St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, London Review 2026: Strong Academic Results in a Faith-Centred Setting

St Thomas More Catholic Primary School sits on Appleton Road in Eltham, serving 198 pupils aged 4 to 11 in a voluntary-aided setting under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark. The school's guiding principle, "Share the light of Jesus, by learning together and loving others," shapes daily life in this single-form entry primary, where Catholic faith and community spirit underpin a calm, ordered learning environment. Most recent results place the school above national averages, with 84% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined—well ahead of the 62% England average. Led by headteacher Mrs L. Collins, the school balances a strong academic focus with pastoral care rooted in its parish connection to St Thomas More and St John Fisher on Well Hall Road. A "Good" Ofsted rating (November 2023) and "Outstanding" designation for Catholic Life (Section 48 inspection, 2018) reflect the school's commitment to both educational achievement and faith formation. Admissions are consistently oversubscribed, with 64 applications competing for 23 places in the most recent Reception intake—a subscription rate of 2.78—underscoring the school's appeal to local Catholic families.

St Thomas More Catholic Primary School was established to serve the Catholic community in Eltham and remains a voluntary-aided school under Greenwich Local Authority, working closely with the Archdiocese of Southwark. The school's ethos centres on Catholic values, with daily prayer, liturgy and religious education forming the bedrock of school life. Families and visitors are invited to join Mass at the parish church with Fr Richard, reinforcing the link between school and wider faith community. The Section 48 inspection in 2018 found Collective Worship to be outstanding, noting it is central to the life of the school and given the highest priority. Staff are described as caring, enthusiastic and highly motivated, fostering an atmosphere where each child is encouraged to strive for their personal best. The school's house system—Red, Blue, Yellow and Green—promotes friendly competition and team spirit, while an emphasis on positive behaviour and mutual respect creates a calm, united environment. Recent awards include the Travel For Life Gold award (2025), Healthy Schools status and Active Schools accreditation, signalling the school's commitment to pupil wellbeing beyond the classroom.

St Thomas More delivers robust academic outcomes across the primary curriculum, ranking 3,334th in England—within the top 22% nationally—and 27th in Greenwich. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 84% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, substantially above the national average of 62%. Science performance is particularly strong, with 93% of pupils reaching the expected standard against a national figure of 82%. The school also exceeds national benchmarks for higher attainment: 27% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing and maths, more than three times the England average of 8%. Scaled scores in reading (108) and grammar, punctuation and spelling (108) are well above the national norm of 100, while maths (105) similarly outpaces the typical result. Phonics and early reading are given significant emphasis, supporting literacy development from Reception onwards. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with dedicated subject overviews for each year group and a focus on enabling pupils to reach their full potential. Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is integrated into classroom practice, with resources and interventions tailored to individual requirements. Pupil Premium funding is deployed to close any attainment gaps, and wrap-around care services extend the school day for families needing additional provision. The relatively small cohort size—typically around 30 pupils per year group—allows staff to know each child well and adapt teaching to meet diverse learning needs.

Extracurricular life at St Thomas More includes a range of clubs and activities, though specific details are less widely advertised than at some larger primaries. The school operates a house points system to encourage participation and celebrate achievement, and online safety resources are provided to parents to support responsible digital citizenship. Sports Premium funding supports physical education and competitive sport, contributing to the school's Active Schools accreditation. The Travel For Life Gold award recognises the school's efforts to promote sustainable and active travel among pupils and families. Facilities include standard primary classrooms, a hall for assemblies and PE, and outdoor play areas for break times and lunchtime recreation. The school's location in a residential part of Eltham provides a settled, neighbourly backdrop, with nearby green spaces and community amenities within reach. Religious education and liturgical activities are woven into the weekly timetable, with opportunities for pupils to participate in sacramental preparation and school Masses throughout the year. A 17:1 pupil-to-teacher ratio ensures manageable class sizes and supports individualised attention.

St Thomas More Catholic Primary School is significantly oversubscribed, with 64 applications for 23 Reception places in the most recent admissions round—a subscription rate of 2.78. All first-preference applicants who received offers were successful, indicating that the school prioritises those who place it at the top of their list and meet the admissions criteria. As a voluntary-aided Catholic school, admissions are managed by the governing body in accordance with the school's faith-based policy. Priority is typically given to baptised Catholic children, with further distinctions made for siblings, children within the school's defined catchment area, and children resident in the catchment area of the linked parish. Geographical criteria apply after higher-priority categories such as looked-after children, those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, and siblings. Families are advised to consult the school's published admissions policy and the Royal Borough of Greenwich's Primary School Admissions booklet for precise details and catchment maps. Given the competitive landscape, practising Catholic families in the immediate area with a sibling link are in the strongest position. Those outside the catchment or without a baptismal certificate may find securing a place challenging. Prospective parents are encouraged to attend open mornings, which are advertised on the school website, to gain a sense of the school's ethos and meet the leadership team.

St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, London, offers a compelling proposition for Catholic families in Eltham seeking strong academic outcomes within a faith-centred community. The school's performance places it well above national averages, with particular strength in reading, writing, maths and science—credentials that reflect dedicated teaching and a culture of high expectations. The small, single-form structure fosters close relationships between staff, pupils and families, while the school's "Good" Ofsted rating and "Outstanding" Catholic Life designation underscore its dual commitment to educational excellence and spiritual formation. The significant oversubscription—with nearly three applicants for every place—signals the high regard in which the school is held locally, but it also means competition is fierce, especially for those outside the immediate catchment or without siblings already attending. For practising Catholic families with a strong connection to the parish and the means to meet the admissions criteria, St Thomas More represents a stable, values-led choice with a proven track record. Those seeking a secular alternative or a larger primary with more extensive facilities may find better fit elsewhere. Overall, this is a well-led, academically sound school that lives its mission to share the light of Jesus through learning together and loving others, making it a standout option for families who prioritise faith and community alongside educational rigour.

Is St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, London a good school?

Yes, St Thomas More Catholic Primary School is a good school by multiple measures. Ofsted rated it "Good" following the November 2023 inspection, and the school's Section 48 inspection awarded an "Outstanding" designation for Catholic Life. Academically, the school ranks within the top 22% nationally, with 84% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined—substantially above the national average of 62%. Science results are particularly impressive, with 93% meeting the expected standard compared to 82% nationally. The school's scaled scores in reading (108) and grammar, punctuation and spelling (108) are well above the typical result of 100. Leadership is stable under headteacher Mrs L. Collins, and the school benefits from strong community and parish links, a calm atmosphere, and a caring, motivated staff team. For Catholic families prioritising faith formation alongside academic achievement, St Thomas More offers a well-regarded and high-performing option.

How do I apply to St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, London?

Admissions to St Thomas More Catholic Primary School are managed by the school's governing body in accordance with its voluntary-aided Catholic admissions policy. Applications are made through the Royal Borough of Greenwich's coordinated primary admissions process, with the deadline typically in mid-January for Reception entry the following September. You must complete Greenwich's Common Application Form, ranking your preferred schools, and also submit a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) directly to St Thomas More if you wish to be considered under the school's faith-based criteria. The SIF should include evidence of baptism and, where applicable, details of your connection to the linked parish and any siblings already attending the school. Priority is given to baptised Catholic children, with further distinctions for siblings, catchment area residence and parish links. Given the school's significant oversubscription (subscription rate of 2.78), meeting the highest-priority criteria is essential. Detailed admissions policies, catchment maps and SIF templates are available on the school's website (www.stmprimary.org) and in Greenwich's Primary School Admissions booklet. Prospective parents are encouraged to attend open mornings—advertised on the school website—to learn more about the school's ethos and ask questions directly.

What are the academic results like at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, London?

Academic results at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School are strong and consistently above national averages. In the most recent Key Stage 2 assessments, 84% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the national average of 62%. The school performs particularly well in science, with 93% of pupils reaching the expected standard against 82% nationally. Higher attainment is also a strength: 27% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing and maths, more than three times the England average of 8%. Scaled scores in reading (108) and grammar, punctuation and spelling (108) are well above the typical result of 100, while maths (105) similarly outperforms the norm. In reading, 85% met the expected standard and 33% achieved a high score; in maths, 81% met the standard and 30% achieved high scores. The school ranks 3,334th in England—within the top 22% nationally—and 27th in Greenwich, placing it above the national average and among the stronger primaries in the local area. These results reflect a rigorous curriculum, dedicated teaching and a culture of high expectations, underpinned by the school's faith-based ethos and supportive community.

What is the school's approach to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?

St Thomas More Catholic Primary School integrates SEND support into its mainstream provision, ensuring pupils with additional needs receive tailored interventions and resources to access the curriculum fully. The school works closely with parents, external agencies and the local authority to identify and address individual learning, physical or behavioural needs. Pupil Premium funding is deployed to support disadvantaged pupils, including those with SEND, and wrap-around care services can provide additional structure for families requiring extended provision. While the school does not operate as a specialist setting—it is a mainstream Catholic primary—the relatively small cohort size (around 30 pupils per year group) and 17:1 pupil-to-teacher ratio allow staff to know each child well and adapt teaching accordingly. Families considering St Thomas More for a child with SEND are encouraged to arrange a meeting with the school's SENCO to discuss specific needs and explore how the school can support their child's development. The school's ethos of recognising and developing the talents of all children extends to those with additional needs, though families requiring highly specialised provision may need to explore alternative settings.

How competitive is admission to St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, London?

Admission to St Thomas More Catholic Primary School is highly competitive. In the most recent admissions round, 64 families applied for 23 Reception places, resulting in a subscription rate of 2.78—meaning nearly three applicants for every available place. All first-preference applicants who received offers were successful, indicating that the school prioritises those who rank it first and meet the admissions criteria. As a voluntary-aided Catholic school, priority is given to baptised Catholic children, with further distinctions for siblings, catchment area residence and links to the parish of St Thomas More and St John Fisher. Families outside the immediate catchment, without a sibling already attending, or unable to provide evidence of baptism face significant challenges in securing a place. The school's strong academic results, "Good" Ofsted rating, "Outstanding" Catholic Life designation and stable leadership all contribute to its popularity among local Catholic families. Prospective parents are advised to review the published admissions policy carefully, attend open mornings, and ensure all required documentation—including the Supplementary Information Form and baptismal certificates—is submitted by the stated deadlines. For those who meet the top-tier criteria, St Thomas More remains an accessible choice; for others, it is a highly aspirational option.