St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School Review 2026: Outstanding Results and Strong Community Spirit

The school's founding stretches back to 1879, when Bishop Vaughan officially opened its doors to serve the Higher Broughton community. Today, nearly 150 years later, St Thomas of Canterbury operates as a Roman Catholic primary school where excellence thrives under the steady leadership of Mr David Deane OBE, who was appointed Headteacher in 2016. The school's motto, "Together with God we reach for the stars," reflects its dual commitment to academic achievement and spiritual formation.

Positioned in the top 2% of primary schools nationally (FindMySchool ranking: 363rd in England), the school delivers results that consistently exceed the England average. The most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 awarded the school an Outstanding rating, with inspectors noting that pupils achieve exceptionally well, enjoy their learning, and maintain impeccable behaviour. With 510 pupils across its main school (plus 60 additional nursery spaces), the school maintains a strong Catholic identity while welcoming families of all faiths into its inclusive community. Admissions are highly competitive, with over 80 applications for fewer than 60 Reception places annually.

Walking through the gates reveals a purposeful, calm environment where Catholic values genuinely inform daily life. The school motto appears repeatedly throughout the campus, and each year group lives out these aspirations in their own way. Pupils greet staff warmly, and visitors notice an absence of the hurried chaos typical of larger schools. The atmosphere balances academic rigour with genuine care for each child's emotional wellbeing.

The school occupies a blend of Victorian buildings and modern extensions on Hadfield Street. While the original structures carry the history of the area, recent investments have ensured that teaching spaces are bright and well-equipped. The school does not present itself as cutting-edge or flashy; instead, it exudes confidence in its proven approach to education. Pupils comment frequently about feeling safe, known, and valued within school.

Under Mr Deane's leadership since 2016, the school has sustained its upward trajectory while maintaining the pastoral culture that defines it. His recognition with an OBE in 2018 for services to primary education reflects the wider professional respect the school has earned. Staff retention is notably strong, suggesting that teachers find the environment professionally rewarding.

KS2 Academic Performance

In 2024, St Thomas of Canterbury's KS2 outcomes placed it decisively above national benchmarks. 92% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. This 30%age point margin demonstrates consistent, systematic progress.

The school's strength extends across individual subjects. Reading scaled scores averaged 109 (England average: 100), mathematics 111 (England average: 101), and grammar, punctuation and spelling 111 (England average: 101). These scores indicate that the average pupil at St Thomas surpasses the baseline expectation significantly.

At the higher standard (scaled scores of 110 or above, combined with evidence of greater depth in writing), 47% of pupils achieved this elite level, compared to just 8% nationally. This reflects the school's capacity to stretch its most able learners whilst maintaining inclusive teaching for all. The breadth of progress is as impressive as the headline figures: 97% of pupils reached the expected standard in mathematics alone, and 95% in grammar, punctuation and spelling.

The school ranks in the top 2% of English primary schools for these results, making it the highest-performing primary in Salford (FindMySchool data). Progress measures from KS1 to KS2 have been particularly strong in recent years, reflecting effective assessment and targeted intervention.

Teaching at St Thomas of Canterbury follows a structured, knowledge-rich curriculum that balances traditional excellence with contemporary teaching methods. Art and music are taught as discrete subjects by specialist staff. In music, the school employs MAPAS Music specialists, with Mr Morris teaching Years 1-4 and Mr Charles teaching Years 5-6, ensuring consistent high-quality instruction across all year groups. French is introduced from Year 1, providing early language exposure across the entire cohort.

The school adopts a mastery approach to mathematics, with setting introduced progressively from Year 4 onwards. Teachers emphasise deep understanding before pace of progression, meaning pupils consolidate key concepts fully. Formative assessment occurs continuously through questioning, knowledge quizzes, and "Flashback Fours" (short retrieval practice sessions that reinforce prior learning). The curriculum is designed to allow every child to increase their confidence, memory and sense of achievement through this structured approach.

Literacy teaching follows Little Wandle Letters and Sounds phonics, with early reading reinforced daily. By Year 3, pupils move to guided reading and comprehension activities that encourage higher-order thinking. Science is taught as a separate subject (not integrated), allowing for dedicated practical investigation and scientific reasoning.

The nursery, which accepts children from age 3, provides a crucial foundation for primary learning. The nursery day is highly structured, balancing direct teaching (often in small groups or 1-to-1) with child-led exploration. The timetable ensures no opportunity is wasted, whilst from the child's perspective, the day flows smoothly through playful, engaging experiences.

Early Years Foundation Stage follows a blend of adult-directed activities and continuous provision, both indoors and outdoors. Practitioners use the EYFS Move With physical literacy scheme for games and gymnastics, whilst phonics includes exploration of environmental sounds and voice sounds. Mathematical learning is embedded through both adult-initiated sessions (three per week) and continuous provision. All nursery and Reception children participate in the Greater Manchester toothbrushing programme, supporting oral health from the earliest stage.

Transition from nursery to Reception is managed carefully, with staff focusing on each child's communication strengths and priorities before formal entry. This ensures provision is tailored from the outset.

Most pupils progress from Year 6 to secondary schools across Greater Manchester. St Monica's RC High School, Salford's secondary partner, receives the majority of pupils, though families also access selective grammar schools (particularly for girls and boys who pass the 11-plus examination). The school provides 11-plus familiarisation but does not offer intensive preparation, reflecting the belief that well-taught, knowledge-rich primary education provides the foundation for success without external tutoring.

The school's commitment to educational continuity is evident in its collaboration with local secondary schools during transition weeks, enabling Year 6 pupils to visit their new settings and meet new staff before summer. Secondary schools consistently report that St Thomas pupils arrive well-prepared academically and emotionally.

Extracurricular provision is substantial and deliberately designed to extend pupils' learning beyond the classroom curriculum. The school offers after-school clubs every weeknight, covering a diverse range of activities. This programme provides learners with opportunities to explore new interests and develop talents across multiple domains.

Music and Performing Arts

Music holds a central place. The school choir performs at key events throughout the year, including nativity concerts and carol services. Year pupils have been invited to perform at Stoller Hall to experience a live orchestra, learning about the sections of the orchestra and different instruments. The school recognises music as a universal language embodying one of the highest forms of creativity, and this philosophy shapes the breadth of musical opportunities.

Drama is similarly embedded, with whole-year group class assemblies where pupils perform songs and pieces they have been learning. Year 6 pupils recently performed Rudyard Kipling's poem "If" to the school community. The school holds EYFS/KS1 nativity concerts and KS2 carol concerts each December, involving numerous pupils and providing genuine performance experience.

STEM and Technology

Technology and computational thinking receive explicit attention. Year 6 pupils participated in the EKO Robotics Challenge, delivered by Hyett Education, where pupils built and coded robots to complete missions, developing problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Year 6 has also worked with digital manipulation software, sketching onto acetate, selecting backgrounds, and importing images into graphics packages to create multi-layered artwork.

Numeracy enrichment is encouraged through TTRS (Times Tables Rock Stars), where pupils enjoy competitive timed practice to build fluency. The school also uses Sheffield Teaching School's STAT tracking tool to ensure robust assessment of progress.

Sports and Physical Development

Sports provision is inclusive and comprehensive. All pupils participate in at least two PE lessons weekly, with a curriculum that alternates between games (taught throughout the year) and three blocks of gym and dance. Year 3 pupils undertake weekly swimming lessons as part of the national curriculum.

The school competes actively in inter-school sports competitions across Salford City. Recent achievements include the STOC Diamonds Cheerleaders securing first place in KS2 Level 1 Pom dance, boys' football teams winning tournaments, and mixed teams participating in lacrosse, basketball, rounders, and Quadkids athletics. The school also offers goalball, rugby, fencing, and climbing activities through partnerships like Rock Over Climbing, broadening pupils' exposure to sports beyond traditional offerings.

Community and Character Development

The school runs a dedicated character development programme that weaves service and civic responsibility throughout the curriculum. Pupil Parliament is an active group that sets agendas and works on school improvements. Year 6 pupils participate in community clean-ups of local areas. Volunteering is highlighted as a key component of character education; Year 5 pupils visit local care homes to entertain residents with Christmas carols, and sixth formers raise funds for charities including Age UK Salford and Mind in Salford.

Clubs and Enrichment

Named after-school clubs currently include Music Club (led by Miss Graff, which has written a song about growth mindset), Les Etoiles (French Club, where pupils learn vocabulary and cultural celebrations), Pupil Parliament, Master Chef's (focusing on healthy eating and nutrition), Art Club (with KS1 activities on colour shading), and additional sports and creative clubs. The school operates rotating club schedules to ensure all pupils have access to enrichment, with priority given to those not placed in the previous round.

Trips and Visits

Trips are curriculum-driven rather than incidental. Year 5 pupils visit Salford Museum and Art Gallery as part of their Victorian unit, exploring original artefacts and Lowry paintings. The school conducts field work supporting topics; pupils have walked to the River Irwell to observe meanders, erosion, and deposition in their lower course. Clitheroe Castle visits connect the Norman conquest to family units. The school runs Forest School provision, connecting pupils to nature and the outdoors, developing self-confidence and resilience through challenging situations in natural environments.

This is a Catholic voluntary-aided primary school, and admission criteria prioritise baptised Catholic pupils who are resident in the parish of St Thomas, followed by other baptised Catholic pupils, looked-after children, and finally all other pupils. The school requires a Baptism Certificate for Catholic applications. A distance criterion applies when the planned admission number is exceeded.

In 2025, the last distance offered was 0.29 miles, reflecting significant oversubscription. The school's planned admission number is 60 pupils per year group. With 83 applications for 56 places in the previous admission cycle, entry is highly competitive. Parents wishing to apply for nursery places (for children born between 01 September 2021 and 31 August 2022) should contact Salford Local Authority's admissions team or visit the school website for the online application portal.

The school accepts summer-born children for reception entry, and parents may request that their child is admitted outside of their normal age group (e.g., to reception rather than year 1).

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast club begins at 8:00am, and after-school care extends until 5:55pm, offering flexibility for working families. The school provides lunch facilities with school meals priced at £2.65 per day (or £13.25 per week for the 2025/26 academic year).

The school is located on Hadfield Street in Higher Broughton, served by local bus routes. Transport from within Salford is readily accessible; families further afield should plan journeys accordingly. The school's location along the Irwell provides easy access to green space for outdoor learning and reflection.

Every pupil is known individually. Class teachers form the primary relationship, supported by teaching assistants. Termly standards meetings between class teachers and Mr Deane ensure that progress of every individual pupil is scrutinised, and provision for pupils not on track is adjusted accordingly. The school's ethos emphasises that each child is special and has unique, God-given potential.

Behaviour is excellent. Clear routines and simplified class rules help pupils self-manage within the learning environment. Strong, supportive relationships between staff and children, and from peer to peer, are deliberately fostered through mutual trust and respect. The school has introduced a new scheme for social and emotional learning, reinforcing cooperation and sensitivity to the needs of others.

The school operates out-of-school hours care from 8:00am to 5:55pm, allowing pupils who require early arrival or late departure to be supported within a familiar environment.

Entry difficulty. With 83 applications for 56 reception places, and the last distance offered at just 0.29 miles, securing a place requires living extremely close to the school. Families should verify exact distances and consider local alternatives if geography is a constraint.

Catholic character is genuine. Daily prayer, regular masses, and explicit religious teaching form part of school life. The admissions process prioritises baptised Catholic families. Whilst the school warmly welcomes pupils of all faiths, families uncomfortable with the centrality of Catholic practice should verify expectations before applying.

Nursery fees. The school operates a nursery from age 3, but nursery fees are not publicly stated on the main school website. Parents interested in early years provision should contact the school directly for pricing and government-funded hours details.

St Thomas of Canterbury is a genuinely excellent primary school where knowledge-rich teaching, systematic progress, and authentic community values align. Ofsted's 2023 Outstanding rating reflects what families find upon visit: pupils do achieve exceptionally well, enjoy their learning, and behave impeccably. The school sits in the top 2% nationally for KS2 results, a position it has sustained over several years.

Best suited to families living within the tight catchment area who value a school with explicit Catholic character and are seeking excellent academic outcomes within a supportive, values-driven environment. The main challenge is entry; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place, and families should begin their application planning well in advance of deadlines.