St Thomas Catholic Voluntary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 February 2023

Pupils enjoy coming to this welcoming school. They have strong, positive relationships with staff. Pupils say that all staff are caring. Pupils know a trusted adult they could speak to if they had a problem. The pupils at this school feel safe and happy. Leaders have woven the school's five gospel values into the curriculum as well as all parts of school life. Teachers develop all pupils to show respect, forgiveness, honesty, love and friendship. The school operates as one cohesive community. Pupils and parents and carers agree that staff have high expectations for all pupils who attend this school. Consequently, pupils behave very well. Pupils know what bullying is and they know that it has no place in their school. Pupils say that teachers will not tolerate bullying. Children in early years are eager to learn. They benefit from well-planned provision and staff who nurture and look after them well. The vast majority of parents would recommend this school to other families. One parent's comment summed up the views of many parents: 'The school has a very welcoming atmosphere. Staff are kind and helpful to children and parents.'

What the school should improve

• Teachers do not always use the most effective activities to help pupils learn the curriculum. As a result, some pupils do not learn as quickly as they could. Leaders must ensure that teachers use activities that support pupils to learn the intended content.
• In a few foundation subjects, teachers do not teach the essential knowledge that is set out in curriculum plans explicitly enough. As a result, some pupils struggle to recall the important, fundamental building blocks that they need for the next stage of learning. Leaders must ensure that all teachers are familiar with the essential knowledge in foundation subjects and that they teach it more explicitly.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)