In June 2023, our school was assessed under the revised Ofsted framework and we were awarded a Good rating. This is a significant achievement, considering our previous grading and the changes in evaluation criteria since our last inspection in June 2011. We were very pleased with their conclusions. 

The report recognised that our 'pupils are at the heart' of our 'caring and inclusive school', with the pastoral support and the importance placed on developing and maintaining relationships being a significant point of praise. The inspectors saw our children's positive attitudes to learning and behaviour, which was typically calm and sensible. Due to this, St Thomas More's Catholic Primary School is considered 'a purposeful place to learn.'

Some points taken from our OFSTED Report June 2023:

What is it like to attend this school?

• Pupils enjoy coming to school. Staff have an accurate view of the needs of individual pupils.
• Pupils appreciate the range of experiences and opportunities provided beyond the classroom. These include clubs for music and sports and the opportunity to go on residential trips.
• Clear routines are put in place, beginning in the early years. These support children’s understanding of what is expected of them.
• Pupils take care of each other and manage their own feelings well.
• Parents are highly complimentary about the school. They talk positively of the care and support their children receive. They say the school enables their child to grow, both academically and emotionally. One parent said, ‘I would not send my child anywhere else.’

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

• Leaders are ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This ambition is shared across the school community, including governors.
• Staff, including those new to the profession, value and appreciate the teamwork approach. They are proud to work at the school.
• Leaders prioritise reading. The teaching of phonics starts in the pre-school. Staff use effective strategies to support children in developing into confident readers.
• Leaders have ensured that the mathematics curriculum is designed well and builds on what pupils already know.
• Teachers provide opportunities for pupils to revisit and check their prior learning.
• Pupils receive a broad and balanced curriculum.
• Pupils are polite and courteous. They play together well during social times.
• Leaders have a rigorous system in place to tackle aspects of weaker attendance. They are clear to parents about the importance of children attending school regularly.
• Pupils learn about equality and diversity. They talk confidently to pupils about the importance of treating others how they would like to be treated.
• Governors are well informed about the school’s priorities. Staff agree that leaders consider their well-being and workload.
• Pupils feel safe in school. They know who they can speak to if they have a concern or a worry.

To read our full report please click on the pdf below:

In May 2024, our school underwent a Section 48 Inspection.

A Section 48 Inspection is a statutory review that all Catholic schools receive. It assesses three main areas:

• Catholic Life and Mission
• Religious Education (RE)
• Collective Worship

These inspections are carried out by the Catholic Schools Inspectorate (CSI), who act on behalf of the local Bishop to ensure the school stays true to its Catholic identity and continues to grow in faith and practice. Most schools are inspected approximately every five years.

Unlike Ofsted, which inspects the overall quality of education, a Section 48 inspection focuses specifically on how well the school lives out its Catholic mission and how effectively it teaches Religious Education. Ofsted does not inspect RE in Catholic schools. 

In May 2024, inspectors awarded St Thomas More Catholic Primary School a Grade 2 overall, which is a 'Good' judgement. This means the school is providing a strong standard of Catholic education. The key elements are effective and secure, with some particularly strong practice, but there may be areas that could be developed further.

The areas of Catholic Life and Mission and Collective Worship both received Grade 1, an 'Outstanding' judgement. The following points were raised in the inspection report:

• Pupils clearly understand the mission of the school
• The Chaplaincy team are well respected and are proud of ‘being role models to inspire’.
• Pupils’ learning about other faiths is strong; they understand it is important, because everyone is special.’
• Relationships education is another strength with a bespoke programme that has been put together, ensuring it meets the specific needs of pupils and their families
• All leaders and governors have a clear understanding of the importance of Catholic life and mission and ensure that it drives the school.
• Support for all staff is exceptional.
• Pupils are highly reverent and respectful in whole school and class worship. They are eager to contribute in answering questions, joining in prayer and singing.
• Pupils engage well, are interested and respectful.
• There is wide range of prayer and liturgy giving pupils the opportunities to experience traditional and contemporary prayer. For example, the Mary procession, Stations of the Cross, and the Pentecost re-creation with pom-poms and scarves.

The full Section 48 RE Inspection report can be read below: