St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in Bletchley

St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School serves the Bletchley community from its site on St Mary’s Avenue. As a state funded voluntary aided school within the Diocese of Northampton, it provides a faith centred education for approximately 260 pupils. The school currently sits in the elite tier of English primary education, with results placing it among the top 10% of schools in England (national high band).

Led by Executive Headteacher Mr Robert Mundy, who has overseen the school since at least 2023, the institution has recently undergone a successful transformation. After a period of required improvement, the latest 03 December 2024 inspection graded the school as Good overall, with Outstanding ratings for Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development. It operates as a one and a half form entry school, allowing for a familiar atmosphere where staff maintain detailed knowledge of individual pupil progress.

The atmosphere at St Thomas Aquinas is defined by its Catholic identity and a remarkably strong sense of togetherness. Inspectors noted that pupils flourish in a supportive community that many describe as an extended family. The school motto, Diligamus Invicem (Let us love one another), serves as more than just a phrase; it is the guiding principle for daily interaction.

Pupils take great pride in their learning and demonstrate exceptionally positive attitudes. The school’s Catholic character is celebrated through joyful routines and active charitable works, which help pupils develop an exceptional level of maturity. The 1920s architecture of the main building has been supplemented by modern additions, creating a secure environment where respect is not just expected but is the norm.

The 2024 academic data reflects a story of significant achievement. At the end of Key Stage 2, 85% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is a remarkable outcome when compared to the England average of 62%.

In terms of higher attainment, the school excels. 27% of pupils achieved a high standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. This performance places the school in the top 6% of primaries in England for overall outcomes (FindMySchool ranking).

Ranked 844th in England and 4th among 44 primaries in Milton Keynes for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school is a top performer locally. Scaled scores remain consistently high, with reading at 108 and grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) reaching an impressive 112, well above the England baseline of 100.

Teaching at St Thomas Aquinas is characterized by an ambitious and logically organized curriculum. The school identifies precisely what pupils need to know, allowing them to refine their learning through well chosen activities. While the school has achieved high results, leaders remain focused on ensuring that teaching monitoring is consistently stringent across all subjects.

In mathematics, the school achieved a 93% success rate for pupils reaching the expected standard in 2024. This success is rooted in a structured approach that encourages mathematical reasoning. The grammar, punctuation, and spelling results are standout, with 67% of pupils achieving a high score, reflecting a rigorous approach to technical English. Pupils love reading and adore the school library, where they are encouraged to explore a wide range of stories from the Reception class onwards.

As a primary school in Bletchley, many pupils progress to local secondary schools within Milton Keynes. A significant number of families choose to continue their child's Catholic education by moving on to St Paul's Catholic School.

The school provides a structured transition programme in Year 6 to help pupils manage the move to larger secondary environments. Because of the school's high academic standard, a portion of the cohort also explores grammar school options in neighbouring Buckinghamshire, though this typically requires independent 11 plus preparation.

Securing a place at St Thomas Aquinas is a competitive process. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 48 applications for 24 offers at the main entry point. This represents a subscription proportion of 2.0, meaning there are two applicants for every available seat.

As a voluntary aided Catholic school, the governing body is the admissions authority. Priority is given to baptised Catholic children, particularly those living in the local parish. Families must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) in addition to the standard local authority application to be considered under the faith criteria.

Fees & Financial Aid

St Thomas Aquinas is a state funded voluntary aided school, meaning there are no tuition fees. Parents are responsible for costs associated with school uniforms, optional trips, and music lessons. The school is active in supporting families through its local authority collaborations, and parents should contact the school office regarding any specific financial assistance for extracurricular activities or school meals.

The school’s small size is a major asset for pastoral care. The latest Ofsted report rated Personal Development as Outstanding, noting that pupils have a strong understanding of how to be modern British citizens. Their personal values of tolerance and fairness are described as exceeding standard expectations.

The school’s Catholic ethos underpins its approach to wellbeing, and pupils can self regulate their emotions using strategies taught across the curriculum. This leads to a calm, respectful environment where manners and language are held to the highest standard. The school also plays an active part in supporting parents and the wider local community.

Extracurricular life at St Thomas Aquinas is designed to build community leaders. The school’s Eco Committee is highly successful and treasures the chance to "make the world a better place." Pupils from the Reception class onwards are motivated to participate in these leadership opportunities.

The extracurricular programme typically includes various sports, arts, and charitable initiatives. Music and reading are central pillars, with students frequently exploring different genres in the school's dedicated library space.

The school day typically begins at 8:50am and concludes at 3:20pm. For families requiring extended care, the school provides wraparound provision on site.

Breakfast Club

Runs from 7:30am to 8:55am (approximately £6 per session).

After School Club

Provided by the Adv4nce Group, running from 3:20pm to 6:00pm (starting from approximately £7.50 per session).

Location

Situated on St Mary’s Avenue in Bletchley (MK3 5DT), the school is accessible via local bus routes and is a short distance from Bletchley railway station.

• High Admissions Competition: With two applicants for every place, the school is significantly oversubscribed. Families should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous intake patterns. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• Faith Commitment: The school’s Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer, regular Masses, and explicit religious teaching should look elsewhere.
• Improving Monitoring: While results are high, recent inspections suggest that the school is still refining its monitoring of teaching in a small number of subjects to ensure absolute consistency.

St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School is a high performing institution that has successfully returned to a position of strength. Its results place it among the best in the country, and its commitment to personal development and behaviour is exemplary. Best suited to families in the Bletchley area who want a traditional, disciplined, and academically ambitious Catholic environment.