St Mary's Catholic Primary School

St Mary's Catholic Primary School is a highly effective and inclusive school where pupils achieve very well. This was a full section 5 inspection of a Roman Catholic primary school in Wimbledon. National test outcomes are consistently above national averages in reading, writing and mathematics, including for disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Attendance is high, persistent absence is low, and pupils are calm, respectful and well behaved. The early years provision gives children an excellent start, and inclusion is a clear priority, with needs identified swiftly and support tailored effectively. Leadership and governance are strong, staff feel well supported, and personal development and wellbeing are promoted through a wide range of enrichment and leadership opportunities. Safeguarding standards are met. The main area for development is curriculum and teaching, which is not as strong as the rest of the school. Teachers generally explain concepts clearly and adapt for pupils facing barriers, but they do not always check pupils' understanding rigorously enough, so misconceptions can go uncorrected and pupils sometimes move on without secure knowledge. Some learning activities also do not consistently deepen pupils' knowledge across the curriculum. Overall, this is a school with many notable strengths and a clear capacity to improve further. Leaders know their school well and have already identified the right next steps: sharper checks on understanding and more consistent activities that build depth of knowledge.

Strengths

• Pupils achieve very highly, with outcomes consistently above national averages in reading, writing and mathematics.
• Disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND achieve well and learn alongside their peers.
• Strong focus on basic skills, phonics and vocabulary from the early years onwards.
• Attendance is high and persistent absence is below the national average.
• Pupils are calm, respectful and extremely well behaved, with effective emotional support when needed.
• Early years provision gives children an excellent start and prepares them very well for Year 1.
• Inclusion is a clear priority, with swift identification of needs and tailored support.
• Leadership and governance are strong, with high expectations and effective support for staff wellbeing.
• Personal development is well planned, with a wide range of enrichment, clubs and leadership opportunities.
• Pupils are well prepared for the next stages of their education.
• Safeguarding standards are met, with an open and positive safeguarding culture.

Areas for Improvement

• Teachers do not always check pupils' understanding with sufficient rigour.
• Misconceptions occasionally go uncorrected before pupils move on.
• Some learning activities do not consistently enable pupils to build depth of knowledge across the curriculum.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

• Benedict Academy
• Bishop Gilpin CofE Primary School
• Harris Primary Academy Merton
• Holy Trinity CofE Primary School
• Merton Park Primary School
• Park Academy
• Singlegate Primary School
• St Mark's Primary School
• Wimbledon Park Primary School

What is St Mary's Catholic Primary School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for St Mary's Catholic Primary School is Expected standard, from an inspection in September 2026.

When was St Mary's Catholic Primary School last inspected by Ofsted?

St Mary's Catholic Primary School was last inspected in September 2026.

How many pupils does St Mary's Catholic Primary School have?

St Mary's Catholic Primary School has 427 pupils on roll.

What age range does St Mary's Catholic Primary School cover?

St Mary's Catholic Primary School for pupils aged 3 to 11.

What are St Mary's Catholic Primary School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 75% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is St Mary's Catholic Primary School?

St Mary's Catholic Primary School is at Russell Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1QL.