St Richard Reynolds Catholic Primary School

About St Richard Reynolds Catholic Primary School

St Richard Reynolds Catholic Primary School is a state-funded Roman Catholic primary in Richmond upon Thames, and it is operating at full capacity with exactly 210 pupils on roll, matching its school capacity of 210. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 4.8%, well below the national average for primary schools, reflecting the relatively affluent local area. Demand for places is exceptionally high: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 164 applications for just 29 places, with 44 of those applications listing it as a first preference. That works out at an oversubscription ratio of 5.66 applicants per place, making it one of the most sought-after primaries in the borough. The school’s religious character as Roman Catholic is a key part of its admissions criteria, and families should be aware that faith-based prioritisation is likely to play a significant role in who gets a place.

Academically, St Richard Reynolds is a standout performer. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in January 2024, the school received Outstanding across every single category: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This continues a pattern of excellence, as the previous inspection in 2015 also awarded Outstanding overall. At Key Stage 2, 93% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a local authority average of 76%. The school ranks first out of 38 primary schools in Richmond upon Thames on this metric, placing it in the top 3% nationally. Reading scores are particularly strong, with a 100% expected standard and 60% achieving the higher standard. Maths and writing also performed well, with 97% and 93% reaching the expected level respectively.

The school offers a solid range of facilities including a sports hall, playing fields, gymnasium, art studios and a chapel, and runs clubs such as drama, gardening, art, science, choir and chess. Sports provision covers dance, netball, football, cross country, cricket and swimming. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists SEND provisions for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, moderate and severe learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. There is no nursery provision and no sixth form, as this is a primary-only school. Given the intense competition for places, this school will particularly suit Catholic families living within the parish catchment area who are looking for a high-performing, values-led primary with a strong track record of academic outcomes and a full roll.

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