Why Choose Us

Why families choose us

Small enough to know every child. Big enough to give them everything they need.

A one-form-entry Catholic primary school at the heart of Foots Cray, Sidcup — with an on-site pre-school, extensive grounds, wraparound care from 7:30am to 6:15pm, and a community where children of all faiths and none are warmly welcomed.

Good
Ofsted rated
63%
KS2 RWM combined
(above 61% national)
7:30–6:15
Wraparound care
on site
2–11
Pre-school through
to Year 6

Choosing a primary school is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. We don't take that lightly. At St Peter Chanel, we believe in educating the whole child — academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally — in a school small enough that every child is known by name, and supported by a team that's been with us for years.

We are proudly a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Southwark, in partnership with our parish, St Lawrence's, Sidcup. Our Catholic ethos shapes everything we do. Children of all faiths and none are warmly welcomed at our school.

Six reasons families choose St Peter Chanel

👋

Every child is known

As a one-form-entry school of around 160 children, every member of staff knows every child by name. Your child will never be just a number.

📚

Strong academic outcomes

Our most recent KS2 results show 63% achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined — above the national average of 61%.

🌱

On-site Pre-School

Our brand new Pre-School building, opened September 2025, sits on the school grounds. Children transition seamlessly into Reception with the same familiar faces.

🌳

Extensive outdoor space

Our school is surrounded by grass, trees and outdoor learning space — including a dedicated Reception garden, mud kitchen and forest school area.

Wraparound care for working families

Breakfast Club from 7:30am and After School Club until 6:15pm, every day. All on-site, so your child stays in the same trusted environment.

💛

A community built on Gospel values

Inspire, Challenge, Empower — so through Christ we make a difference. Catholic values shape how we treat one another, every day.

What our parents say

"Such a home-from-home feel. My oldest has graduated from the Pre-School and is now in Reception, and my 2-year-old now attends. The staff are quite frankly amazing to the children — we couldn't be happier." — Lauren-Raye, current parent
"All three of my children attended St Peter Chanel. My eldest is 18 and the same staff are still all present — that speaks volumes. I couldn't praise the school enough. It really did give my children the best start in their school life." — Hannah, parent of three

A day in the life

What your child's day looks like at St Peter Chanel

  • 7:30amBreakfast Club opens — drop in any time before 8:40am for breakfast and play
  • 8:40amSchool doors open, soft-start in the classroom
  • 8:55amMorning prayer together, the day begins
  • 9:00amMaths Mastery, Little Wandle phonics (EYFS & KS1) and English with our SPC Writing Journey
  • 11:00amPlaytime — outdoor break on our extensive playgrounds
  • 12:00pmLunch (KS1) — hot meals freshly prepared on-site
  • 1:15pmAfternoon learning — RE, Science, foundation subjects, outdoor learning
  • 3:15pmEnd of school — or stay with us at After School Club until 6:15pm

The best way to know if we're right for your child

No website can tell you everything you need to know. The best way to choose a school is to come and see it for yourself — meet our Headteacher, walk our grounds, talk to our children, and ask every question you've got.

Book a tour with our Headteacher

Tours last around 45 minutes and run throughout the year. We welcome visits from families considering Reception, in-year places in any year group, or our on-site Pre-School.

Book a tour