St Dominic Savio Catholic Primary School Review 2026: Elite Academic Standards and Catholic Ethos

In the residential heart of Woodley, St Dominic Savio Catholic Primary School stands as one of the highest performing primary institutions in England. In 2024, the school achieved an extraordinary academic milestone, ranking 32nd in England for Key Stage 2 outcomes. This places the school within the elite tier, representing the top 2% of primary providers across the country.

The school serves approximately 420 pupils, organized as a two-form entry setting. Mrs Laura Hulland, the current head teacher who took over the leadership in 2022, oversees a community that is deeply rooted in its Catholic identity while maintaining a relentless focus on academic precision. With 98% of pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, the school significantly outperforms both local and England averages.

The atmosphere at Western Avenue is one of calm, structured purpose. The school buildings, situated near the local parish church of St John Bosco, provide a dedicated environment for learning that feels both safe and academically ambitious. As a Catholic school, the religious character is the thread that binds the community together, with the curriculum and daily life anchored in Gospel values.

The transition in leadership to Mrs Hulland has maintained the school's trajectory of excellence. The 2024 results confirm that the school has preserved its elite status during this period of change. Pupils here are described as focused and engaged, benefiting from a culture where high expectations are the norm. The school's vision, Serve the Lord with Joy, is visible in the interactions between staff and pupils, fostering an environment where children feel both challenged and supported.

St Dominic Savio Catholic Primary School ranks 1st in the Reading area and 32nd in England for primary outcomes, based on FindMySchool proprietary rankings of official data. These results place the school in the elite tier, placing it in the top 2% of schools in England.

The 2024 metrics tell a story of exceptional academic attainment. An impressive 98% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, which is substantially higher than the England average of 62%. The depth of this achievement is further evidenced by the higher standard figures. At St Dominic Savio, 54% of pupils achieved the higher standard across all three subjects, compared to an England average of 8%.

Individual subject scores further reinforce this picture of strength. The average scaled score in reading was 111, while mathematics reached 113 and grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) hit 114. Each of these figures is well above the England baseline, indicating that the vast majority of the cohort is performing significantly ahead of their age-related expectations.

Teaching at St Dominic Savio is characterized by its rigor and the expertise of the staff. The latest Ofsted report from April 2025 awarded the school Outstanding in all categories, including the quality of education and early years provision. Pupils develop deep insights into their subjects, particularly in core literacy and numeracy, starting from a highly formal Reception setting that emphasizes teacher instruction.

The school utilizes specialized teaching strategies to ensure no child is left behind while stretching those capable of reaching the highest standards. The fact that nearly every pupil met the expected standard in science (98%) demonstrates a balanced approach to the wider curriculum. While academic results are the headline, the school maintains a commitment to a knowledge-rich curriculum that includes specialist teaching in physical education, music, and the arts.

Pastoral care is fundamentally linked to the school's Catholic identity. Official assessments highlight that pupils are polite, friendly, and behave impeccably. The school operates as a nurturing, close-knit community where teachers really know the pupils and their parents. Safeguarding is a clear strength, with the April 2025 inspection confirming that the school provides a safe and secure environment.

The school provides a tiered approach to support, ensuring that pupils with additional needs receive the necessary intervention to access the high-level curriculum. Behavior across the school is superb, with pupils demonstrating a high degree of self-motivation and respect for their peers. This positive behavior culture allows teachers to focus almost exclusively on learning, contributing to the school's position in the top tier of England rankings.

The extracurricular life of the school is designed to complement the academic day. Pupils have access to a variety of enrichment clubs, including performing arts and music lessons. The school is passionate about competitive sport, participating in local fixtures and utilizing its grounds for diverse physical activities.

STEM Excellence

STEM is a key pillar of the curriculum, with dedicated subject specialist teaching in science and computing. The school encourages pupils to explore the world through a knowledge-rich approach, prioritizing the development of a diverse vocabulary to enable pupils to think critically and debate. The Primary Knowledge Curriculum ensures explicit lessons that build technical understanding from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Year 6.

St Dominic Savio is a heavily oversubscribed school. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 139 applications for just 60 places. The subscription proportion of 2.32 applicants per place indicates that entry is highly competitive.

As a Catholic school, the admissions policy prioritizes baptized Catholic children, particularly those within the designated parish area. Families must provide a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) as part of their application. While the local authority coordinates the process, the school's governing board is the admissions authority. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous intake patterns.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:20pm. For families requiring extended care, the school offers wraparound provision. Breakfast Club starts at 8:00am, costing £4.00 per day. After School Club runs every day until 6:00pm, providing a hot meal and range of activities for £11.50 per full session or £7.00 for a half session finishing at 4:30pm. Discounts are available for siblings and full week attendance.

Leavers from St Dominic Savio typically transition to high-performing secondary schools in the Reading and Wokingham local authorities. A significant number of students move on to Catholic secondary provision, maintaining the continuity of faith-based education.

Given the elite academic profile of the primary school, several pupils each year also secure places at local grammar schools, such as Reading School or Kendrick School, following the 11-plus examinations. The school provides a solid foundation through its formal teaching style, ensuring students are well prepared for the transition to these highly selective environments.

• Fierce Competition for Places: With more than two applications for every available seat, securing a place is the primary hurdle. Families should ensure they meet the faith criteria and live within a close proximity to the school.
• Strong Faith Commitment: The school's Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer, regular Masses, and explicit religious teaching should look elsewhere.
• Highly Formal Approach: The school utilizes a formal education style with a focus on teacher instruction from the age of four. This "no excuses" culture suits pupils who thrive on structure but may feel intense for some.

St Dominic Savio Catholic Primary School is an academic powerhouse that achieves its elite results without sacrificing its spiritual heart. It consistently ranks as one of the top-performing primaries in Berkshire and sits in the elite tier (top 2%) of schools in England. This is a school that suits families who prioritize both a traditional Catholic upbringing and the highest possible academic outcomes for their children. For those who secure a place, the educational experience is exceptional.