St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School
Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7DG · Stoke-on-Trent · primary school
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33rd of 64 primary schools in Stoke-on-Trent we can score, 71 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,208 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.0/10 among them, against 4.7/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 10.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.0 out of 10 among them, against 4.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a sewing club and participate in sports including circus skills, laser tag, golf, tag rugby, archery, dodgeball, netball and gymnastics. Trips have included visits to Cheshire Ice-cream Farm, Anfield Stadium, Bewilderwood and Peak Wildlife Park. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 229 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to bridge the gap between the 58.0% expected standard and the national median of 64%? What specific strategies are used to maintain the higher standard achievement rate of 10.0%?
What Ofsted said about St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where the motto ‘Making the heart, mind and spirit soar’ permeates daily life, creating an environment where pupils are ‘safe, happy and confident’. Leaders and teachers set high expectations, resulting in ‘exceptionally well’ behaved pupils who are kind to one another and enjoy a ‘very diverse’ community. The school is praised for its inclusive ethos, with a strong emphasis on reading and personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils ‘behave exceptionally well’, with bullying being ‘very rare’ and high standards of respect established from the early years.
- The curriculum is ‘carefully designed and sequenced’, ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) follow the same curriculum as their peers.
- Reading is a ‘high priority’, with well-established routines and skilful teaching that helps pupils ‘achieve well’ and enjoy learning.
- Leaders provide an ‘exceptionally wide range of opportunities’ to broaden pupils’ experiences, including leadership roles and extra-curricular activities.
- Staff well-being is prioritised, with leaders who ‘listen to their concerns’ and take workload into account.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should review and embed new curriculums where ‘small steps towards building skills and knowledge are not as well defined’.
- Leaders must ensure teachers have a ‘secure enough understanding’ of what pupils have already learned to prevent gaps in learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with leaders knowing children and families well and ensuring all staff receive appropriate training.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 83% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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