St Thomas of Canterbury School, a Catholic Voluntary Academy
Sheffield, S8 7TR · Sheffield · primary school
Check the area around this school
41st of 107 primary schools in Sheffield we can score, 132 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 — 4.6/10 against 3,839 of them, against 4.9/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 62% | 3.50 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 38% | 1.36 |
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 of Canterbury School, a Catholic Voluntary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% 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 4.0%, 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 (4.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 211 pupils against a stated capacity of 211. 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 the roll matching capacity exactly, how does the school manage waiting lists for specific entry years? Since the higher standard attainment is 4.0% compared to the national 7%, what specific support is offered to pupils aiming for that level? How are the breakfast and after-school clubs structured to support families?
What Ofsted said about St Thomas of Canterbury School, a Catholic Voluntary Academy
Overview
Pupils thrive in a “welcoming and inclusive environment” where strong relationships foster trust and warmth. The school maintains high expectations for success, with pupils responding with enthusiasm and achieving well across most areas. Leaders are committed to delivering the best education, creating a supportive culture where staff feel valued and pupils are well prepared for future challenges.
Strengths
- Mathematics is taught well, with pupils demonstrating “deep mathematical understanding” and confidently using subject-specific vocabulary.
- Reading is a high priority; the “comprehensive phonics programme is skilfully taught,” ensuring pupils become confident, fluent readers.
- The early years provision helps children develop essential skills through “structured teaching and play-based exploration.”
- The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, particularly in ‘The Hive,’ through individualised teaching.
- Pupils learn to be kind and respectful, engaging in charity work and developing resilience, creativity, and independence.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum does not help pupils develop early writing skills; they attempt longer tasks before mastering grip strength and letter formation, leading to “persistent handwriting errors.”
- Some learning activities are not well matched to pupils’ needs, making it difficult for some to access learning while others are not sufficiently challenged.
- Behaviour occasionally falls below expectations at unstructured times of the day, requiring continued work to ensure consistency.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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