St Hugh of Lincoln Catholic Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in a Close-Knit Faith Community

St Hugh of Lincoln Catholic Primary School is a single-form entry primary situated in the St John's area of Woking, Surrey. Serving approximately 210 pupils, the school has established a reputation for academic rigour that places it among the highest-performing primaries in England. In 2024, its Key Stage 2 results were exceptional, with 87% of pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics. This level of attainment is well above both the local authority average (66%) and the England average (61%).

The school operates as part of the Xavier Catholic Education Trust, having joined in 2016. This partnership provides a framework of shared values and professional collaboration that supports the school's Catholic mission. With only 30 places available per year group, the school maintains a small, family-oriented atmosphere where staff have the capacity to understand the individual learning trajectories of every child from Reception through to Year 6.

The atmosphere at St Hugh of Lincoln is defined by its Catholic character and a palpable sense of purpose. As a smaller-than-average primary, the school functions as a tight-knit community where older pupils are often seen supporting their younger peers. The school's motto, Learn to Love and Love to Learn, is woven into the daily routine, creating an environment where academic ambition and pastoral care are treated as complementary goals.

Mrs Catherine Grace took over the leadership of the school as Head of School in 2022, succeeding the previous head. Having served as Deputy Head since 2018, she brings a deep understanding of the school's culture. Under her guidance, the school has maintained its high standards while continuing to integrate the Xavier trust values of service and community. The physical environment is well-maintained, with the classrooms arranged to facilitate both focused individual work and collaborative group projects.

Religious life is central to the school's identity. Daily collective worship, regular Masses, and the celebration of the liturgical year provide a rhythm to school life that many families find grounding. The school works closely with the Parish of St Hugh of Lincoln, ensuring that the transition between home, school, and parish is seamless for Catholic families.

The 2024 performance data confirms that St Hugh of Lincoln is a top-tier academic institution. 87% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that is significantly higher than the England average of 61%. This high level of attainment is consistent across all core subjects.

Ranked 1st in Woking and 944th in England (FindMySchool proprietary ranking), the school sits in the elite bracket of state primary education. The depth of learning is particularly evident at the higher standard. 17% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of only 8%.

In individual subject areas, the results are equally striking. The average scaled score in reading was 109, while the average score in mathematics was 108. Both these metrics sit well above the England averages of 105 and 104 respectively, reflecting a curriculum that successfully challenges pupils to move beyond basic proficiency.

Teaching at St Hugh of Lincoln is characterised by high expectations and a structured approach to the curriculum. The 2024 Ofsted report awarded the school an Outstanding rating across all categories, including the quality of education and leadership and management. Teachers demonstrate expert subject knowledge, and the report highlights how pupils are motivated by a curriculum that is both ambitious and well-sequenced.

The school follows the National Curriculum but enriches it with a focus on deep inquiry and critical thinking. In writing, teacher assessments consistently place pupils above national benchmarks. Science is also a strength, with 93% of pupils reaching the expected standard, comfortably exceeding the England average of 82%.

For pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the school provides tailored support to ensure they can access the full breadth of the curriculum. The Inclusion Lead works closely with class teachers to identify barriers to learning early, providing interventions that are integrated into the school day rather than being treated as separate clinical sessions.

As a primary school in a competitive part of Surrey, the transition to secondary education is a significant focus for Year 6 families. The majority of pupils progress to St John the Baptist Catholic Comprehensive School (SJB) in Woking, which is also part of the Xavier Catholic Education Trust. This link provides a natural pathway for pupils to continue their Catholic education in an Outstanding secondary environment.

A smaller number of pupils explore the grammar school route, sitting the 11-plus for schools in neighbouring regions or considering local independent options. The school provides robust support during the transition period, including secondary school visits and induction sessions that help pupils manage the move from a small primary to a larger secondary setting.

Securing a place at St Hugh of Lincoln is a significant challenge for local families. For the most recent intake, there were 121 applications for just 29 offers, representing a subscription proportion of 4.17. This means there are more than four applicants for every available place, making it one of the most oversubscribed schools in the Woking area.

As a voluntary aided Catholic school, the governing body is the admissions authority. Priority is given to baptised Catholic children, with further criteria based on residence within the parish and the strength of religious practice, evidenced by a Priest’s Reference. Families should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates, as proximity becomes a deciding factor once faith criteria are met.

Pastoral care is deeply rooted in the school’s Catholic ethos. Each child is treated as an individual, and the small school size ensures that every member of staff knows the pupils well. The latest Ofsted inspection confirms that pupils feel exceptionally safe and well-cared for, describing the school as a nurturing environment where children thrive both socially and emotionally.

The school's approach to behaviour is positive and proactive. Rules are framed around the concepts of respect and responsibility, and pupils are encouraged to reflect on their actions within the context of the school's values. Safeguarding is robust, with regular training for all staff and a clear culture of vigilance that ensures the wellbeing of every child is prioritised.

The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that allow pupils to develop interests outside the core academic curriculum. These include a popular school choir, which performs at parish events and local festivals, and various sports clubs including football and netball.

STEM: Innovation and Inquiry

The school has a dedicated focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to prepare pupils for a technological future. Pupils engage in coding projects and hands-on science experiments that go beyond the standard curriculum. The school’s science results are a direct result of this focus on practical inquiry and specialist-led investigation.

The school day runs from 8:45 am to 3:15 pm. St Hugh of Lincoln offers high-quality wraparound care through its successful Breakfast Club and After School Club. The Breakfast Club opens at 7:30 am, providing healthy options and a relaxed start to the day. The After School Club runs until 6:00 pm, offering a "home from home" atmosphere with a variety of snacks and indoor and outdoor activities. From September 2025, regular booking for the Breakfast Club is £7.00 per session, and the After School Club is £14.00 per session (£7.00 for Friday half-sessions).

• Exceptional competition for places: With over four applications for every place, the school is heavily oversubscribed. Catholic families with a strong connection to the parish are prioritised, making entry for those outside the faith very difficult.
• Strong faith commitment expected: The Catholic character of the school is genuine and pervasive. Families should be comfortable with a daily routine that includes prayer, regular Masses, and a curriculum that is underpinned by Catholic values.
• Small school environment: While the one-form entry creates a family feel, it also means the peer group is small. Pupils stay with the same classmates for seven years, which suits most but may feel limited for others.

St Hugh of Lincoln Catholic Primary School is an academic powerhouse that manages to maintain a warm, community-focused heart. Its 2024 results are among the best in Surrey and England, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a rigorous education within a faith-based framework. Best suited to Catholic families within the parish who value a small school setting and high academic standards. The primary hurdle remains admission; for those who secure a place, the educational journey is of an exceptionally high standard.