Oratory Primary School

We opened almost 150 years ago as the first free Catholic primary school in London, primarily to educate the children of Catholic immigrants. In that respect it isn’t very different today, with many different nationalities represented on our school roll. The neighbourhood has changed considerably, but there are still estates with social housing nearby that provide many of our pupils.

The school is in the Trusteeship of the Oratory Fathers and Catholicism infuses its life, from Reception (St. Margaret Clitherow Class) to Year 6 (Blessed John Henry Newman Class). Fr. John Fordham, our chaplain, visits daily and holds regular Masses in school. First Communion and the Leavers’ Mass are two of our biggest annual events. Above all, Christ’s message is expressed in the kindness children are taught to show each other. Not only in the particular importance we put on Juniors looking after Infants in Young Leaders but in everyday behaviour.

This makes for a welcoming, happy school. International Week is a carnival of national costumes, stories and food. There is an enthusiastic Parents’ Association, termly workshops about developments in education for parents, termly meetings for them with
Class teachers and Governors’ Surgeries for parents to air any concerns.

We are very proud of our academic record, and bringing the best from children of all abilities. Ours may be an old building but it hums with all that computers and whiteboards can offer in learning. But the Oratory Primary School is not a hothouse.
House of the week (Red, Yellow, Green and Blue) is a focus for friendly rivalry. The Loosh Club helps build up children who need some extra confidence. The many after school activities include ballet, chess, drama, choir, Latin and lessons in many instruments.
And for a school situated across a road from the playground, we have a commendable record in sport.

‘We work together, we play together, we laugh together, we pray together’ is not an idle motto, it is the essence of our school.