The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is a high-performing Roman Catholic secondary school for boys located in West London. The school is widely recognised for its strong academic results, disciplined learning environment, and specialist provision in music.
It is a selective state school that uses academic banding and aptitude-based admissions rather than a traditional single-score 11+ pass mark.
The school is heavily oversubscribed each year and attracts applicants from across London and surrounding areas.
School Address
The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
89 Addison Road
Kensington
London
W14 8BZ
Telephone: 020 7603 8478
Website: https://www.cvms.co.uk/
History of The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School was founded in 1914 as a Roman Catholic grammar school for boys in London.
Named after Cardinal Herbert Vaughan, the school was established to provide high-quality Catholic education with a strong academic and moral foundation.
Over time, the school has evolved into a modern selective comprehensive while retaining its Catholic ethos and academic traditions. It has maintained a long-standing reputation for excellence in education, particularly in music, languages, and the humanities.
Today, the school continues to combine traditional values with modern teaching approaches, producing high-achieving students who progress to top universities.
Academic Reputation & Awards
The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is widely regarded as one of the strongest performing Catholic state schools in London.
The school is recognised for:
- Strong GCSE and A-Level performance
- High progression rates to Russell Group universities
- Exceptional music and choral tradition
- Strong humanities and languages departments
- Excellent pastoral care within a faith-based environment
- Consistently high academic expectations
Students benefit from:
- High-quality subject specialist teaching
- Structured academic support
- Strong leadership and discipline culture
- Extensive enrichment opportunities
- Music scholarships and performance pathways
The school has a national reputation for excellence in choral music and regularly performs at major venues and events.
GCSE Results
The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School consistently achieves strong GCSE results.
Recent outcomes typically include:
- High proportions of grades 7–9
- Strong performance in English, Mathematics and Sciences
- Excellent results in Modern Foreign Languages
- Above-average attainment compared to national figures
Students consistently achieve strong academic outcomes across a broad curriculum.
A-Level Results
At Sixth Form level, the school continues to deliver strong academic performance.
Recent A-Level outcomes typically include:
- High percentages of A*–B grades
- Strong progression into top universities
- Excellent outcomes in Humanities, Languages, and Music
- Regular university offers from Russell Group institutions
Many students progress into competitive degree courses including Law, Medicine, Engineering, Music, and Languages.
Year 7 Admissions Criteria
Admission into Year 7 is selective and based on academic ability, aptitude testing, and faith criteria.
Entrance Assessment
The school uses a combination of:
- Academic banding test (verbal and non-verbal reasoning)
- Cognitive ability assessment
- Music aptitude test (for selected applicants)
There is no single pass mark; pupils are placed into ability bands for admissions consideration.
Faith Criteria
As a Roman Catholic school, priority is given to:
- Baptised Catholic applicants
- Practising Catholic families (where oversubscribed)
- Applicants with supporting parish evidence
Oversubscription Criteria
When the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated in order of:
- Catholic applicants (based on practice and evidence)
- Banding test performance
- Music aptitude performance (where applicable)
- Distance from school
Application Process
Parents must:
- Apply through the London Local Authority admissions system
- Complete the school’s supplementary information form (SIF)
- Sit the required banding and/or aptitude tests
- Await allocation based on criteria and ranking
Due to high demand, entry is highly competitive each year.
Why Parents Choose The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
Parents choose The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School because of:
- Strong academic reputation
- Excellent GCSE and A-Level results
- Outstanding music tradition
- Strong Catholic ethos and values
- High-quality teaching and discipline
- Excellent university progression
The school remains one of the most respected Catholic schools in London.
Google Maps Location
https://maps.google.com/?q=The+Cardinal+Vaughan+Memorial+School+W14+8BZ
