Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Harlow, Harlow

In its own words: "Governors, staff and parents at the school are committed to providing a stimulating, caring and safe environment which encourage our children to become confident and independent within a supportive learning environment and to respond positively to challenge."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Jesus is the centre of our lives, Our learning and friendships. In a safe, happy and caring community Where all are welcome. We welcome children, their parents and carers into a friendly, happy and hardworking environment where respect for others, positive relationships, attitudes towards work and behaviour are encouraged and nurtured within the context of Gospel values."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, multi-sports, karate, dance, drama and choir.

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:30am and after-school care, from £5.00 per session.

In 2025, 90% of Year 6 pupils at Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Harlow reached the expected standard in reading and 86% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 78% and 76% in Essex and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 88% in reading and 78% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 45 families put Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Harlow as their first choice and 84 named it as one of their preferences, for 50 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Harlow are Pear Tree Mead Academy (0.2 miles, Good, 74% reading, 89% maths); Purford Green Primary School (0.3 miles, Good, 86% reading, 79% maths); Potter Street Academy (0.4 miles, Good, 84% reading, 87% maths); and William Martin Church of England Infant and Nursery School (0.4 miles, Good).

Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Harlow's 2025 results were higher than all 3 of them.

Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Harlow is run by its own single-school academy trust.

38.6% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (38%), Black (28%) and Mixed (11%).

In 2026, 43 pupils (10.4%) received SEN support and 18 (4.4%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is autism.

The nearest railway station is Harlow Town Rail Station, about 2 miles away in a straight line.

12 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Spencers Croft (opposite), 120 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 277 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and public order offences. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Essex (97), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Harlow issued 5 suspensions, 1.2 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 1 permanent exclusion.

The secondary schools closest to Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Harlow are Passmores Academy (0.1 miles); St Mark's West Essex Catholic School (0.9 miles); Sir Frederick Gibberd College (1 mile); and Stewards Academy - Science Specialist, Harlow (1.3 miles).