Thomas’s Academy

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is a good school. Leaders and managers have sustained improvements in all areas since the last inspection, so that teaching is now good, with much that is outstanding.

This leads to good progress across the school. Attainment in reading, writing and mathematics is above the national averages at the end of Year 6. As children start in the school with skills below those typically found, this represents good and often outstanding progress.

Pupils have positive attitudes towards learning and engage fully in lessons. Their behaviour is good. Bullying is rare and they say that they feel safe and well cared for.

They show a great deal of independence an...d manage their behaviour and play very well. Pupils find the wide range of topics they undertake links well to their needs and interests, and this ensures that their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted extremely well. Leaders and managers are ably supported by the governing body, and their detailed plans are focused well on the right priorities.

It is not yet an outstanding school because : There are inconsistencies in the quality of teaching at Key Stage 1. Some pupils' attainment in writing and mathematics is below the national averages. A few pupils are absent too often, so attendance is around average.

Information about this school

This is an average-sized primary school. Most pupils are from a minority ethnic heritage. Most of these pupils speak English as an additional language.

The largest minority ethnic group is from a Black African heritage. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for looked after children, pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and children from service families, is well above average. The proportion of pupils supported through school action is average, as is the proportion supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs.

The school meets the government's current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils' attainment and progress. The number of pupils who join and leave the school at other than the usual times is well above average. The school does not use any alternative provision.

The school runs a breakfast club. The after-school club is not run by the governing body. The school shares the site with Parayhouse School, a non-maintained special school for pupils with moderate learning difficulties.

Since the last inspection, a Children's Centre has been opened on the site. This is not run by the governors and was not part of the inspection. In addition, there have been several changes in staff.