St Vincent's Catholic Primary School Review 2026: Elite Results in the Heart of Marylebone

On a quiet street in Marylebone, where Victorian townhouses meet modern office blocks, St Vincent's has served Westminster families since 1938. The 2024 results place the school 183rd among more than 15,000 primaries in England, among the highest-performing in the country (top 2%). 93% of pupils reached expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, far exceeding the England average of 62%. This is a one-form entry school, small enough that every child is known, large enough to provide breadth.

The school building sits tucked away from central London bustle, yet Baker Street station lies minutes away. Inside, the atmosphere is purposeful and warm. The school motto, Together through Christ we grow and learn, reflects genuine values rather than words on a wall.

Miss Coleman has led the school for twenty years, providing exceptional continuity. Her leadership earned the school Outstanding across every category in the 2023 Ofsted inspection. Staff turnover is low. Several teachers have been at the school for a decade or more, including Miss Siswick (twenty years) and Miss Carruthers (eleven years).

The Catholic ethos is present but not overbearing. Daily prayer and weekly Mass attendance at nearby St James's Spanish Place form part of school life. Families choosing this school should be comfortable with these practices.

In 2024, 93% of pupils met expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. The reading scaled score of 110 and mathematics score of 110 both exceed England averages of 105. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling performance is particularly strong, with a scaled score of 113 and 77% achieving high scores.

The school ranks 183rd in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), placing it among the highest-performing in England (top 2%). Locally, the school ranks 7th among Westminster primaries.

At the higher standard, 42% achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. This is exceptional.

Teaching quality underpins these results. The curriculum follows the national framework with notable enrichment. French begins in Year 1, taught by a specialist. Mathematics is set from Year 4, allowing targeted teaching. Year 6 receives additional morning sessions in spring term to consolidate learning before assessments.

Reading is prioritised from Reception onwards. Phonics teaching is systematic and effective. Pupils who fall behind receive immediate support to catch up. Teachers check learning carefully and address gaps quickly, particularly in mathematics.

Class sizes average 30 pupils with one teacher and one teaching assistant. Specialist teaching includes music (Mr Hylton) and cover supervision (Miss Karagianni).

Pupils feel safe and valued. Relationships are strong throughout the school. The mission statement, we are all brothers and sisters, is lived rather than simply stated. Catholic values, including patience and compassion, inform behaviour expectations and daily interactions.

Miss Carruthers, the Assistant Headteacher, serves as SENCO. The school identifies pupils with SEND quickly and includes them fully in learning. Approximately 45 pupils receive additional support.

Behaviour is excellent. Pupils are respectful, focused in lessons, and move calmly around the school. The behaviour policy references school values explicitly, and children use this language naturally.

Extracurricular provision includes clubs running Monday to Friday after school. Current offerings include football, gymnastics, art, performing arts, and Tech Club. A Magical Maths Club runs on Tuesdays. Irish Dancing Club meets before school on Fridays.

Music features prominently. All pupils receive music instruction, with Mr Hylton teaching throughout the school. Pupils participate in annual productions and performances.

Sport includes PE lessons and seasonal sports. The central London location limits outdoor space, but the school makes effective use of nearby facilities.

Admissions are coordinated by Westminster local authority. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with 91 applications for 30 Reception places in 2024, a ratio of 3.03 applications per place.

This is a Catholic school with faith-based admissions criteria. Catholic families must obtain a Certificate of Catholic Practice from their parish priest. The school prioritises looked-after children, siblings, and Catholic families with a Certificate. After these categories, distance becomes the determining factor.

Applications open in autumn; the deadline is 15 January for September entry. Families should visit the school website for the detailed admissions policy and supplementary information form.

Open days are arranged through the school office. Prospective families can schedule visits with Miss Coleman.

The school offers nursery places for three-year-olds. Admissions follow separate criteria, detailed in the nursery admissions policy available on the school website. The government's 15-hour and 30-hour free childcare entitlements apply for eligible families.

Nursery provision follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Children benefit from smooth transition to Reception. For nursery fee details, visit the school website.

The majority of pupils progress to Catholic secondary schools, including Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in Holland Park and the London Oratory School in West Brompton. Both schools are highly selective and consistently achieve strong results.

Other destinations include The St Marylebone Church of England School, Ark King Solomon Academy, and Westminster Academy. Families should research secondary options early, as Catholic secondary admissions can be competitive and require parish involvement.

The school prepares pupils well for secondary transition. Year 6 pupils develop independence and confidence, ready for the demands of secondary education.

School hours run from 8:55am to 3:15pm. Breakfast club operates from 8:00am, providing wraparound care for working families. After-school clubs extend the day, with some activities running until 4:30pm.

The school is located on St Vincent Street, Marylebone, postcode W1U 4DF. Baker Street underground station (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines) is a five-minute walk. Marylebone and Edgware Road stations are also nearby. Several bus routes serve the area.

Street parking is limited and controlled. Families are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport. The central location makes the school accessible by public transport for most Westminster families.

Oversubscription and faith criteria. With three applications for every place, securing a place requires meeting the admissions criteria. Catholic families need a Certificate of Catholic Practice from their parish priest, requiring regular Mass attendance. Non-Catholic families have limited chances unless living very close and places remain after Catholic applicants.

Small school size. One-form entry means 30 pupils per year group. This creates a close-knit community but limits social breadth compared to larger schools. Friendship dynamics can feel intense in small year groups.

Central London location. The urban setting means limited outdoor space. There is no large playing field on site. The school makes good use of nearby facilities, but families seeking extensive grounds should look elsewhere.

Catholic secondary progression. Popular Catholic secondary schools, including Cardinal Vaughan and London Oratory, have their own competitive admissions processes. A place at St Vincent's does not guarantee entry to these schools. Families should research secondary options early and maintain parish involvement.

Exceptional results, strong teaching, and genuine Catholic values make St Vincent's a highly sought-after choice for Westminster families. The school combines academic rigour with warmth and care. Results place it among the elite tier of primary schools in England, achieved in a nurturing environment where children are known and valued.

Best suited to Catholic families within Westminster who want outstanding primary education in a small, community-focused school with clear faith identity. For families who secure a place, the educational experience is exceptional. The main challenge is entry; competition for places is intense, and faith commitment is expected.