2025 First Form Prospectus

2025/ 26

YEAR 7 PROSPECTUS THE CARDINAL VAUGHAN MEMORIAL SCHOOL

CONTENTS 01

Welcome Headmaster's Message

07

Extra-curricular Outside the classroom

02

Amare et Servire Ethos & Vision for the School

08

Testimonials Mr Brett & Head Prefects

03

Ofsted Outstanding 2021 Report

09

Next Steps Beyond the Vaughan

04

Catholic Life Love & service

10

Visit the Vaughan Key Dates & Information

05

Life at the Vaughan Gallery

11

Admissions How to apply

06

Curriculum Key Stage 3 & Key Stage 4

12

Contact Information Address & Number

WELCOME I am very pleased to welcome you to The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School. It is a privilege to lead this wonderful community and I am very proud of the many achievements you will find described in these pages.

We are determined to draw out and develop the aptitudes and talents of all our pupils. At the heart of the School lies our Catholic ethos, which underpins everything we do. Quite simply, we see our principal role, as a Catholic school, to be a seed-ground for the apostolic mission of the Church. The School aims, through its commitment to Catholic teaching, to prepare our pupils to undertake their responsibilities as Catholics in society. Working in partnership with parents, we aim to foster in our pupils a love for the Church which will help them to grow and develop as they make their way through life.

In this, I believe, we are successful, as our outstanding public examination results, which far exceed national averages, show. 2025 was another vintage year for A-Level results, with 45.5% at A* and A (as opposed to the national average of 28.3%), and 77.1% at A* to B. At GCSE, 37.0% of grades were 9 & 8, and well over half (55.4%) 9, 8 or 7. These superb results speak eloquently for themselves and keep Cardinal Vaughan in its customary position as one of the highest performing comprehensive schools in the country.

Aaron Cosgrove Headmaster

1

AMARE ET SERVIRE

The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is an academy in the Archdiocese of Westminster. The School has a strong Catholic ethos, a pan-London intake, a tradition of outstanding academic outcomes and a strong regard for good behaviour, self-discipline and self-improvement among its pupils.

The purpose of the School is best expressed in the words of Cardinal Manning, which appear in the preamble to our Mission Statement: we seek ‘the formation of the whole person: intellect, heart, will, character and soul.’ At a fundamental level, then, our vision for what this Catholic school should (and can) achieve is in a sense pre-packaged. Our aim is to make this ideal a reality.

We aim to preserve these unchanging ideals in the context of a rapidly changing world. We want the school to be progressive in the truest sense; in other words, we must identify and retain the best of the old and graft this to the best of the new, so that the foundations on which our pupils’ progress is built are strong and lasting. This, in practice, will entail a remorseless focus on tailoring our practice to suit the multifold needs of our pupils, whatever their ability, so that their development – be it academic, spiritual, social, moral, sporting or aesthetic – is as firmly embedded and lasting as possible.

This will require a blend of intellectual coherence, intelligent recalibration of existing good practice to ensure lasting improvement, energetic action and systematic monitoring to ensure that the needs of a changing intake are constantly met. For the whole school community, it demands (and, hopefully, entails) unity of purpose.

2

OFSTED OUTSTANDING

The was inspected by Ofsted in 2021 and was found to be Outstanding.

'Pupils grow and flourish in every way here. They are extremely proud to be part of this strong and caring school community. Leaders and staff have very high expectations for all pupils. They work together to help pupils develop into wellrounded individuals who love learning and achieve highly.

Pupils’ behaviour is exceptional. They treat each other and staff with dignity and respect. Pupils share the aspirations leaders and staff have for them and value their support. Pupils want to be the best they can be, both at school and in the future.

Pupils told inspectors that they feel happy and safe here. If pupils do have concerns, they know who to speak to. They are confident staff will listen to them. On the rare occasions when bullying occurs, staff are swift to deal with this effectively.

Academic study is balanced with pupils’ wider development. Leaders encourage all pupils to broaden their experiences. They offer plentiful extra-curricular activities to enrich pupils’ learning.

This includes a huge variety of clubs, musical opportunities and overseas trips.

Leaders provide a rich and extensive curriculum for all pupils. They have high expectations and challenging standards. These apply to all areas of school life. Pupils achieve highly in all their subjects. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged.'

3

CATHOLIC LIFE

We are a Catholic community,

At Cardinal Vaughan, our school motto is Amare et Servire, so love

committed

Mission

and service are key elements of the School ethos. We encourage our

Statement to the vision of the

pupils to accept leadership roles and demonstrate love and service in

in

our

School as a spiritual building whose cornerstone is Christ and whose foundations are the Apostles and Prophets. It follows that our community

action to ensure that the Catholic school ethos is carried across all areas of school life.

"This outstanding Catholic school is committed to the formation of

must be one of love, all of

the human person, as evidenced by the comprehensive enrichment

whose members honour the

programme that supports the taught curriculum.”

Christ

Catholic Schools Inspectorate, 2024

they

find

in

one

another.

"Cardinal Each person in the School, no matter what his or her worldly status, deserves to be treated with the respect and, indeed, reverence due to one created in

the

image

redeemed

by

of the

Blood of Jesus Christ.

4

God

and

Precious

Vaughan

offers

young

people

a

first-class

Catholic

education and a wonderful preparation for later life. Our leavers go on to a wide variety of top universities and carry with them impressive personal qualities which ensure that they are equipped to continue developing as Catholics in an increasingly complex world: I am proud that we encourage our pupils to regard their faith as a gift to be actively nurtured rather than passively received."

Aaron Cosgrove, Headmaster

LIFE AT THE VAUGHAN

5

CURRICULUM

The

Cardinal

Vaughan

Key Stage Three

is

highly

The School introduced a two-year key stage three curriculum in

acclaimed for its outstanding

September 2015. Boys will study a wide and varied repertoire of

academic results. In addition,

subjects, giving them a solid grounding in many areas. All talents and

we

interests are catered for as are the widely varied abilities of our

Memorial

School

encourage

pupils

to

develop their own interests

pupils.

and achieve far more than just examination success.

Class sizes vary according to the ability of the boys with the less able taught in smaller groups. Practical subjects (Art, Music and Design

The

many

opportunities

to

excel, both within and beyond the

classroom,

environment individual

provide

Technology) are taught in smaller classes to allow for the individual attention these subjects require.

an

in

which

every

All pupils study Religious Education and the core and foundation

can

develop

their

subjects of the National Curriculum. More information about the

talents to the full.

National Curriculum can be found on the Government website.

The School regards the regular

Key Stage Four

performance of homework as

At KS4, pupils have the opportunity to focus on the subjects which

being of the first importance

appeal to them most while also developing their knowledge and

and pupils adhere to a daily

understanding of the core curriculum essential to all. We are one of

homework schedule.

fewer than 3% of state schools to offer Classics, Greek & Latin at GCSE.

6

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Cardinal Vaughan has an extensive programme of extra-curricular

Sixth

activities, from sports teams (including football, rugby, and

encouraged to take part in

Formers

are

also

netball) to a globally renowned Music Department which includes

extra-curricular

the Schola Cantorum, who have performed at world-famous

including

working

with

venues such as the Royal Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall.

businesses

and

charities

activities, local to

raise money and materials for We have seen an increase in the uptake of co-curricular clubs,

those less fortunate (including

including in Drama, Computer Science, and our Eco Club, which is

Mary's Meals and local food

responsible

banks), as well as helping to

for

the

school

recycling

system

and

promoting

sustainability in the local community.

arrange and staff our annual Senior Citizens Tea Party and

We offer multiple international school trips which have included New

help

York, Galapagos Islands, and Ecuador, and most recently a Geography

Parent's Association events.

volunteer

at

Vaughan

trip to Iceland. These trips range from sightseeing and volunteering to taking part in sporting activities.

We also now work with partner primary

schools

within

the

Our pupils also have the opportunity to complete their Duke of

Trust, where Sixth Form pupils

Edinburgh award during their time at school. This takes place during

will visit and provide workshops

the school calendar so that our pupils can participate with their

for the pupils.

peers.

7

TESTIMONIALS "It is a real joy being Head of First Form as I get to observe, first hand, the significant progress that the new Cardinal Vaughan pupils make from arriving at our School in September through to the end of their first year studying with us. In particular, it is incredibly rewarding to witness the pupils flourish socially, whether that be through representing the Vaughan at sporting fixtures, musical events or attending other extra-curricular clubs and developing friendships for life."

Mr Brett, Head of First Form

"If I have learnt anything from my 7 years at The Vaughan, it would be how lucky I am to have been taught in an environment with talented and ambitious people who share goals similar to mine. Finding a perfect work to fun balance and enjoying every moment with friends, old and new, has made every moment here delightful.

This alongside amazing teachers who don’t just teach for the exams, but for life, has set me up in the best possible way for the future.”

Keeran S, Head Boy (2024-25)

“It’s been a Sixth Form to remember! The top recurring memories were all the trips, whether it was France, Iceland, or New York. I’m amazed by all of the opportunities we’ve had here. One of the things I’m most grateful for is that we’ve had the change to see different places around the world.

I have absolutely loved my time here - the community is so strong, and the support amazing.”

Scarlett P, Head Girl (2024-25)

8

NEXT STEPS

As a school, we pride ourselves on producing young adults who are

At Cardinal Vaughan, we also

hardworking, independent, and charismatic, and who are well-

offer careers advice

which

prepared for life beyond school and Sixth Form.

contributes

pupil

to

raising

achievement in helping pupils Things that set the Vaughan apart from other Sixth Forms include the

focus

fact that you are given a dedicated form tutor upon arrival in Year 12,

career ambitions and ensure an

on

their

longer-term

with a team of staff who are willing to go above and beyond to help

equality of opportunity for all.

you succeed in your endeavours, as well as a rich programme of speakers, workshops, careers mentoring, and higher education

We provide a comprehensive

guidance.

programme to pupils in every year group and of all abilities

Underpinning everything we do is the culture of academic excellence

and this includes aspects of

that runs throughout CVMS. Our most recent results speak for

work-related

themselves. As aforementioned, at the heart of all we do is that we

enterprise

seek 'the formation of the whole person: intellect, heart, will, character

option choices.

learning, education

and

and soul' - and our Sixth Form is no different.

We are committed to ensuring The vast majority of pupils go on to Higher Education, gaining places

our pupils have opportunities

to a wide variety of universities both in the UK and abroad. Pupils in

to acquire the knowledge and

our Sixth Form are very well supported as they make their

confidence to cope with life

applications to university, apply for Higher Level Apprenticeships or

after school and become good

other non-university post 18 pathways, as are our SEND pupils,

citizens.

working closely with our internal additional needs team and external providers.

9

VISIT THE VAUGHAN

We would be delighted to welcome you to the Cardinal Vaughan

First Form Open Evenings

Memorial School for our Open Evenings. There is no need to sign up

be held on Thursday 11 and

to these events.

Wednesday 17 September 2025 when

The

Headmaster

will

will

Unfortunately, we cannot offer parking, but there is pay for parking in

address parents and pupils at

Westfield

school.

4.30pm and again at 6.00pm.

Alternatively, you could ride the overground to Shepherd's Bush (8-

Following each speech, parents

minute walk), or the Central line to Holland Park station (9-minute

will be taken on a tour of the

walk) when you visit.

school.

London,

just

a

15-minute

walk

from

the

We

therefore

recommend you arrive in good time

for

either

4.30pm

or

6.00pm.

Sixth will

Form be

held

Open

Evenings

Wednesday

1

October 2025 and Tuesday 14 October 2025. The Headmaster will speak at 5.00pm, after which you are welcome to tour the school.

10

ADMISSIONS

For full details of our First Form and curriculum please use the QR code below

We would prefer online applications. If you cannot apply online, download the Admission Arrangements and complete the relevant form. Paper forms should be returned by post to reach the school before the closing date.

Please complete your local authority’s e-admission form, available from your local authority, and our online Supplementary Information Form.

We will acknowledge receipt of your online forms and request documents from you if applicable.

If you are Catholic, you will need to upload your baptism or reception certificate and a Certificate of Catholic Practice (CCP). You can start your online application and upload these documents later as long as you do so by 18 November.

To start your application please visit our website https://cvms.applicaa.com/15 You will find it easier to do this on a laptop or PC rather than a mobile phone

11

Amare et Servire

The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School

89 Addison Road London W14 8BZ 020 7603 8478