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The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial RC School[1]

Secondary · ages 11–18

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Headline results

Attainment 8
A8 62 61.5 2025/26[2]
A-level average grade
AL B+ B+ 2024/25[3]

Results

GCSE (key stage 4)

Attainment 8
61.5 2025/26[2]
Grade 5+ in English & maths
74% 2025/26[2]
Grade 7+ in English & maths
36.6% 2025/26[2]
Progress 8
+1.00 2023/24[4]
Progress 8, 2025/26
Not calculated[5]
Progress 8, 2024/25
Not calculated[5]
Earlier years
Year Attainment 8 Grade 5+ in English & maths Grade 7+ in English & maths Progress 8
2024/25 67.2[6] 80.2%[6]
2023/24 67.4[4] 85.5%[4] +1.00[4]
2022/23 65.2[7] 76%[7] +0.86[7]
2021/22 63.8[8] 72%[8] +0.56[8]

A level (16–18)

A-level average grade
B+ 2024/25[3]
AAB or better, at least two in facilitating subjects
31.3% 2024/25[3]
All results, 2020/21
Not published (exams cancelled, COVID-19)[9]
All results, 2019/20
Not published (exams cancelled, COVID-19)[9]
Earlier years
Year A-level average grade AAB or better, at least two in facilitating subjects
2023/24 B+[10] 32.4%[10]
2022/23 B[11] 27.1%[11]
2021/22 A-[12] 41.8%[12]
2018/19 B[13] 35.8%[13]

Destinations after GCSEs

Sustained education, apprenticeship or employment
96% 2022/23[14]
School sixth form
84% 2022/23[14]
Sixth-form college
2% 2022/23[14]
Further education college
10% 2022/23[14]
Apprenticeship
0% 2022/23[14]
Employment
0% 2022/23[14]
Earlier leavers
Left in Sustained education, apprenticeship or employment School sixth form Sixth-form college Further education college Apprenticeship Employment
2021/22 97%[15] 79%[15] 4%[15] 12%[15] 0%[15] 1%[15]
2020/21 99%[16] 89%[16] 0%[16] 8%[16] 0%[16] 2%[16]
2019/20 98%[17] 82%[17] 5%[17] 6%[17] 1%[17] 0%[17]
2018/19 97%[18] 86%[18] 1%[18] 10%[18] 0%[18] 1%[18]

Destinations after 16–18 study

Sustained education, apprenticeship or employment
87% 2022/23[19]
UK higher education
69% 2022/23[19]
Education
72% 2022/23[19]
Apprenticeship
2% 2022/23[19]
Employment
13% 2022/23[19]
Earlier leavers
Left in Sustained education, apprenticeship or employment UK higher education Education Apprenticeship Employment
2021/22 89%[20] 70%[20] 72%[20] 3%[20] 13%[20]
2020/21 90%[21] 74%[21] 79%[21] 1%[21] 10%[21]
2019/20 88%[22] 71%[22] 81%[22] 2%[22] 5%[22]
2018/19 88%[23] 60%[23] 69%[23] 1%[23] 18%[23]

Higher education after 16–18 study

Progressed to higher education
90% 2021/22[24]
Top third of most selective universities
66% 2021/22[24]
Russell Group universities
67% 2019/20[25]
Oxford or Cambridge
7% 2019/20[25]
Earlier leavers
Left in Progressed to higher education Top third of most selective universities Russell Group universities Oxford or Cambridge
2020/21 90%[26] 67%[26]
2019/20 89%[25] 72%[25] 67%[25] 7%[25]
2018/19 82%[27] 55%[27] 52%[27] 6%[27]
2017/18 85%[28] 64%[28] 65%[28] 7%[28]

Shares of the pupils who left in the year shown. Russell Group and Oxford or Cambridge figures were published for leavers up to 2019/20 only.

Ofsted

Latest inspection
15 Apr 2026[29]
Type
S5 Inspection[29]
Report published
8 Jun 2026[29]
Inclusion
Strong standard[29]
Achievement
Exceptional[29]
Safeguarding standards
Met[29]
Curriculum and teaching
Strong standard[29]
Attendance and behaviour
Exceptional[29]
Leadership and governance
Exceptional[29]
Personal development and wellbeing
Exceptional[29]
Post-16 provision (where applicable)
Strong standard[29]
Earlier inspections
InspectionTypeOverall
16 Nov 2021[30] S5 Inspection[30] Outstanding[30]

Competition to get in

Applications and offers, Year 7

Applications per place
5.4 Entry Sept 2026[31]
Applications (any preference)
662 Entry Sept 2026[31]
First preferences
244 Entry Sept 2026[31]
Places offered
123 Entry Sept 2026[31]
First preferences per place
2.0 Entry Sept 2026[31]
Earlier years
Entry Applications First preferences Places offered Per place First preferences per place
Entry Sept 2025 733[31] 253[31] 124[31] 5.9[31] 2.0[31]
Entry Sept 2024 657[31] 218[31] 122[31] 5.4[31] 1.8[31]
Entry Sept 2023 716[31] 238[31] 123[31] 5.8[31] 1.9[31]
Entry Sept 2022 767[31] 297[31] 121[31] 6.3[31] 2.5[31]

Admissions

Application deadline
31 Oct 2026 Entry Sept 2027[32]

Character & practicalities

Type
Academy converter[1]
Ages
11–18[1]
Boys / girls
Boys[1]
Faith
Roman Catholic[1]
Admissions
Non-selective[1]
Sixth form
Yes[1]
Boarding
No boarders[1]
Capacity
922[1]
Trust
SAINT JOHN SOUTHWORTH CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST[1]
Local authority
Kensington and Chelsea[1]
Website
http://www.cvms.co.uk/[1]
District
Kensington and Chelsea[33]
Postcode
W14 8BZ[1]
URN
141931[1]

School details as recorded in Get Information About Schools on 14 Oct 2026.

Pupils

Number on roll
1024 2024/25[34]
English as an additional language
44.8% 2024/25[34]
SEN support
11.3% 2024/25[34]
EHC plan
5% 2024/25[34]
Free school meals in the last 6 years
18% 2024/25[34]

Pupils' ethnicity 2025/26

White
57.6%[35]
Mixed
14.6%[35]
Asian
5.1%[35]
Black
14.1%[35]
Any other ethnic group
7.7%[35]
Unclassified
0.8%[35]

The school census's major ethnic groups as shares of the school's pupils, summed by us from the published counts. For information only: never used to rank, filter or colour schools.

In the inspectors' and the school's words

Academic
Pupils learn the curriculum remarkably well and achieve highly across a very wide range of subjects. Pupils value the breadth of curriculum choice, including subjects such as Latin and classical Greek.[36]
Warmth
Pupils attend school regularly because they are happy here and thrive in the caring environment. Girls who join the mixed sixth form feel fully included in the life of the school and form warm, respectful relationships with the boys.[36]
Pastoral care
When concerns arise, leaders respond swiftly and effectively, ensuring that pupils feel supported and listened to. Their focus on nurturing well-rounded pupils leads them to forensically removing barriers to learning and wellbeing so that pupils thrive.[36]
Behaviour
Behaviour is exemplary and attendance is high. Disruption to learning is extremely rare because pupils want to learn.[36]
Learning support
The school provides an extensive programme of specialist support so that pupils with SEND are rarely held back in their progress. Disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND make excellent progress.[36]
Enrichment
Pupils access an exemplary breadth of musical, sporting and cultural opportunities. Clubs such as the 'bell hooks' book club, the translation bee and the philosophy club are well attended[36]
Pupil voice
students are proud to serve as subject ambassadors, supporting younger pupils both within the school and in local primary settings They listen carefully to feedback from staff and pupils and act on it thoughtfully, modelling a culture of continuous improvement.[36]
Independence
Older pupils who are permitted to go off site at break and lunchtime use this freedom with maturity and responsibility. They approach their studies with seriousness, take pride in their work and collaborate positively with one another.[36]
Collaboration
They approach their studies with seriousness, take pride in their work and collaborate positively with one another.[36]
Structure
Staff know their pupils well and create a culture where expectations are understood, upheld and valued.[36]
Diversity
Many travel from a wide range of London boroughs[36]
Performing arts
Regular musical performances at prestigious national venues sit alongside an extensive programme of visits[36]

Sources

  1. Department for Education: Get Information About Schools: all establishments. Period 2026-10-14, published 2026-10-14. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  2. Department for Education: Performance tables schools data (explore education statistics). Period 2025/26, provisional, published 2026-10-15. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  3. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS5 (16-18) final. Period 2024/25, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  4. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 final. Period 2023/24, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  5. Department for Education: Key stage 4 performance 2024/25: data guidance. Period 2024/25. Archived copy; original. Licence: OGL-3.0.
    Quote
    It is not possible to calculate Progress 8 for academic years 2024/25 and 2025/26 due to gaps in the baseline caused by COVID-19 disruption.
  6. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 final. Period 2024/25, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  7. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 final. Period 2022/23, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  8. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 final. Period 2021/22, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  9. Department for Education: A level and other 16 to 18 results 2020/21. Period 2020/21. Archived copy; original. Licence: OGL-3.0.
    Quote
    Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the summer exam series was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021, and alternative processes were set up to award grades.
  10. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS5 (16-18) final. Period 2023/24, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  11. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS5 (16-18) final. Period 2022/23, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  12. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS5 (16-18) final. Period 2021/22, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  13. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS5 (16-18) final. Period 2018/19, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  14. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 destinations. Period 2022/23, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  15. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 destinations. Period 2021/22, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  16. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 destinations. Period 2020/21, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  17. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 destinations. Period 2019/20, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  18. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 destinations. Period 2018/19, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  19. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: 16-18 destinations. Period 2022/23, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  20. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: 16-18 destinations. Period 2021/22, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  21. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: 16-18 destinations. Period 2020/21, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  22. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: 16-18 destinations. Period 2019/20, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  23. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: 16-18 destinations. Period 2018/19, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  24. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: 16-18 progression to higher education. Period 2021/22, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  25. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: 16-18 progression to higher education. Period 2019/20, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  26. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: 16-18 progression to higher education. Period 2020/21, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  27. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: 16-18 progression to higher education. Period 2018/19, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  28. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: 16-18 progression to higher education. Period 2017/18, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  29. Ofsted: State-funded schools inspections and outcomes. Period 2025/26. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  30. Ofsted: State-funded schools inspections and outcomes. Period 2021/22. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  31. Department for Education: Primary and secondary school applications and offers: school level. Period Entry Sept 2026, final, published 2026-06-29. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  32. rbkc.gov.uk: rbkc.gov.uk — Secondary admissions brochure 2027 0 (PDF). Period 2026-10-14. Licence: OGL-3.0.
    Quote
    Saturday 31 October 2026 Closing date for applications. (p. 7)
  33. Office for National Statistics: Parish to Ward to Local Authority District (May 2026) Lookup in EW. Period 2026-05-01. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  34. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: School census. Period 2024/25, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  35. Department for Education: Schools, pupils and their characteristics: school level underlying data. Period 2025/26, published 2026-06-04. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  36. files.ofsted.gov.uk: files.ofsted.gov.uk document. Period 2026-10-14. Licence: OGL-3.0.
    Quotes (19)
    Pupils attend school regularly because they are happy here and thrive in the caring environment (p. 2)
    Girls who join the mixed sixth form feel fully included in the life of the school and form warm, respectful relationships with the boys (p. 2)
    Pupils learn the curriculum remarkably well and achieve highly across a very wide range of subjects (p. 2)
    Pupils value the breadth of curriculum choice, including subjects such as Latin and classical Greek (p. 4)
    When concerns arise, leaders respond swiftly and effectively, ensuring that pupils feel supported and listened to (p. 5)
    Their focus on nurturing well-rounded pupils leads them to forensically removing barriers to learning and wellbeing so that pupils thrive (p. 2)
    Behaviour is exemplary and attendance is high (p. 5)
    Disruption to learning is extremely rare because pupils want to learn (p. 2)
    Many travel from a wide range of London boroughs (p. 2)
    Staff know their pupils well and create a culture where expectations are understood, upheld and valued (p. 2)
    Pupils access an exemplary breadth of musical, sporting and cultural opportunities (p. 3)
    Clubs such as the 'bell hooks' book club, the translation bee and the philosophy club are well attended (p. 3)
    students are proud to serve as subject ambassadors, supporting younger pupils both within the school and in local primary settings
    They listen carefully to feedback from staff and pupils and act on it thoughtfully, modelling a culture of continuous improvement (p. 3)
    Older pupils who are permitted to go off site at break and lunchtime use this freedom with maturity and responsibility (p. 2)
    They approach their studies with seriousness, take pride in their work and collaborate positively with one another (p. 2)
    Regular musical performances at prestigious national venues sit alongside an extensive programme of visits (p. 3)
    The school provides an extensive programme of specialist support so that pupils with SEND are rarely held back in their progress (p. 4)
    Disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND make excellent progress (p. 2)