St Thomas Catholic Voluntary Academy
Ilkeston, DE7 4LF · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
100th of 263 primary schools in Derbyshire we can score, 354 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 5.6/10 against 3,059 of them, against 5.2/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
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 Catholic Voluntary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 3.0% against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 225 pupils against a stated capacity of 230. 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
With 5 places currently available, how does the school manage waiting lists for specific entry years? How does the curriculum support pupils who are working towards the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children who need extra help with reading or writing?
What Ofsted said about St Thomas Catholic Voluntary Academy
Overview
St Thomas Catholic Voluntary Academy continues to be a good school, offering a welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and happy. Leaders have successfully woven gospel values into school life, fostering strong relationships and high expectations that result in excellent behaviour and a cohesive community.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy coming to school and have "strong, positive relationships with staff," knowing they can speak to a trusted adult if needed.
- The curriculum is broad and logically sequenced, helping pupils "link what they are learning now with what they already know" to retain knowledge effectively.
- There is a "well-planned approach to teaching reading," with staff well trained to teach early reading, ensuring pupils become fluent readers quickly.
- Children in early years get off to a "flying start" through well-planned provision that nurtures them and develops understanding across all areas of learning.
- Staff workload and well-being are considered before introducing new initiatives, and staff benefit from "expert training" provided by the trust.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teachers use activities that support pupils to learn intended content, as some current activities are not as effective as they could be, slowing the pace of learning.
- In a few foundation subjects, leaders must ensure teachers teach essential knowledge more explicitly, as some pupils struggle to recall fundamental building blocks needed for future learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being highly vigilant and trained to use a consistent approach to report concerns, while leaders engage swiftly with external agencies when necessary.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 83% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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