St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in a Nurturing Faith Community

Tucked away in a quiet residential corner of Eccleston, St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School represents a significant success story for the Three Saints Academy Trust. While the school serves a local community in St Helens, its academic reputation stretches much further. The 2024 results place the school in the top 10% of primaries in England, maintaining a trajectory of excellence that has been sustained for several years. With a single-form entry structure, the school maintains an intimate environment where approximately 231 pupils benefit from a high degree of individual attention.

The atmosphere at St Mary & St Thomas is one of quiet, purposeful energy. The building itself is modern and well-maintained, with Barton Close providing a calm backdrop away from the main thoroughfares of St Helens. As a Church of England school, the ethos is anchored in Christian values, though it operates with a modern, inclusive outlook that welcomes families from various backgrounds.

Nathan Pow began his tenure as headteacher in September 2025, succeeding Mrs Lyndsey Lewis. Mr Pow, who previously served as a deputy headteacher in Carlisle, has emphasized the curiosity and kindness of the pupils as central to the school's identity. The school is a founding member of the Three Saints Academy Trust, a partnership that provides a robust framework for shared resources and curriculum development. Within the classrooms, the environment is celebratory; student work is displayed with pride, and there is a palpable sense of mutual respect between staff and pupils.

The school's academic performance is exemplary. In 2024, 89% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 61%. The depth of learning is reflected in the scaled scores; the average score of 110 in mathematics and 108 in reading both exceed national benchmarks.

St Mary & St Thomas ranks 1st among all primary schools in St Helens and sits at 968th in England (FindMySchool ranking). This places the school in the elite national high tier, outperforming over 90% of schools in England.

The curriculum is designed to be both ambitious and accessible. In the early years, the focus is on communication and foundational literacy, with the nursery provision serving as a vital entry point. As pupils progress, there is a clear emphasis on subject-specific mastery.

Science and mathematics are notable strengths. The school utilizes specialist teaching resources through its academy trust links, ensuring the curriculum remains current and engaging. Teachers use assessment effectively to identify gaps in learning early, preventing children from falling behind the brisk pace of lessons. The latest Ofsted inspection in early 2025 confirmed that the school continues to provide an Outstanding quality of education, with particular praise for leadership and early years provision.

As a Church of England school, pastoral care is deeply integrated into the daily routine. Christian distinctiveness is expressed through collective worship and a focus on the school motto, Achieve, Believe, and Shine. This translates into a high level of emotional support for all children. The school operates a mixed-gender, inclusive environment where social and emotional mental health is prioritized alongside academic achievement.

Behaviour is a standout feature. There is a clear, consistent system that encourages pupils to take responsibility for their own actions. Parents often remark on the family feel of the school, which is a direct result of the single-form entry size where every teacher knows every child.

Extracurricular life at St Mary & St Thomas is varied and well-attended. The school offers a range of clubs including football, netball, and art. Music plays a central role, with regular performances tied to the liturgical calendar and local community events.

The school makes good use of its Merseyside location for educational visits, ensuring learning extends beyond the Barton Close gates. Whether exploring local history or engaging in competitive sports fixtures with other schools in the Three Saints Academy Trust, pupils are encouraged to develop interests outside core academic subjects.

Securing a place at St Mary & St Thomas is a significant challenge. For the most recent intake, the school received 79 applications for just 30 places, making it heavily oversubscribed. The subscription proportion of 2.72 reflects its status as the most sought-after primary in the local authority.

Admissions are coordinated by St Helens Council. While the school has a religious character, it serves the local community; however, given the high demand, those living outside the immediate area may find it difficult to secure a place. For September 2026 entry, the application deadline is 15 January 2026, with offers released on 16 April 2026. Parents are encouraged to use the FindMySchool Map Search to view their proximity to the school relative to previous intake patterns.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School does not charge tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge to all pupils.

Families should budget for secondary costs such as school uniforms and optional educational trips. The school nursery for children aged three and above is also state-funded, with government-funded hours (15 or 30 hours) available for eligible families. Specific details on any minor charges for optional extras are available from the school office.

Nursery Provision

The school offers nursery provision for children from age three. This integrated setting allows for a seamless transition into Reception as children become familiar with the school environment and staff early. The nursery curriculum focuses on social interaction and language development. Note that attending the nursery does not guarantee a place in the main school's Reception class; a separate application through the council is required.

The school day typically begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:15pm. For families requiring flexibility, the school offers wraparound care. Breakfast Club runs from 8:00am to 8:45am at a cost of £2.00 per session. After-school Club operates from 3:15pm to 5:30pm at a cost of £6.00 per session. Money for wraparound care is typically paid via the Arbor app. Barton Close is a residential area, and the road directly in front of the school is restricted to pedestrian and cycle access during drop-off and pick-up times (8:00 to 9:30am and 2:00 to 4:00pm).

• Significant oversubscription: With nearly three applications for every available place, the school is exceptionally competitive.
• Single-form entry: The small size fosters a close-knit community but means each year group is a single cohort with less social variety than larger schools.
• Faith-based ethos: The Church of England character is genuine and pervasive. While inclusive, daily worship is explicitly Christian.

St Mary & St Thomas CofE Primary School is a high-performing beacon within St Helens, combining top-tier academic results with a nurturing, faith-based environment. It suits families who value a small school where academic standards are uncompromisingly high. The main challenge remains the admissions process; for those who do secure a place, the educational journey is among the best available in Merseyside. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist.