. The school employs a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) who works to identify pupils needing additional support and coordinates intervention. Pupils with identified special needs or disabilities are fully included in all activities, both in lessons and in the broader school life, with additional support provided where needed.

The behaviour policy is constructive rather than punitive. The "repair and reflect" approach helps pupils understand consequences and develop responsibility. Peer relationships are nurtured; older pupils support younger pupils, and staff foster a genuine sense of community where pupils look out for one another.

School meals are provided on-site and include options catering to dietary requirements and preferences. The playground is supervised and provides structured and free activity. Breakfast club operates from 8:15am (£6 daily) for families needing early morning care, and after-school provision is available at the linked infant school until 5:00pm, providing flexibility for working families.

School hours run from approximately 8:50am to 3:20pm. The school operates during standard term dates, with holidays aligning to local authority schedules (typically six weeks in summer, two weeks at Christmas, and fortnightly breaks in autumn and spring).

The school is accessible by car via Shorts Road in Carshalton town centre. There is limited on-site parking; many families walk or cycle, as the school serves a predominantly local catchment. Public transport connections include buses serving Carshalton and Wallington, plus the London to Sutton railway line runs along the northern boundary, roughly ten minutes' walk away.

Uniform is compulsory and includes navy blazer, white shirt, tie, and grey trousers or skirt. PE kit comprises navy tracksuit and white shirt. Costs are typical for state primary schools, with most families spending around £150-200 per year on uniform and equipment combined.

Catholic character is genuine and integral. This school's religious identity is not superficial. Daily prayer, regular Mass attendance (particularly on feast days and significant Liturgical seasons), and explicit teaching of Gospel values permeate the curriculum and culture. Families uncomfortable with Catholic teaching or daily religious practice should carefully consider whether this environment aligns with their values.

Behaviour expectations are high and consistent. Whilst the school's approach is restorative rather than purely punitive, pupils are expected to self-regulate, respect authority, and follow clear rules. For families seeking a more permissive or pupil-led learning environment, the structured, values-driven approach here may feel constraining.

Space and facilities reflect age and grade listing. Carshalton House is a listed building, beautiful but with the constraints that historic structures entail. Some classrooms and facilities reflect the building's age rather than state-of-the-art modern provision. Families expecting newly built or extensively modernised school buildings should visit to assess whether the historic setting suits them.

Transition from infant to junior is smooth but represents a step. Pupils progress from the infant school on a separate site. Whilst this is a normal transition, some pupils find the move to a larger junior campus and different building architecturally jarring. The school provides transition support, but parents should be aware of this change.

A genuinely well-run Catholic primary school where strong academic outcomes coexist with an explicit commitment to developing character, kindness and spiritual growth. The Outstanding ratings for behaviour and personal development are neither exaggerated nor accidental; they reflect real investment in pupils' wellbeing alongside rigorous teaching. Results place the school comfortably above England average, with particularly impressive performance in grammar and science. The historic setting, diverse community and broad enrichment programme create a distinctive environment.

Best suited to Catholic families who value faith-integrated education and appreciate a structured, values-driven approach to learning and behaviour. Also works well for families (regardless of faith background) who prioritise whole-child development and appreciate the school's restorative, relational culture. The main consideration is ensuring the Catholic character aligns with family values and preferences.