St Thomas of Canterbury School, a Catholic Voluntary Academy located in Sheffield, received an outstanding rating during its inspection in May 2014. This was the school's first inspection since becoming an academy in October 2012. The inspection highlighted the exceptional achievement of pupils, noting that they make rapid progress in English and mathematics from the moment they enter the school. By the time they leave in Year 6, their standards are well above average, with many exceeding expectations, particularly in mathematics.
The quality of teaching at the school is also rated as outstanding. Teachers employ highly creative and engaging activities that captivate pupils' interests, ensuring that all students develop essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Pupils express a genuine enjoyment of learning and appreciate the opportunities to engage in educational activities both inside and outside the classroom. They are encouraged to cultivate an inquisitive mindset and take responsibility for their own learning while supporting their peers.
Behaviour and safety at St Thomas of Canterbury School are outstanding. The school fosters a strong sense of community, where mutual respect is evident. Pupils demonstrate excellent attitudes towards learning, and the school environment is described as familial. The headteacher is recognized as a talented leader who is ambitious for the school, consistently pursuing high achievement while nurturing a love of learning and the development of well-rounded individuals.
The leadership and management of the school are also outstanding. The headteacher, along with senior leaders and middle managers, is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils achieve their potential. They regularly assess the quality of teaching and learning, swiftly addressing any weaknesses. The governing body is actively involved and provides robust support to the headteacher, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
The inspection involved observing teaching and learning in multiple lessons, reviewing pupil progress data, and evaluating the school's self-assessment and performance management information. Inspectors also scrutinized behaviour and attendance records, safeguarding documents, and pupil workbooks, while engaging with pupils and parents to gather feedback.
St Thomas of Canterbury School is a smaller-than-average primary school with a diverse pupil population. The proportion of pupils requiring additional support is higher than the national average, reflecting the school's commitment to inclusivity. The school meets the government's floor standards for pupil attainment and progress and offers a breakfast club to support families.
To further improve, the school is encouraged to use more straightforward language in its communications, particularly for less able pupils, to help them understand how to achieve higher levels in their studies. Overall, the inspection concluded that St Thomas of Canterbury School is an outstanding institution that effectively meets the needs of its pupils, providing them with a strong foundation for their future education.
