Saint Martin's Catholic Voluntary Academy Review 2026: Academic Excellence Rooted in Faith

Saint Martin's Catholic Voluntary Academy occupies a unique position in the local educational landscape. Although physically situated on the outskirts of Nuneaton, the school is part of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Multi-Academy Trust and falls under the Leicestershire Local Authority. Serving students aged 11 to 16, this co-educational secondary school has established a reputation for academic rigour that far outstrips local averages.

In 2024, the school's GCSE results placed it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England (national strong band), ranking 876th out of over 4,500 secondary schools. With a capacity of 580 students, it maintains a smaller, more intimate feel than many surrounding large comprehensives. This smaller scale, combined with its Catholic ethos, creates a community where individual progress is monitored closely and academic ambition is treated as a natural extension of personal development.

The atmosphere at Saint Martin's is defined by a blend of traditional Catholic values and a modern, high-achieving academic culture. As a Voluntary Academy, the school's religious character is pervasive but inclusive, focusing on what the leadership describes as the formation of the whole person. The school motto, Fortis in Fide (Strong in Faith), serves as the foundation for a community that prioritises mutual respect and service.

Clive Wright has led the school as Headteacher since 2017, overseeing a period of sustained academic improvement and a successful transition into the Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Multi-Academy Trust. Under his leadership, the school has maintained a Good rating from Ofsted. A standard inspection was conducted as recently as June 2025, which confirmed that the school continues to meet the criteria for a Good school. Inspectors frequently note the calm, purposeful environment and the high expectations set for both staff and students. The school feels orderly and focused; students move between lessons with a sense of purpose, and the relationship between staff and students is built on a foundation of clear boundaries and genuine care.

The academic data for Saint Martin's tells a story of significant value-added progress. In 2024, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 55.9, which is significantly higher than the England average for state schools. Even more impressive is the Progress 8 score of +0.66. This figure indicates that, on average, students at Saint Martin's achieve two-thirds of a grade higher in every subject than students of similar ability in other schools across England.

Ranked 2nd among secondary schools in the Nuneaton area and 876th in England (FindMySchool proprietary ranking), the school sits comfortably above the England average. Approximately 29.4% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which is well above the national average of 24.2%. These results are not the product of an exam factory approach but rather a curriculum that emphasises core academic subjects and disciplined study habits.

Teaching at Saint Martin's is characterised by high levels of subject expertise and a structured approach to lesson delivery. The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, though there is a clear emphasis on the EBacc subjects, including English, Mathematics, Sciences, History or Geography, and a Modern Foreign Language. This academic core is supplemented by a range of creative and technical options, ensuring that students have access to a varied educational experience.

Classroom practice focuses on retrieval of knowledge and deep understanding. Teachers use regular assessment to identify gaps in learning, and the school's relatively small size allows for more personalised intervention than is often possible in larger settings. For families seeking an environment where academic "drifting" is difficult, Saint Martin's provides a highly supervised and supportive framework.

Where Students Go Next

As a school for 11 to 16-year-olds, Saint Martin's places a heavy emphasis on the transition to post-16 education. Without its own sixth form, the school has developed strong links with local colleges and sixth form providers in both Nuneaton and Leicestershire.

The majority of students progress to A-level or vocational courses at King Edward VI College in Nuneaton or North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College. The school’s robust careers programme ensures that students are well-prepared for these transitions, with a high proportion of leavers securing their first-choice college placements. The academic foundations laid here mean that a significant number of alumni eventually progress to Russell Group universities following their sixth-form studies.

Securing a place at Saint Martin's requires navigating a competitive admissions process. Despite its Nuneaton location, applications are coordinated by Leicestershire County Council. The school is consistently oversubscribed; in the most recent intake, there were 335 applications for just 136 places, representing a subscription proportion of 2.46.

As a Catholic school, the admissions policy gives priority to baptised Catholic children, particularly those attending feeder primary schools within the Saint Thomas Aquinas Trust. However, the school welcomes families of all faiths and none who are supportive of the school's ethos. Prospective parents should be aware that a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) is usually required alongside the standard Local Authority application to verify faith criteria.

Pastoral care is a notable strength, rooted in the school's religious identity. The house system provides a vertical layer of support, allowing students to build relationships across year groups. Each student has a form tutor who acts as the primary point of contact for both academic and personal matters.

The latest Ofsted assessments highlight that safeguarding is effective and that students feel safe and well-supported. The school's approach to behaviour is proactive rather than reactive, with a clear focus on "Restorative Justice" principles that encourage students to take responsibility for their actions and their impact on the community. For students needing additional support, the school provides access to counselling services and a dedicated SEND team that coordinates provision for those with additional learning needs.

The extracurricular life at Saint Martin's is designed to complement the academic curriculum. Sport is a significant pillar, with the school fielding competitive teams in football, netball, and athletics. The "Saint Martin's Sports Leaders" programme is particularly well-regarded, allowing older students to develop leadership skills by coaching younger peers and local primary school pupils.

Music and the performing arts also play a central role. The school choir and various instrumental ensembles perform regularly, both within the school and at diocesan events. Unique clubs like the "Digital Leaders" and various STEM-focused societies provide outlets for technical interests. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is popular, with a high uptake for both Bronze and Silver levels, fostering independence and resilience through outdoor expeditions.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded voluntary academy, Saint Martin's Catholic Voluntary Academy does not charge tuition fees. The school is funded directly by the government via the Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Multi-Academy Trust. Financial support is available for eligible families through the Free School Meals programme and the Pupil Premium, which provides additional funding to support the learning and development of disadvantaged students. The school also offers assistance with the costs of certain educational trips and activities for families in financial hardship to ensure that all students have equal access to enrichment opportunities.

The school day typically begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:15pm. Given its location on Stoke Road, many students travel by dedicated school bus services from across the Nuneaton and Hinckley areas. There is no on-site wraparound care in the form of a breakfast or after-school club, though many extracurricular activities run until 4:15pm. Parents are advised to contact the school office for the most current transport routes and costs, as these are subject to annual review by the transport providers.

• Oversubscription: With over two applications for every available place, Saint Martin's is one of the most competitive schools in the region. Families who do not meet the higher-priority faith criteria may find it difficult to secure a place, even if they live in close proximity.
• No Sixth Form: The 11-16 structure means that students must move schools at the end of Year 11. While the school manages this transition well, families seeking an "all-through" secondary experience until age 18 will need to look elsewhere.
• Faith Commitment: The Catholic character of the school is not peripheral; it is central to daily life. This includes regular liturgies, Masses, and a curriculum that reflects Catholic teachings. Families should ensure they are comfortable with this level of religious integration.
• Geography and Governance: The Nuneaton location but Leicestershire governance can sometimes be confusing for parents during the admissions cycle. Ensure you follow the Leicestershire County Council deadlines and procedures, even if you pay council tax to Nuneaton and Bedworth.

Saint Martin's Catholic Voluntary Academy is an exceptional choice for families who value a disciplined, faith-based environment that delivers academic results well above the national average. The Progress 8 score of +0.66 proves that students here make significantly more progress than their peers elsewhere. It best suits academically motivated students who thrive in a structured setting and families who are supportive of the school's Catholic ethos. The main hurdle remains the admissions process, which is fiercely competitive.