St Thomas of Canterbury School, a Catholic Voluntary Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

Pupils' achievement is outstanding. From the time they enter school, all pupils make rapid progress in English and mathematics. When they leave in Year 6, pupils reach standards that are well above average.

Pupils often exceed what is expected of them. Mathematics is a particular strength. Activities are highly creative and interest pupils.

This ensures that every pupil achieves well by developing the skills they need in reading, writing and mathematics. Pupils really enjoy learning and love the opportunities provided to learn both inside and outside of the classroom. Pupils are encouraged to develop an enquiring mind an...d are given the freedom to work individually and with others to explore learning.

They take responsibility for their own learning and support others to improve. Pupils' behaviour and safety are outstanding. The school works like a family to create a strong community where mutual respect is tangible.

Attitudes to learning, even amongst the youngest children, are often impeccable. The headteacher is a gifted and talented professional who is ambitious for the school. Actions reflect his relentless pursuit of high achievement.

This goes alongside fostering a love of learning and the development of well-rounded children. The senior leader and middle managers are equally determined that all pupils do as well as they can. Leaders check the quality of teaching and learning weekly.

They work as a team to quickly eliminate any weaknesses and, as a result, teaching is improving. Pupils are set challenging targets to encourage them to work towards higher levels. However, sometimes the language used to describe what they need to do is difficult for them to understand.

Members of the governing body care deeply about their community and rigorously support the headteacher. The Chair of the Governing Body has skilfully gathered a very strong team with a broad range of specialist knowledge. This is used successfully to hold leaders to account for their decisions.

This ensures the school is improving.

Information about this school

This is a smaller than average primary school. It became a voluntary academy in October 2012 which means there is no previous data before 2013.

The school works within the partnership of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Umbrella Trust. The headteacher works closely with the local primary academies and offers wider support to schools requiring improvement within the diocese. The deputy headteacher was appointed in September 2013 and three further teaching appointments have been made for September 2014.

Children enter the school into Reception Year from a range of nursery provisions. The proportion of pupils supported through school action is lower than average. The proportion of pupils supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is much higher than the national average.

This is because the school has an integrated resource for five pupils with significant and complex learning needs and disabilities. In addition, there are pupils with statements whose parents have sought specialist provision for their children. The proportion of pupils eligible for support through the pupil premium is well below the national average.

The pupil premium is additional funding for pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children looked after by the local authority. The school meets the government's current floor standard which is the minimum expectation for pupils' attainment and progress. The school provides a breakfast club.