St Thomas More Catholic High School

Overview

St Thomas More Catholic High School is described as a “friendly, caring and inclusive school” where pupils “achieve well” and feel “safe and happy.” The inspection found that the school maintains high standards across all key judgement areas, with a “clear vision for continued school improvement” and strong support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Strengths

• The school provides a “broad curriculum” where teachers use “strong subject knowledge” to help pupils build on existing understanding in a “well-ordered way.”
• Pupils benefit from a “strong personal development offer,” including comprehensive careers guidance and education on health and relationships, preparing them well for adulthood.
• Behaviour is “positive” and “courteous,” supported by clear routines, while attendance is “typically high” with low levels of persistent absence.
• The school effectively supports pupils with SEND, ensuring they “access the same ambitious curriculum” through appropriate adjustments and high-quality staff training.
• Leadership and governance provide “appropriate advice and challenge,” with a renewed focus on maintaining standards and prioritising staff well-being.

Areas to improve

• The school must ensure all teachers “systematically check pupils’ learning” to address misconceptions before moving on, preventing gaps that hinder achievement.
• The school needs to ensure “all pupils’ reading knowledge is assessed” and that effective interventions are in place, particularly for older pupils who currently struggle to access the full curriculum.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”