St Thomas More High School
Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 0BW · Southend-on-Sea · secondary school
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6th of 12 secondary schools in Southend-on-Sea we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 672 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.7/10 among them, against 7.6/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 57.2 · 77 | 30% | 2.32 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.32 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 52.9 · 80 | 10% | 0.80 |
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 High School overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, with the most recent inspection in 2024. In 2024/25, 63.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 52.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.32 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.3 out of 10 among them, against 8.0 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in sporting activities, Sports day, art competitions, and open mic events.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,243 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,050. 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 maintain the progress seen in the 2023/24 data? What specific support is available for pupils aiming to improve their attainment in English and maths?
What Ofsted said about St Thomas More High School
Overview
St Thomas More High School continues to be a good school, fostering a "caring community" where pupils feel part of a family. Leaders have built strong relationships with staff and parents, creating an inclusive environment where students are respectful, proud, and well-prepared for adulthood through leadership opportunities and extensive extra-curricular activities.
Strengths
- The school delivers an "ambitious curriculum" that enables pupils to achieve well, with a strong focus on the English Baccalaureate and high expectations for sixth-form students.
- Teachers use "strong subject knowledge" to explain concepts clearly and regularly check understanding, ensuring pupils "know and remember more over time."
- There is effective support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including clear plans to develop literacy and quick identification of weaker readers.
- Pupils enjoy high attendance and behave calmly and respectfully, as bullying is not tolerated and sixth-form students serve as "exceptional role models."
- The personal development programme and careers education help pupils make "positive contributions to society" and prepare effectively for future education or employment.
Areas to improve
- Some teachers do not provide enough guidance on how pupils can best demonstrate their learning, particularly through writing, meaning some students are less effective at expressing their ideas.
- The school should ensure pupils are consistently supported to communicate effectively across the curriculum to achieve better in all subject areas.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 49.8 |
| 2024/25 | 52.3 |
| 2025/26 | 52.9 |
| 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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