St Edward's Catholic Primary School, Boston Spa Review 2026: Academic Excellence in a Close-Knit Community

Tucked away in the leafy village of Boston Spa near Wetherby, St Edward's Catholic Primary School is a small, single-form entry school with a reputation for academic performance that far outstrips its modest size. Serving approximately 189 pupils, the school acts as a focal point for the local Catholic community while maintaining a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for families across the LS23 area.

The school's most recent performance data is striking; it currently ranks 1st locally in Wetherby and sits within the top 5% of all primary schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). This academic success is overseen by Headteacher Miss Anne Gilpin, a long-standing leader who has steered the school through multiple high-performing cycles. Families here benefit from the stability of a dedicated leadership team and a school culture that balances high expectations with the nurturing, spiritual environment typical of a high-performing faith school.

The atmosphere at St Edward's is defined by its Catholic identity and its village setting. The school motto, To Love, To Learn, To Serve, is woven into the daily rhythm of school life. Morning assemblies and collective worship are central events, creating a sense of shared purpose and calm before the academic day begins.

Physical space is used effectively to support a broad curriculum. The school building, located on Westwood Way, is surrounded by green spaces that allow for outdoor learning and active play, which staff use to encourage physical wellbeing alongside classroom study. Because the school only admits 30 pupils per year group, there is a distinct family feel; older pupils are often seen supporting younger ones, and teachers possess a deep understanding of each child's individual progress and personality.

As a Voluntary Aided school maintained by Leeds City Council, the school operates within a wider network of Catholic schools in West Yorkshire. This partnership strengthens the curriculum while allowing St Edward's to retain its unique, village-school character.

The academic outcomes at St Edward's are exceptional, placing the school in the elite tier of primary education in England. In the most recent 2024 KS2 results, 84% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 61%, representing a massive margin of outperformance.

St Edward's ranks 697th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), which places it in the top 5% of schools in England (national high percentile band). Locally, it is the top-ranked school in the Wetherby area.

The depth of achievement is particularly visible in the higher standard metrics. Over a quarter of pupils (26%) achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, a figure three times higher than the England average of 8%. Scaled scores reinforce this picture of excellence, with an average score of 108 in both reading and mathematics, well above the baseline of 100.

The curriculum at St Edward's is ambitious and meticulously structured. There is a strong emphasis on the core foundations of literacy and numeracy, but this is not at the expense of a wider creative offering. Science is a notable strength, with a focus on investigative learning supported by the school's spacious grounds.

In the classroom, teaching is tailored to the single-form entry structure. With 30 pupils per class, teachers use a variety of grouping strategies to ensure that both those requiring extra support and those capable of working at greater depth are appropriately challenged. High percentage passes in the National Phonics Test (96% in 2025) indicate a very rigorous approach to early literacy that sets the stage for later KS2 success.

As a primary school, the transition to secondary education is a key focus for Year 6 families. The majority of pupils from St Edward's progress to St. Aidan’s Catholic Academy in Harrogate or St John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate, maintaining the continuity of Catholic education into the secondary phase.

The school maintains strong links with these providers to ensure a smooth handover, particularly for pupils with specific educational needs. A smaller number of pupils also transition to local non-selective community schools in Wetherby or Tadcaster, depending on catchment and parental preference.

Securing a place at St Edward's is challenging due to its small capacity and high demand. For the most recent intake, the school was oversubscribed, with a subscription proportion of 2.4 applications for every available place.

As a voluntary aided school, the admissions policy gives priority to baptised Catholic children living in the parish of St Edward's, followed by Catholic children from other parishes. If spaces remain, they are offered to non-Catholic children based on criteria including siblings and distance from the school.

The national closing date for Reception applications for September 2026 entry is 15 January 2026. Parents should note that a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) is required alongside the standard local authority application to verify faith status.

Pastoral care is rooted in the school’s Catholic virtues, which encourage pupils to develop qualities such as resilience, kindness, and respect. Ofsted inspectors recently rated Personal Development as Outstanding, noting the school's exceptional work in promoting pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.

The school provides a safe, supportive environment where pupils feel heard. The small school environment is a natural asset here, as staff can maintain very frequent communication with parents. Behaviour and attitudes are consistently rated as Good, with a clear focus on mutual respect.

Extracurricular life at St Edward's is surprisingly varied for a school of its size. Sports are a key pillar, with pupils regularly participating in local school leagues for football and netball. The school also features a millennium garden, constructed by the parent-teacher association, which serves as a focus for nature studies and quiet reflection.

Music and performing arts are integrated into the liturgical life of the school. The school choir is a central feature, performing at parish Masses and community events. Other clubs, which vary by term, often include coding, art, and gardening, taking advantage of the school’s pleasant outdoor grounds.

The school day runs from 8:45am, when doors open, until 3:30pm. For working parents, wraparound care is available. The school hosts an on-site Breakfast Club and an After School Club, although parents are advised to contact the office directly for the latest session times and availability.

Transport is largely a local affair, with most families walking or driving from within Boston Spa or the immediate surrounding villages like Bramham and Clifford. Parking near the school gates can be busy during the morning drop-off, a common feature of village school life.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded Voluntary Aided school, there are no tuition fees for attending St Edward's Catholic Primary School. The school is maintained by Leeds City Council, and all core education costs are covered by public funding.

Families may incur small costs for optional extras such as school trips, uniform, or extracurricular clubs. The school works closely with families experiencing financial hardship to ensure that all pupils can participate in the full life of the school, including residential trips.

• Oversubscription: With over two applications for every place, St Edward's is one of the most competitive primary schools in the Wetherby area. Families without a strong faith connection or who live outside the immediate parish may find it difficult to secure a place.
• Single-Form Entry: While the small size fosters a community feel, it means each year group is a single social unit. This suits most children brilliantly but can be a factor to consider for those who might benefit from a larger peer group.
• Faith Commitment: The Catholic ethos is the core of the school's identity. Families should be comfortable with their children participating in daily prayer and regular religious education as part of the standard curriculum.

St Edward's Catholic Primary School is an academic powerhouse that retains the warmth of a village community. Its results place it among the very best schools in England, driven by a dedicated leadership team. It is best suited to Catholic families in the Boston Spa area who value a traditional, high-achieving environment, or local families who seek a small, nurturing school with an uncompromising focus on core academic standards.