St Thomas More Catholic High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Key Findings

This is a good school.

Attainment is high across the whole range of subjects, but especially in English and mathematics. It is not yet outstanding because overall achievement is only good. Although most students make good, and at times, outstanding, progress in many of their lessons, there remain inconsistencies in a minority of classes and in some subjects where progress is less than good because : monitoring information is not used effectively enough to support improvement.

The quality of teaching is good overall, with some that is outstanding and some that is satisfactory. Pockets of weaker practice were identified across some subjects, and in some classes. Teachers exhibit good subject kno...wledge and the majority makes good use of learning time and keeps students challenged and engaged through a range of activities.

Most students have very positive attitudes to their learning. Overall the school is a well-ordered and safe environment where everyone is part of a 'big family'. Behaviour in classes and around the site is exemplary and reflects the caring and respectful Catholic ethos that permeates the school.

Relationships around the school are strong and the school is a harmonious place in which to learn. The spiritual, moral and social development of students is a strength of the school. Attendance is good and improving and students are well-supported by a pastoral system which is well-organised and effective.

Leaders and managers across the school have a strong commitment to raising achievement and improving teaching and learning. Systems to monitor quality of provision better have been established. However, despite some very effective practice, monitoring and tracking information is not being used sharply and robustly enough by all senior and middle leaders to ensure consistently good teaching, marking and achievement across all subjects in the school.

Information about the school

This smaller than average secondary school serves a wide and diverse area. The number of students who are known to be eligible for free school meals is low. The proportion of students who are disabled or have special educational needs is low.

Within recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of students from minority ethnic groups and currently the percentage of students for whom English is not their first language is above the national average. Most of these students are Polish. The school meets current government floor standards which set the minimum expectations for attainment and progress.

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms