St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, located in Kings Norton, Birmingham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on May 1 and 2, 2024. The principal, Chris Martin, leads the school, which is part of the Lumen Christi Catholic Multi Academy Company. This structure involves shared responsibilities among various stakeholders, including the chief executive officer, Paul Collins-Smith, and a board of trustees chaired by Peter Vince.
The school’s motto, committed learners, exceptional people, reflects its commitment to high aspirations for all students, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. The inclusive environment fosters a culture where pupils are encouraged to overcome challenges, resulting in positive academic outcomes. Students express enjoyment in their learning experiences and demonstrate friendliness and politeness. The school maintains a calm and purposeful atmosphere, with strong behavior management practices in place.
The Catholic ethos of the school plays a significant role in supporting students' personal development. The curriculum is designed to nurture students' interests and personalities, with initiatives like the Aquinas Experience providing opportunities for trips and residential activities. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports and creative clubs, as well as a choir and various productions throughout the year. Students receive guidance on career pathways and educational next steps, ensuring they are well-prepared for life in modern Britain.
The curriculum is rigorous, setting high expectations across all subjects. The school adheres to the national curriculum as a baseline, ensuring that all students, including those with special educational needs, have access to a broad range of subjects. However, the timing of option choices at the end of Year 8 means that some students may not fully realize their potential in certain subjects. The school is aware of this and is considering adjustments to better align the curriculum with its ambitious vision.
Support for students with special educational needs is a strength of the school. Staff are quick to identify those requiring additional help, and effective interventions are implemented to ensure these students succeed. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and utilize assessment effectively to monitor student progress, adapting their teaching methods as necessary.
The sixth form has been identified as an area for improvement, as past performance has not met expectations. However, recent changes in teaching and support have begun to yield positive results. Staffing issues have affected the availability of some popular courses, but the school has addressed these concerns for the upcoming academic year. Students receive impartial advice regarding future career options, leading to a high percentage of students progressing to suitable destinations after graduation.
The school maintains high expectations for student behavior, which are generally met. Positive relationships between staff and students contribute to a supportive environment. However, a small number of students struggle to meet these expectations, resulting in repeated suspensions and missed learning opportunities. The school is committed to providing additional support for these students to help them improve their behavior.
Overall, St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School effectively promotes personal development through its Catholic values and a comprehensive curriculum. The school is dedicated to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to grow and succeed, preparing them for their future roles in society. Staff satisfaction is high, with leaders mindful of workload and well-being. The school’s leadership demonstrates a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for development, acting promptly to address any issues that arise. Safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students.
