Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Sutton Coldfield Review 2026: Small School, Big Spirit

Tucked away in the quiet suburb of Walmley, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School defies the "bigger is better" trend. With just one class per year group, this is a school where anonymity is impossible. Every child is known, not just by their class teacher, but by staff across the school. The warm, close-knit atmosphere is immediately apparent, rooted in a "Christ at the Centre" ethos that is lived rather than just displayed.

Academically, the school punches well above its weight. The 2024 results place it in the top 10% of schools in England, a testament to high expectations and rigorous teaching. Yet, parents consistently report that this ambition does not come at the cost of happiness. The school balances academic drive with a genuine emphasis on pastoral care, creating an environment where children feel safe to learn.

Mrs Michelle Walsh serves as Executive Principal, leading a stable and dedicated team. The school is part of the St John Paul II Multi Academy Trust, benefiting from shared resources with local Catholic secondary schools while retaining its distinct village-school feel.

The first thing visitors notice is the calm. From the moment the gates on Laburnum Drive open, there is a sense of purposeful order. The children are polite, holding doors open and greeting visitors with natural confidence. This is not the hushed silence of strict discipline, but the settled behaviour of children who know what is expected of them.

Faith is the golden thread running through school life. The motto "Christ at the Centre" shapes relationships and routines. You will see it in the way older pupils look out for the Reception children on the playground, and in the quiet moments of prayer that bookend the day. The school environment reflects this identity, with prayer corners in classrooms and displays that link learning to moral questions.

The site itself is surprisingly spacious for a suburban school. A large playing field, forest school area, and prayer garden provide ample room for learning to spill outdoors. The buildings have been extended over the years, blending modern facilities with the school’s original character.

Academic outcomes are exceptional. In 2024, 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This figure sits well above the England average of 62% and places the school in the "national high" band (top 10% of schools in England).

The breakdown reveals strength across the board. In reading, the average scaled score was 110 (England average: 105), with 93% of pupils meeting the expected standard. Mathematics was similarly strong, with 86% meeting the standard and an average scaled score of 107.

Crucially, the school stretches its most able pupils. At the higher standard (greater depth), 31% of pupils achieved top grades in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 8%. In reading specifically, nearly half the cohort (48%) achieved a high score.

The curriculum is broad but structured. Leaders have adopted a mastery approach in mathematics, ensuring pupils build a solid understanding of number before moving to complex problems. In English, the focus on high-quality texts drives progress; children read books that challenge their thinking as well as their decoding skills.

Science is a particular strength, with 90% of pupils reaching the expected standard. Lessons often involve practical investigation, using the forest school area to bring biology and ecology to life. The wider curriculum covers history, geography, and art with equal enthusiasm, often linked to Catholic social teaching.

Teachers are experienced and know their subjects well. Support staff are deployed effectively, often leading small groups or providing targeted interventions to ensure no child falls behind.

The majority of pupils transition to Bishop Walsh Catholic School, the local Catholic secondary which is part of the same Multi Academy Trust. The close link between the two schools ensures a smooth move, with shared events and transition days starting early.

However, the high academic standards mean pupils are also well-prepared for selective education. Each year, a number of pupils secure places at Sutton Coldfield’s grammar schools, such as Bishop Vesey’s and Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls. The school supports families in their choices but maintains its focus on a holistic Catholic education rather than acting as a feeder for the 11-plus.

Entry is competitive. As a one-form entry school with only 30 places in Reception, demand consistently outstrips supply. In 2024, the school received 64 applications for 29 offers, making it officially oversubscribed with more than two applicants for every place.

Admissions are coordinated by Birmingham City Council, with a deadline of 15 January 2026 for September entry. As a Catholic school, priority is given to baptised Catholic children, particularly those living in the parish of Holy Cross and St Francis.

Important

Families applying on faith grounds must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and return it directly to the school by the application deadline. Failure to do so may result in the child being ranked in a lower category.

Pastoral care is excellent. The school’s small size is its greatest asset here; staff notice small changes in a child’s demeanour quickly. The "Mini Vinnies" programme encourages children to care for one another, fostering a culture of peer support.

The school employs a Learning Mentor to support children facing emotional challenges, whether from bereavement, anxiety, or friendship issues. Behaviour management is rooted in forgiveness. When mistakes happen, the focus is on reconciliation and a fresh start, aligning with the school’s faith values.

The extracurricular offer is robust. Sports clubs include football, netball, and cross-country, making good use of the playing field. The school competes successfully in local leagues. Music is also prominent, with a choir that performs regularly at school masses and parish events.

Residential trips in Year 6 are a rite of passage, often involving outdoor adventure and team building. Day trips bring the curriculum to life, from museum visits to local geography fieldwork.

This is a state-funded school, so there are no tuition fees.

Parents are expected to cover the cost of uniforms, PE kits, and some extracurricular clubs. Voluntary contributions are requested for school trips and residential visits. Wraparound care is charged per session; families should contact the school office for the latest pricing structure.

The school day runs from 8:55am to 3:25pm. Gates open at 8:45am.

Wraparound care is available on-site. The Breakfast Club opens at 7:30am, and the After-School Club runs until 6:00pm. This provision is popular with working parents and offers a structured environment for play and homework.

Faith commitment. The Catholic ethos is central. Families of other faiths or none are welcome if places exist, but they must be comfortable with their child participating in daily prayer and Catholic life.

Oversubscription. With over two applicants per place, entry is not guaranteed. Families outside the parish or without a faith claim should be realistic about their chances and have backup options.

Small cohort. One-form entry means your child will likely stay with the same 29 classmates for seven years. This builds deep friendships but offers less variety than larger schools.

Holy Cross Catholic Primary School offers a compelling blend of academic rigour and pastoral warmth. It proves that small schools can deliver elite-tier results without losing their community heart. Best suited to families who value a faith-based education and want their child to be known and nurtured in a high-achieving environment. The main challenge is securing a place.