St Thomas’ CofE Primary Academy is recognized as a good school, continuing to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for its pupils. Under the leadership of executive headteacher Catherine Pointon, the school is part of the Three Spires Trust, which oversees its operations. The trust is led by CEO Emily Verow and a board of trustees chaired by David Lee. The school community is characterized by a warm atmosphere where staff actively promote Christian values and inclusivity. Pupils express happiness and a sense of safety, taking pride in their school and eagerly sharing their learning experiences with visitors.
The school has high expectations for all students, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils demonstrate a strong desire to learn and engage positively in lessons, showcasing respectful and polite behavior towards one another. They are encouraged to support each other and know they can approach adults with any concerns. The school provides a ‘Haven’ space for pupils to relax and socialize during breaks, fostering a sense of community.
St Thomas’ encourages pupils to be advocates for change, discussing significant issues and challenging injustices. They are given responsibilities that promote independence and prepare them for future roles, such as prefects and hall monitors. Despite facing challenges due to staffing and leadership changes, the new leadership team has made significant strides to stabilize the school and improve pupil outcomes. Leaders are focused on ensuring that pupils make the progress they should.
The curriculum at St Thomas’ is ambitious, broad, and balanced, outlining essential knowledge and skills for pupils from early years to Year 6. The school emphasizes the importance of vocabulary and has seen effective implementation in subjects like art and design, where high-quality work is produced. However, there are areas where the curriculum's impact is not as strong, primarily due to some staff lacking clarity on effective delivery methods. This inconsistency can hinder pupil learning.
Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with children introduced to stories and rhymes early in their education, enhancing their speech and language development. Pupils enjoy accessing books from the school library, and there are plans to expand the library's collection. Recent changes in phonics instruction have been positively received, with staff trained to support pupils effectively. Most pupils learn to read well, although some early-stage readers require more opportunities to practice, which can slow their progress.
Support for pupils with special educational needs is commendable, with staff making necessary adaptations to ensure full participation in lessons. The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development through lessons that teach them about healthy relationships and respect for diverse faiths. Most staff express pride in their work at the school, despite recent staffing changes affecting morale. The trust and local governing body are actively involved in supporting the school’s improvement efforts.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Moving forward, the school aims to enhance communication with parents and ensure consistent delivery of the curriculum across all subjects. Leaders are committed to providing quality reading practice opportunities for all pupils to support their learning and fluency. Overall, St Thomas’ CofE Primary Academy is on a positive trajectory, with a dedicated team focused on continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
