St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 June 2025

This school fosters a positive climate of care. Staff know pupils exceptionally well. They create a calm and positive environment that helps pupils feel safe, happy and ready to learn. Everyone understands the school's mission, and pupils take pride in their aspiration: 'not to have more, but to be more'. The school has a lovely learning atmosphere. The behaviour policy and procedures work really well. Learning disruptions are rare. Pupils consistently follow well-established routines. When Year 11 pupils entered the examinations, for example, their behaviour was truly exemplary. The school has emerged from a turbulent period and made significant improvements since the last inspection. Staffing issues have been addressed. Skilled staff are teaching pupils. Previously, outcomes at the end of key stage 4 were not strong enough, but this is set to change. Pupils are now learning more. Their progress through the curriculum has improved. The school extends its curriculum beyond the school day. Pupils engage in many clubs, trips and activities. Their character is developed through opportunities in the school and the wider community. The school council represents their peers with great honour, skill and dignity. Members are an absolute credit to the school.

What the school should improve

• Some subject leaders are new to school. Some have not benefitted from the training and development needed. This means that aspects of the curriculum are not as meticulously designed, or as well established as required. Pupils do not learn as well as they could. The school must ensure that subject leaders receive the guidance and support needed to become highly effective. They must make sure that the quality of the curriculum is consistently strong across all subjects so that pupils' outcomes improve.
• There are some inconsistencies in the implementation of the school's 'teaching and learning seven' strategy. In some lessons, this can mean that pupils' learning gaps are not addressed. This may be a barrier to them learning more and being able to do more. The school must ensure that the implementation of the curriculum is consistently strong across all subjects and that pupils achieve as well as they should.

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