St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy
Buxton, SK17 6AF · Derbyshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
36th of 45 secondary schools in Derbyshire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 3.2/10 against 697 of them, against 2.6/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 38.6 · 34 | 46% | 1.56 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.51 · 15 | 38% | 0.59 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.1 · 29 | 15% | 0.45 |
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 More Catholic Voluntary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.51 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than nationally similar peers. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 407 pupils against a stated capacity of 450. 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 who are falling behind in English and maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the next academic year?
What Ofsted said about St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy
Overview
St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy has made "significant improvements" since its previous inspection, now fostering a "positive climate of care" where staff know pupils "exceptionally well." The school has emerged from a turbulent period, with skilled staff delivering a well-structured curriculum that reflects Catholic social teachings and national demands. Pupils benefit from a calm environment, strong attendance, and effective support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Staff create a "calm and positive environment" where learning disruptions are rare and pupils follow "well-established routines."
- The curriculum is "well structured," with a key priority on literacy and technical language, leading to improved pupil progress.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities has "improved significantly," with swift identification of needs and effective support.
- Reading is an "absolute priority," supported by an expert library team that successfully opens pupils’ eyes to new authors.
- Personal, social and health education is "thoughtfully planned," equipping pupils with essential knowledge for safety and healthy relationships.
Areas to improve
- Some subject leaders are new and lack necessary training, meaning aspects of the curriculum are not "as meticulously designed" as required.
- Implementation of the ‘teaching and learning seven’ strategy is inconsistent, sometimes leading to unaddressed gaps in pupils’ knowledge.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 39.2 |
| 2024/25 | 49.5 |
| 2025/26 | 42.1 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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