St Martin's Catholic Primary School Review 2026: Elite Results in a Close-Knit Community

St Martin's Catholic Primary School is a small, single-form entry school that consistently punches far above its weight. Tucked away in Caversham Park Village on the northern outskirts of Reading, it provides a stable and highly successful educational environment for approximately 210 pupils. The school's 2024 results are nothing short of elite; it currently ranks 42nd among more than 15,000 primary schools in England. This places it in the top 2% of schools in England (FindMySchool proprietary ranking).

For families in the local parish and the wider Caversham area, St Martin's represents a blend of traditional Catholic values and modern academic excellence. The current head teacher, Mrs Bridget Tobin, serves as the Executive Headteacher. She has maintained the school's trajectory of high attainment while fostering a warm, inclusive atmosphere. With 30 places available per year, the school feels like a tight-knit family where every child is known by the entire staff.

The atmosphere at St Martin's is defined by its Catholic identity and its community-centric location. The school motto, Work, Love, and Pray (Laborare, Amare, et Orare), is more than just a historical tag; it is the daily rhythm of the school. Catholic life is central here, with regular assemblies and Masses that integrate the liturgical year into the school calendar. While it is a faith school, the environment is inclusive, welcoming those from the parish and the local neighbourhood who value a structured and principled upbringing.

The physical setting on Pendennis Avenue is calm and suburban, providing a safe backdrop for the primary years. Inside, the school is bright and celebrates pupil achievement through extensive displays of artwork and project work. Because the school is a single-form entry, there is a distinct lack of the anonymity sometimes found in larger three-form entry primaries. Older pupils often take on leadership roles, such as buddies or school councillors, looking after the younger ones in a way that reinforces the school's communal ethos.

St Martin's Catholic Primary School delivers results that are among the strongest in the country. In 2024, an impressive 87% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%.

The school sits in the elite tier of English education, ranking 42nd in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, it is the 2nd highest-ranked primary school among 87 in Reading. The depth of achievement is even more apparent at the higher standard. In 2024, 41% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of just 8%.

Individual subject performance is equally formidable. The average scaled score in reading was 112 and in mathematics was 111, both comfortably exceeding the England averages of 105 and 104 respectively. In grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS), the average score reached 115, indicating a highly rigorous approach to literacy.

The curriculum at St Martin's is ambitious and carefully structured to ensure pupils build on their knowledge year-on-year. Teachers have high expectations, which is reflected in the high percentage of pupils hitting the Greater Depth markers. The small class sizes and single-form structure allow teachers to monitor individual progress closely, intervening quickly if a child begins to slip behind.

There is a strong emphasis on core literacy and numeracy, but this does not come at the expense of a broad curriculum. The school uses specialist teaching where possible and makes good use of its outdoor spaces for learning. Science and computing are integrated into the weekly timetable, with pupils encouraged to use technology confidently from an early age. The 2024 metrics show that while science attainment (76% meeting expected standards) is slightly below the England average of 82%, the core academic subjects of reading and mathematics are exceptionally strong.

Pastoral care is rooted in the school’s Catholic character, focusing on the development of the whole child. Wellbeing is a priority, and the school uses a range of strategies to support children’s emotional health. The small size of the school is a significant advantage here, as staff can spot changes in a child’s behaviour or mood almost immediately.

The school promotes a culture of kindness and respect, which translates into excellent behaviour in the classroom and on the playground. There are clear systems in place for rewarding effort and character, not just academic results. For children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the school provides tailored support, working closely with external agencies and parents to ensure every child can access the full curriculum.

Extracurricular life at St Martin's is vibrant, with a range of clubs that cater to various interests. Sport is a significant part of the school week, with teams participating in local Reading primary school leagues and tournaments. The school offers various after-school activities, which typically include football, netball, and athletics, as well as creative options like choir and art club.

Musical life is also encouraged, with opportunities for pupils to learn instruments and perform in school productions. The school makes the most of its location in Caversham, arranging trips to local landmarks and participating in community events. These activities are designed to build confidence and social skills, complementing the high-pressure academic environment.

St Martin's is a voluntary aided Catholic school, meaning the governors are the admissions authority. For Reception entry, the school is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 21 applications for the 30 available places in terms of first preferences, but total applications often exceed capacity significantly. The subscription proportion of 3 indicates that for every place available, there are three applicants vying for it.

The admissions policy gives priority to baptised Catholic children living in the parish, followed by Catholic children living outside the parish. Non-Catholic families are welcome to apply, but they should be aware that in years of high demand, places are often filled by those meeting the higher faith-based criteria. Families should use the FindMySchool Map Search to see how the parish boundaries align with their current address.

Most pupils transition to local secondary schools in the Reading and Caversham area. A significant number of students move on to Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School, maintaining the Catholic education pathway. Others secure places at high-performing local comprehensives such as Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre.

Given the elite academic results at KS2, a proportion of pupils also successfully sit the 11-plus for the selective grammar schools in Reading, such as Reading School or Kendrick School. The school supports this transition by ensuring pupils are academically prepared for the rigours of secondary education, regardless of the path they choose.

The school day typically runs from 8:50am to 3:15pm. For parents requiring wraparound care, the school provides information on local providers and on-site options where available. Currently, specific details regarding a breakfast or after-school club are not published on the main site; parents are advised to contact the school office directly for the most up-to-date wraparound care arrangements.

Parking near the school on Pendennis Avenue can be busy during drop-off and pick-up times, and the school encourages local families to walk or cycle where possible to ease congestion in Caversham Park Village.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded school, so there are no tuition fees. Parents are expected to provide school uniform and contribute to the cost of school trips or specific extracurricular activities. Families eligible for Pupil Premium funding may receive additional support for these costs, as well as access to free school meals.

• Faith-based admissions: As a Catholic school, priority is strictly given to baptised Catholic children. Families who do not meet the faith criteria may find it difficult to secure a place during years of high demand.
• Single-form entry: While the small size creates a lovely community feel, it also means your child will be with the same 29 peers for seven years. This lack of social turnover may not suit every child.
• Academic pace: With results in the top 2% of England, the academic expectations are high. Children are challenged daily, which is excellent for high-attainers but requires resilience and a strong work ethic.
• Science attainment: While reading and math scores are elite, science results in 2024 (76%) sat below the England average (82%), suggesting a potential area for parental focus.

St Martin's Catholic Primary School is an academic powerhouse disguised as a friendly neighborhood school. It offers an education that rivals many independent prep schools, delivered within a framework of clear values and community spirit. It is best suited to families in the Caversham area who are committed to a Catholic education and want their children to reach the very highest levels of academic achievement. The challenge is not the education itself, which is superb, but rather navigating the competitive admissions process to secure a place.