The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
London, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council · W14 8BZ
Founded in 1914, The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is a large Roman Catholic boys' school in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, with a substantial sixth form of nearly 400 among its 1,044 pupils. Ofsted has rated every aspect of the school Outstanding, from quality of education and leadership to behaviour, personal development and the sixth form. A generous pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 13 sits behind that record. The school takes a firm line on mobile phones: smartphones are barred for years 7 to 11, with only switched-off brick phones tolerated, while sixth formers may use phones in a designated hall.
1,044
Pupils
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Boys
- Type
- state school
- Pupils
- 1,044
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 13
- Location
- London, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council
Headteacher
Headmaster Aaron Cosgrove
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
55%
A-level A*-A
46%
A-level A*-B
77%
Teaching & academics
Results are strong across both phases, with 55% of GCSE grades at 9-7 and 46% of A-levels graded A*-A, rising to 77% at A*-B. The curriculum is broad and traditional, encompassing the full slate of sciences, humanities and languages, alongside Latin, Classical Greek and Classical Civilisation. Beyond GCSE and A-level, pupils can pursue BTEC and the EPQ, and around 11% receive SEN support.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 395
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 11.33%
- EHC plans
- 4.98%
Arts & extracurricular
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Sport
Main sports
Beyond the classroom
Rugby and football are the main team sports, and music features prominently both at GCSE and A-level. French, Spanish and Polish are offered among the languages.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1914
- Religious character
- RC
- Boarding
- No
Mobile phone policy
Pupils in years 7 to 11 are not allowed smartphones in school. Any smartphone brought into school will be confiscated and kept for the rest of that half-term. Pupils are permitted, however, to bring a brick phone to school. In this case, it must be switched off upon entering the school grounds. Pupils who are seen on their brick phone anywhere in the school will be punished. Pupils in the sixth form are allowed to bring smartphones to school and may use them outside of lessons in Addison Hall.
Inspection reports
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Outstanding
- Last inspected
- 16 November 2021
The last word
An academically high-achieving Catholic boys' school with an across-the-board Outstanding rating and a deliberately old-fashioned stance on phones. It will suit families seeking a traditional, faith-based education with a strong sixth form.
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The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School located?
The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is located at London, W14 8BZ.
What type of school is The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School?
The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is a state-funded school.
How many pupils attend The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School?
The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School has approximately 1,044 pupils on roll.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.