St Thomas More’s Catholic Primary School in Havant has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 7 and 8, 2023. The school is characterized by a welcoming community where pupils take pride in their environment. Staff members are dedicated to ensuring that all students succeed, fostering a collaborative atmosphere in classrooms where pupils are eager to share their ideas and contribute to discussions. The school offers enriching experiences, such as educational trips that enhance the curriculum, exemplified by a visit to Longdown Dairy Farm, which helps bring learning to life.
The school’s core values of dedication, empathy, forgiveness, and generosity provide a strong foundation for pupils to understand the world around them. Behavior among students is commendable, with kindness and courtesy being prevalent. Pupils enjoy their time during breaks, particularly on the pirate ship playground, and instances of bullying are rare. When unkindness occurs, it is addressed promptly by staff. The school encourages engagement with community projects and charity work, including support for local homeless charities and food banks, which helps instill a sense of social responsibility in students.
Leaders at the school promote the development of individual talents and interests, with after-school clubs offering opportunities for pupils to learn new skills, such as playing musical instruments, creative writing, and karate. Parents appreciate this broader provision, noting that every child is encouraged to strive for personal excellence. The school excels in personal development, starting from the early years, where children learn to respect and empathize with others. The curriculum includes education about various religions and cultures, fostering an understanding of diversity.
The curriculum is ambitious and designed to meet the needs of all pupils, with a well-sequenced approach in most subjects. Leaders have identified essential knowledge for pupils from early years to Year 6, ensuring that those with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support. In subjects where the curriculum is effectively implemented, pupils demonstrate strong retention of knowledge over time. For instance, in art, students apply their understanding of diverse artists and techniques to create impressive works. Teachers utilize various strategies to assess pupil understanding, ensuring that learning is reinforced regularly.
However, there are areas for improvement. In a minority of subjects, the precise knowledge that pupils need to learn has not been clearly defined, which can hinder effective lesson planning. Leaders are encouraged to continue refining the curriculum to ensure that essential knowledge is clearly identified and sequenced from Nursery to Year 6.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, providing staff with expert support to enhance their subject knowledge. Young pupils are encouraged to practice phonics through engaging reading materials, and there are ample opportunities for all students to develop their reading skills. The positive relationships between pupils and staff contribute to a nurturing environment where students feel safe and respected. Older pupils take on mentorship roles, supporting younger peers during assemblies and playtimes.
Governors are actively involved and understand the school’s strengths and areas for development, providing effective support and challenge to school leaders. Staff appreciate the consideration given to their workload and well-being, allowing them to focus on actions that significantly impact pupil learning. The school’s safeguarding arrangements are effective, with pupils aware of how to stay safe and report concerns. Overall, St Thomas More’s Catholic Primary School continues to provide a good educational experience, with a strong emphasis on personal development, community engagement, and academic achievement.
