Welcome to St Thomas More High School
‘The school has thought carefully about how to prepare pupils for adulthood. The school has developed an ambitious curriculum that enables its pupils to achieve well.’ Ofsted, 2024
To Inspire
It is with great pleasure that I introduce our school to you. St Thomas More is a vibrant learning community with a strong family ethos, a distinctive Catholic identity and part of the Assisi Catholic Trust. We believe that the years spent with us should engage and enrich our young people, challenge and support them to aspire towards high standards of self-discipline and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of school life. Our school is led by a talented and dedicated staff who work tirelessly for the benefit of our students and, as a result, our school is a well-disciplined and considerate environment where students achieve well. We encourage respect for others and an understanding and tolerance towards all races, religion and cultures. The following pages give factual information about the ways in which we try to achieve our mission and aims but it is no substitute for coming to see for yourselves. A personal visit will help you appreciate what is so special about our school community.
Mrs Gemma Ackred (Headteacher)
To Learn
St Thomas More students have energy and spirit. They want to learn, to explore, to discover and to fulfil their academic potential. St Thomas More students are young people with purpose and commitment prepared for the challenges of lifelong learning. Our classrooms are productive and interactive working environments offering opportunities for learning in every direction. We support and guide our students, engage and challenge them to aim high, and we celebrate their achievements in school life and beyond. Where learning is at its best, teachers use questioning skilfully to elicit articulate responses and to consolidate and develop knowledge and understanding. In the best lessons, learning moves at pace and there are opportunities for students to be challenged in depth.’ ‘The strong behaviour for learning is fostered through extremely positive teacher-student relationships.’ Catholic School Inspection, 2025
To Achieve
St Thomas More has a broad and inclusive curriculum offering a huge range ofopportunities for personal development and success. Our students continue to perform well above the national average in public examinations and we are exceptionally proud of their achievements. ‘St Thomas More High School pupils are supported to achieve, both academically and personally as individuals. Pupils benefit from an extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities. This helps pupils to successfully develop skills and interests that they can use beyond the classroom.‘ Ofsted, 2024
To keep our Catholic ethos at the centre of our lives
As a worshipping community, St Thomas More lives its mission, through its witness, care and expectation of excellence. All members are valued and encouraged to grow together. Love of God and the example Christ are at the forefront of our policies and practice. ‘Students are happy and safe knowing they are loved and cared for as unique individuals. A parent commented, ‘The teachers are incredibly supportive, always approachable and genuinely interested in the well-being and progress of the students.’ The mutual respect between students and staff is palpable.’ Catholic School Inspection, 2025
To fulfil our educational potential It is important that all children feel safe and that they are cared for. By creating a caring environment we know that children are more likely to thrive and flourish both as children and as learners. Our school has an outstanding record of keeping pupils safe and we take this duty of care seriously for all our pupils. ‘Students take every opportunity to serve the community, flourishing as a result. They raise awareness and fundraise for a variety of charities. The strong behaviour for learning is fostered through extremely positive teacher-student relationships.’ Catholic School Inspection, 2025
Welcoming all and reaching out to the wider world
This is a Catholic school with Catholic values. We have important standards of discipline, trust and respect and everyone here knows what is expected of them. ‘The school has built strong relationships between its pupils, staff, and parents and carers. Leaders have developed a caring community where pupils and staff feel part of a family. Pupils and students who are new to the school say that they feel welcomed and included by others.’ Ofsted, 2024
To truly be God’s servant first
We aim to develop the school’s community to provide a disciplined, caring and stable environment in which pupils can achieve their best and develop as confident young people, well prepared and fully equipped to make a positive contribution to the wider world as responsible citizens. As a Catholic school we respect each pupil as a unique person with God given gifts, qualities and particular needs. ‘Students live out the distinctive charism of their patron, St Thomas More, by embracing their responsibility for others through servant leadership. The mission statement, ‘God’s servant first’, is understood and lived out in the actions of students across the school. The transmission of the school’s charism is passed down and reinforced from generation to generation’ Catholic School Inspection, 2025
Sixth form
Sixth form students set important standards for our whole community; they are wonderful ambassadors and significant role models who inspire the school with their belief and determination to succeed. They are responsible and ambitious young men and women who make confident and wise choices for the next steps in their life after school. We encourage our students to study independently, to develop their skills and to make efficient use of their time. The sixth form leadership team organises house events, competitions and charity fundraising activities throughout the year. ‘Students in the sixth form are exceptional role models for younger pupils. They are aspirational because their teachers have high expectations for them.’ Ofsted, 2024
‘The school goes out of its way to provide an exceptionally supportive and joyful community, valuing all without exception and acknowledging Christ’s presence in all. This was reiterated by a parent who said, ‘Every time I contact the school or speak with staff, I am always impressed and think how lucky we are to have such a supportive and hardworking team of teachers’. Parents and students appreciate the high level of pastoral care provided by staff. It is truly genuine and sincere.’ ‘St Thomas More High School is a supportive community where students feel that staff genuinely care for their wellbeing and development.’ ‘There is a clear commitment to others, especially the most vulnerable, with the range of charitable events and the opportunities offered through the outdoor adventure programme.’ Catholic School Inspection, 2025
To inspire, To learn, To achieve, To keep our Catholic ethos at the centre of our lives, To fulfil our educational potential, welcoming all and reaching out to the wider world to truly be ... God’s Servant First
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‘Parents are highly complementary about the support that their children receive and the progress that they make.’ Ofsted, 2024
St Thomas More High School
Part of Assisi Catholic Trust limited by guarantee in the Diocese of Brentwood, registered in England and Wales.
t: 01702 344933 e: office@st-thomasmore.southend.sch.uk w: www.st-thomasmore.southend.sch.uk
Registered office: Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 0BW Registered number 7696989.
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