St Thomas More Catholic School, Blaydon

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 March 2023

Leaders, with the support of the trust, have created a climate of high ambition at the school. The headteacher has overseen well-considered changes that have built on the traditions of the school. Pupils aspire to meet the high expectations leaders have for all. Pupils follow a well-thought-out curriculum. The important knowledge that pupils need to remember is clearly identified. The curriculum is aspirational for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Support for pupils with SEND is strong. The school is calm and orderly. In lessons and at social times, pupils behave well. Pupils are polite and well mannered. Strong relationships exist between staff and pupils. Pastoral support is a strength. The house system is a core feature of the school. Pupils feel safe and know how to keep themselves safe. Bullying is rare. Pupils say that staff would quickly sort out problems should they occur. The school prepares pupils to become respectful and active citizens. Pupils take on leadership roles, including those in the sixth form. This allows pupils to live the school's motto of doing 'the right things for the right reasons', which applies to all members of the school.

What the school should improve

• In a few subjects, assessment is not used effectively. Gaps in pupils' knowledge are not always identified and addressed. As a result, some pupils are not remembering the identified important knowledge. Leaders should continue to refine assessment strategies so that all teachers identify what pupils do not know and adapt teaching appropriately to make sure pupils remember more.
• Some pupils experience inconsistencies in the way different teachers manage behaviour. As a result, some pupils feel frustrated and confused by the behaviour policy. Leaders should review their behaviour policy implemented by teachers to ensure pupils' experiences in school are consistent.
• The personal development curriculum is not clearly aligned between Year 11 and the sixth form. As a result, opportunities to consolidate pupils' knowledge are missed. Leaders should continue to review and refine the personal development curriculum for sixth-form students so that it builds coherently on the work in Year 11. This will ensure that opportunities to consolidate pupils' knowledge are not missed.

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