The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, has written to headteachers across the Diocese of Westminster to commend their schools’ exceptional achievements and encourage the continued sharing of effective practice.
In her letter, the Secretary of State praised the strong outcomes achieved by disadvantaged pupils during the 2024/25 academic year, noting that many schools’ performances place them among the very best nationally.
In her letter she wrote:
'Congratulations to you and your team on the excellent outcomes the disadvantaged pupils at your school achieved at the end of the 2024/25 academic year. Your school’s performance places it among the very best nationally, and this is a significant achievement.
'This success reflects the dedication of your staff and the hard work of your pupils. It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together. Thank you for everything you do to give children the best possible opportunities to succeed.
'Your school’s achievements demonstrate what is possible, and I hope you will continue to share your experience and best practice with others. Even the strongest schools can go further. We encourage you to lead the way as a system leader - sharing effective practice, championing networks, supporting collaboration, and helping to raise standards across the sector.
'There are real opportunities available for you to support improvement for a wider group of pupils, including through:
- engaging actively with your region’s RISE networks and partnering with nearby schools and trusts;
- contributing to regional roundtables and professional communities to spread effective approaches; and
- sustaining excellence by maintaining a strong focus on disadvantaged pupils.
'Please pass on my thanks and congratulations to your staff and pupils. I look forward to working with you as we strive together to raise standards for all.'
The achievements highlighted in the Secretary of State’s letter reflect a shared determination in schools across the diocese to provide high-quality education and improved life chances for all pupils, particularly those facing disadvantage.
Diocese of Westminster schools demonstrating strong attainment outcomes for disadvantaged pupils:
All Saints Catholic College
Bishop Douglass School Finchley
Finchley Catholic High School
Good Shepherd RC Primary School
Gumley House RC Convent School, FCJ
Gunnersbury Catholic School
Holy Cross RC School
Larmenier & Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
Loreto College
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School
Our Lady of Grace Catholic Junior School
Our Lady Roman Catholic Primary School
Rosary Catholic Primary School
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
Sacred Heart High School
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School
Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School
Saint Joan of Arc Catholic School
Saint Mary's Catholic Primary School
Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School
Salvatorian Roman Catholic College
Servite RC Primary School
St Agnes RC Primary School
St Aloysius' College
St Anne's and Guardian Angels Catholic Primary School
St Anne's Catholic High School for Girls
St Anselm's Catholic Primary School
St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
St Catherine's RC School
St Charles Catholic Primary School
St Edward's Catholic Primary School
St Eugene de Mazenod Roman Catholic Primary School
St George's Catholic School
St George's Primary Catholic Voluntary Academy
St Gregory's Catholic Primary School
St Gregory's Catholic Science College
St Ignatius Catholic Primary School
St Ignatius College
St James' Catholic High School
St John Fisher Catholic Primary School
St John XXIII Catholic Primary School
St Joseph's Catholic Junior School
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
St Joseph's RC Primary School
St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School
St Mark's Catholic School
St Mary and St Michael Primary School
St Mary's Catholic Primary School
St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Isleworth
St Mary's Catholic School
St Mary's Priory RC Junior School
St Mary's RC Primary School
St Monica's Catholic Primary School
St Paul's Catholic College
St Peter and St Paul Catholic Primary School
St Richard Reynolds Catholic High School
St Theresa's Catholic Primary School
St Thomas More Catholic School
St Vincent's Catholic Primary School
St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Primary School
The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial RC School
The Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School
The Douay Martyrs Catholic School
The London Oratory School
The Rosary Catholic Primary School
The Sacred Heart Language College
