St Thomas Catholic Voluntary Academy, located in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 14 and 15, 2023. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and happy, supported by strong relationships with caring staff. Pupils express confidence in their ability to approach trusted adults with any concerns, contributing to a positive school atmosphere. The school integrates its five gospel values—respect, forgiveness, honesty, love, and friendship—into the curriculum and daily life, promoting a cohesive community.
Parents and carers have high regard for the school, with many recommending it to others. They appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the kindness of the staff. The school maintains high expectations for all pupils, which is reflected in their commendable behavior. Pupils are aware of what constitutes bullying and understand that it is not tolerated within the school environment.
The curriculum at St Thomas Catholic Voluntary Academy is broad and designed to equip pupils with essential knowledge and skills for future learning. Leaders are actively refining the curriculum, particularly in areas where assessment results have not met national expectations. For instance, improvements in mathematics have led to increased focus on arithmetic and problem-solving, resulting in better pupil outcomes. Subject leaders have carefully structured the curriculum to help pupils connect new learning with prior knowledge, enhancing retention and understanding.
Teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge and employ effective teaching strategies, although there are instances where activities could be more impactful. This occasionally slows the pace of learning for some pupils. The school ensures that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, allowing them to access the full curriculum and achieve their potential.
Pupils are encouraged to revisit prior learning, which reinforces their understanding of fundamental concepts. For example, Year 4 pupils can confidently discuss the digestive system using scientific terminology, while Year 6 pupils can articulate the reasons behind the existence of certain biomes. However, in a few foundation subjects, the recall of essential knowledge is not as strong, indicating a need for more explicit teaching of key concepts.
The school has a well-structured approach to teaching reading, starting from Reception Year. Regular reading sessions with adults and carefully selected reading materials help pupils become fluent readers and develop a love for reading. Early years activities are designed with clear objectives, promoting understanding across various learning areas through engaging play.
St Thomas Catholic Voluntary Academy also emphasizes the importance of understanding different faiths and cultures, preparing pupils for the diversity of modern Britain. Pupils participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports and gardening clubs, and contribute to the school community through roles such as school councillors.
The leadership team is attentive to staff workload and well-being, ensuring that new initiatives are introduced thoughtfully. Staff benefit from expert training, which supports their professional development. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff trained to recognize and respond to potential risks, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils.
While the school is performing well, there are areas for improvement. Teachers need to consistently utilize the most effective activities to enhance pupil learning. Additionally, in some foundation subjects, there is a need for more explicit instruction of essential knowledge to ensure all pupils can recall fundamental concepts necessary for their ongoing education. Overall, St Thomas Catholic Voluntary Academy continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils.
