St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary School and Nursery Review 2026: Elite Academic Standards within a Faith-led Haven

St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary School and Nursery stands as a prominent educational beacon in the Altwood area of Maidenhead. Serving pupils from age 3 through 11, the school is defined by a dual identity: a deeply rooted Roman Catholic ethos and academic results that consistently place it among the highest-performing schools in England (top 2%). While the school underwent a significant structural transition in recent years, joining the Mother Teresa Catholic Academy Trust, it has maintained its focus on securing exceptional outcomes for its pupils.

Under the leadership of Headteacher Mrs Jennifer Camp-Overy, who took the helm in September 2021, the school has worked to align high academic expectations with the supportive values of its faith character. Although an inspection in early 2023 noted areas for improvement in leadership and management, a subsequent full inspection in June 2025 awarded the school an Outstanding rating across every single category. This validation confirms that the school has successfully balanced its rigorous academic curriculum with exceptional personal development and early years provision.

The atmosphere at St Edmund Campion is purposeful and distinctly community-focused. As a Catholic school, the rhythm of the day is punctuated by prayer, and the school's mission, To Love and Serve the Lord, is visible in everything from classroom displays to the way students interact in the playground. The 420-pupil capacity allows for a school large enough to provide diverse opportunities, yet small enough for the staff to maintain a genuine understanding of each child's individual needs.

The physical environment blends traditional classroom spaces with dedicated areas for early years and specialist learning. The nursery, which serves children from age three, acts as a nurturing entry point where practitioners focus on the prime areas of development. Throughout the school, there is a palpable sense of high expectation; pupils are encouraged not just to succeed for themselves, but to consider how their skills and knowledge can benefit the wider world. This altruistic approach is a cornerstone of the school's character.

The academic outcomes at St Edmund Campion are nothing short of elite. In 2024, 93% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This performance is well above the local authority average of 60% and the England average of 61%.

According to FindMySchool proprietary rankings, the school ranks 237th in England for primary outcomes, placing it in the top 2% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 2nd among the primary schools in Maidenhead, reflecting its status as a top-tier choice for academic achievement.

Depth of learning is a particular strength. In 2024, 21% of pupils achieved at a higher standard across reading, writing, and mathematics, nearly triple the England average of 8%. Scaled scores in reading (110) and mathematics (111) further underscore the school's ability to stretch and challenge its most able pupils beyond national expectations.

Teaching at St Edmund Campion is characterised by expert subject knowledge and a structured approach to curriculum design. The school places a high premium on early reading, using phonics-led strategies to ensure that pupils are fluent readers from their earliest years. Science is treated as a specialist subject, with dedicated teaching that encourages inquiry and hands-on experimentation.

The curriculum is ambitious across all Key Stages. While the core subjects of English and mathematics are the clear drivers of the school's high rankings, the 2025 inspection confirmed that foundation subjects like history, geography, and art are taught with equal rigour. Middle leaders are particularly effective here, ensuring that the skills pupils learn in one year group are built upon systematically in the next.

The school provides a broad range of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests, from competitive sports to the creative arts. STEM provision is a major pillar of school life, with coding and robotics frequently featuring in after-school clubs. The Science Specialist, Mrs Catharine Davidson, ensures that pupils have access to high-quality scientific inquiry, often culminating in school-wide science fairs.

Music and drama are similarly well-regarded. The school choir is a regular feature at local community events and liturgical celebrations, while annual productions allow pupils to develop confidence on stage. The school's commitment to physical education is evident in its success in local festivals, with students recently celebrating victories in basketball and athletics. These activities are seen as essential for fostering the "well-rounded" development that the school prizes alongside its academic targets.

Securing a place at St Edmund Campion is a significant challenge due to its oversubscribed status. In the most recent cycle, the school received 147 applications for just 60 Reception places. The subscription proportion of 2.45 indicates that competition is fierce, and the school remains at full capacity across most year groups.

As a Catholic school, the admissions policy gives priority to baptised Catholic children, particularly those within the designated parish boundaries. Families are required to submit a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) directly to the school office alongside their Local Authority application. The deadline for Reception 2026 entry is 15 January 2026.

For the nursery, applications are made directly to the school. Parents may submit applications as soon as their child turns three, with a deadline of 28 February 2026 for the following September intake. It is important to note that a place in the nursery does not guarantee admission to the main school.

Pastoral care is rooted in the school's faith identity, overseen by a dedicated Pastoral Lead and Safeguarding Lead. The school operates a "total communication" approach to support, ensuring that even the youngest pupils have the vocabulary to express their feelings and worries. The 2025 inspection found personal development to be Outstanding, noting that pupils are exceptionally well-prepared for life in modern Britain.

Wellbeing is not treated as a separate subject but is woven into the daily experience. High-quality support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is provided by a team of 24 teaching assistants, ensuring that even within a high-pressure academic environment, every child receives the tailored support they need to flourish.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy within the Mother Teresa Catholic Academy Trust, there are no tuition fees for the primary school (Reception through Year 6).

The Nursery provision offers a mix of funded and paid-for sessions. All 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week during term time, with many working families eligible for 30 hours. For hours beyond the funded entitlement, the school publishes a clear fee schedule. For 2026, ad-hoc morning sessions are priced at £25.00, while a full day with no funding is £56.24. Lunchtime childcare is available for £5.75 per session, plus the cost of a hot meal (£2.90). Parents should visit the school website for the latest termly fee reviews.

The school day begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:15pm. To support working families, the school provides wraparound care. The breakfast club starts at 7:45am, and the after-school club runs until 6:00pm, providing a familiar and safe environment for pupils.

Transport to the Altwood Road site is predominantly by car or walking, with the school operating a voluntary one-way system during peak times to manage traffic flow. The school website provides a detailed "Meet the Team" page, though parents should note that contact details for staff are managed through the central office.

Pupils from St Edmund Campion transition to a wide range of secondary schools, reflecting the high academic calibre of the leavers. Over the period of 2020 to 2022, approximately 28% of pupils moved to Newlands Girls' School, with significant numbers also attending Furze Platt Senior School (15%) and Cox Green School (12%).

The school's elite primary results also facilitate success in the 11-plus. Approximately 10% of pupils secure places at John Hampden Grammar School, while others progress to Desborough College. Families seeking to compare local secondary options can use the FindMySchool Comparison Tool to view these destinations side-by-side.

• Competitive Admissions: With a subscription ratio of nearly 2.5 applicants for every place, securing entry is the primary hurdle for local families.
• Faith Priority: While the school welcomes families of all or no faith, the admissions criteria strictly prioritise baptised Catholic children. Families outside this category may find it difficult to secure a place unless the school is undersubscribed.
• Elite Academic Pace: The curriculum is rigorous. While this results in exceptional KS2 scores, the pace may feel demanding for some children. Families should ensure the academic intensity matches their child's learning style.
• Nursery to Reception Gap: Attendance at the school's nursery provides an excellent start but does not guarantee a place in the Reception year, which is subject to a separate admissions process.

St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary School and Nursery is a high-achieving institution that successfully marries elite academic results with a nurturing, faith-led community. The recent 2025 Outstanding Ofsted rating confirms that the school has navigated its trust transition with excellence. Best suited to families who value a structured, Catholic education and are seeking a school that consistently outperforms national averages. The main challenge lies in securing a place; once inside, the educational experience is exceptional.