St Thomas More Catholic School, Bedford Review 2026: Academic Progress in a Values-Driven Community

St Thomas More Catholic School occupies a quiet residential site in the Kempston area of Bedford, serving as a cornerstone of faith-based education for the local community. As a secondary school and sixth form for students aged 11 to 18, it maintains a medium-sized feel with a capacity of 1,040. The school is a key member of the Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Academies Trust (OLICAT), benefiting from shared expertise across a network of Catholic schools in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

Martin Bonner leads the school as Headteacher, having overseen a period of consistent stability and growth. The school maintains a Good rating from Ofsted following a full inspection in late 2023, with official assessments confirming that students often exceed expectations based on their starting points. While the school architecture is largely functional and representative of its mid-twentieth-century origins, the atmosphere inside is described by families as purposeful and anchored in the Catholic tradition of service and respect.

The atmosphere at St Thomas More is inextricably linked to its Catholic identity. This is not a school where faith is a secondary consideration; rather, it is the framework through which all interactions are viewed. The school motto, Currit ut Comprehendat (Run that you may obtain), reflects an ethos of striving for personal bests in all fields.

Despite being a mainstream state school, there is a tangible sense of a close-knit community. This is supported by the House system, which organizes students into smaller groups to encourage healthy competition and peer support. Each House is named after a saint, providing students with specific role models for their personal and spiritual development.

The relationship between the school and the local parish is strong, and the liturgical year dictates the rhythm of school life. Regular Masses and assemblies provide moments of reflection in what is otherwise a busy academic environment. Students are encouraged to take an active role in these events, fostering leadership skills and a sense of responsibility toward their peers.

St Thomas More Catholic School consistently delivers strong academic progress for its students. In the most recent measurement period, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.31. This indicates that, on average, students at this school achieve nearly a third of a grade higher across eight key subjects than they would have been expected to at other schools in England with similar starting points.

The school ranks 9th among secondary schools in Bedford for overall secondary context (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the 1,712th position in England for GCSE academic outcomes. This places it around the national middle band, with a positive Progress 8 profile remaining a notable strength for the school’s inclusive intake. The Attainment 8 score, which measures raw achievement across a suite of subjects, stands at 47.

At A-level, the school ranks 10th in Bedford for overall sixth-form context (FindMySchool ranking). In the 2025 A-level dataset, 30% of grades were A*-B, and the school ranks 2,047th in England for A-level academic performance. The school focuses heavily on ensuring students, regardless of their starting point, secure the qualifications needed for their next steps.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum while allowing for individual interests to flourish. In the lower years (Key Stage 3), there is a significant focus on core subjects, but students also engage with a wide variety of creative and technical disciplines.

A defining feature of the teaching approach here is the emphasis on the whole child. Teachers are encouraged to look beyond mere test scores to understand the personal challenges and strengths of each student. In the classroom, this translates to supportive environments where students feel safe to ask questions and take risks with their learning.

For students in the sixth form, the curriculum becomes more specialized, with a range of A-level and vocational options available. The school works hard to maintain small class sizes at this level, allowing for more intensive teacher-student interaction and personalized feedback, which is crucial for success at Key Stage 5.

Where Students Go Next

The school maintains a strong pipeline to further education and employment. Following the 2023/24 academic year, 42% of leavers progressed to university, a significant figure that highlights the school success in preparing students for higher education. Interestingly, a high percentage of students (28%) entered direct employment, reflecting the school commitment to providing practical career guidance alongside academic support.

The school has a track record of supporting students toward elite destinations. In recent measurement periods, one student secured a place at the University of Cambridge, demonstrating that the academic ceiling at St Thomas More is high for those with the ambition to reach it. Other university destinations typically include the University of Bedfordshire, University of Leicester, and Nottingham Trent University.

Securing a place at St Thomas More is a competitive process. For the most recent entry cycle, the school received 194 applications for its 138 available places. This means the school is oversubscribed, with 1.41. applications per place Families are advised that 100% of those who put the school as their first preference were successfully offered a place, suggesting that while competitive, the school prioritizes those who are committed to its Catholic ethos.

As a Voluntary Aided school, the governing body is the admissions authority. While the process is coordinated by Bedford Borough Council, applicants must also complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) provided by the school. This form allows the school to apply its faith-based oversubscription criteria, which prioritizes baptized Catholic children from designated feeder parishes.

The school welcomes applications from families of other faiths or none who are supportive of the school Catholic mission. However, given the level of demand from Catholic families, those from outside the faith may find it more challenging to secure a place unless they live in very close proximity.

Pastoral care is arguably the school greatest strength. The system is designed to ensure that every student is known as an individual. Form tutors are the first point of contact and stay with their groups for several years, allowing for deep, stable relationships to form.

The school has a dedicated SENDCo who manages support for students with additional needs, ensuring that the curriculum is accessible to all. There is no one size fits all approach here; support is tailored to the specific requirements of the student, whether that involves in-class assistance or specialized interventions.

Bullying is dealt with firmly and transparently, with a heavy emphasis on reconciliation and forgiveness in line with the school religious values. Students report feeling safe and valued within the school community.

Extracurricular life at St Thomas More is varied, with a strong emphasis on service and the arts. The school choir and various musical ensembles perform regularly at liturgical events and in the wider community. Drama is also a popular choice, with annual productions that bring together students from across different year groups.

STEM Excellence

The school has made significant strides in its STEM provision. The STEM Society is a popular fixture, allowing students to engage in projects that go beyond the standard curriculum, such as coding challenges and bridge-building competitions. The school science laboratories are well-equipped, and there is a concerted effort to encourage more girls into STEM subjects at A-level.

Sporting opportunities are plentiful, with the school utilizing its on-site fields and sports hall for football, netball, athletics, and basketball. The school regularly competes in Bedfordshire county leagues, and there is a strong culture of participation regardless of ability level.

The school day typically begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:15pm. For students traveling from further afield, the school is well-served by local bus routes that connect Kempston to the center of Bedford. There is limited on-site parking for visitors, so parents are encouraged to use public transport or walk where possible during drop-off and pick-up times.

While the school does not provide a formal breakfast club for all ages, the canteen is open before school starts, providing a social space for students. After-school activities usually run until 4:30pm.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, St Thomas More Catholic School does not charge tuition fees. Education is free for all students aged 11 to 18. Families should, however, budget for costs associated with school life such as the regulation uniform, specialized sports kit, and optional educational trips.

The school provides support through the 16-19 Bursary Fund for eligible students in the Sixth Form to help with the costs of transport, books, or equipment. Families eligible for Free School Meals can also access assistance for curriculum-based trips and certain extracurricular activities.

• Catholic Ethos is Central: The school identity is firmly rooted in the Catholic faith. Families who are uncomfortable with regular prayer, Mass attendance, and explicit religious instruction may find the environment a mismatch for their values.
• Oversubscribed: With 1.41 applications per place, the school is popular. Families should ensure they complete the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) accurately and on time, as missing this step can significantly impact the chances of a successful application.
• Progress-Led Academic Culture: While the school ranks solidly in England, its real strength lies in progress rather than raw attainment. It is an environment that suits students who may need extra support to reach their potential, rather than those seeking a high-pressure exam factory atmosphere.
• Employment Focus: The relatively high percentage of students moving directly into employment (28%) suggests a pragmatic approach to careers. For families strictly focused on a traditional 100% university pipeline, this may require a discussion with the careers department to ensure their child's specific goals are met.

St Thomas More Catholic School is a robust, caring institution that successfully balances academic ambition with a deep commitment to its religious values. It is a school that is known for taking students from all backgrounds and helping them achieve more than they thought possible. Best suited to local families who value a faith-based education and are looking for a supportive community where their child's individual progress is the primary measure of success.