School History
St Martin’s Catholic Primary School, located on Pendennis Avenue in Caversham Park Village, has a rich history closely intertwined with the Catholic community in Reading.
The story of Catholic education in Caversham began in 1902, when the Belgian Visitation Sisters established a religious community in the area and assumed responsibility for Catholic schooling. Their dedication laid the foundations for generations of children to receive an education rooted in faith, service and academic excellence.
Throughout its history, the school has adapted to meet the changing needs of the local community. During the First World War, the original school buildings were requisitioned for use as a military hospital, reflecting the important role that local institutions played during times of national need.
As Caversham and the surrounding areas grew, so too did the demand for Catholic education. The school eventually relocated from the main parish grounds to its present site on Pendennis Avenue, where it continues to serve families from Caversham Park Village and beyond.
St Martin’s is named after St Martin de Porres (1579–1639), the Dominican friar renowned for his humility, compassion and commitment to serving others. His values of kindness, inclusion and service remain central to the life of the school today and are reflected in our mission statement, “Learning to live by faith and be known by love.”
Over the years, St Martin’s has become a well-established and much-loved part of the local community. Generations of families have passed through its doors, contributing to the warm and welcoming atmosphere for which the school is known.
A significant milestone in the school’s recent history came in January 2017, when St Martin’s formally federated with St Anne’s Catholic Primary School. The federation enables both schools to work collaboratively under a shared Executive Headteacher and Governing Body, strengthening leadership, sharing expertise and enhancing opportunities for pupils and staff across both communities.
Today, St Martin’s Catholic Primary School is a mixed Voluntary Aided school for children aged 4 to 11. While much has changed since the Belgian Visitation Sisters first established Catholic education in Caversham over a century ago, the school’s commitment to faith, learning and community remains as strong as ever.
As we look to the future, we remain proud of our heritage and continue to build upon the legacy of those who came before us—ensuring that every child is known, valued and inspired to flourish.