St Thomas More Catholic Academy Review 2026: A Community of Faith and Aspiration

St Thomas More Catholic Academy stands as a prominent educational landmark in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, serving a diverse community with a mission rooted in Catholic values. Since its conversion to an academy in 2013 and subsequent role as a founding member of the All Saints Catholic Multi Academy Trust, the school has cultivated a reputation for stability and pastoral strength. Under the leadership of Mr Mark Rayner, who was appointed as Head Teacher in January 2015, the academy has focused on raising aspirations in an area with historically varied educational outcomes.

The school serves approximately 1,100 students across the secondary and post-16 phases, providing an all-through experience from Year 7 to Year 13. Its 2024 results and most recent official assessments paint a picture of a school that provides a solid, supportive foundation, particularly noted for its inclusive atmosphere and the personal development of its students.

The atmosphere at St Thomas More is defined by its Catholic identity, which manifests in a palpable sense of community and mutual respect. This is not merely a religious designation but a framework for the school's daily operations. The presence of the school chapel and the active chaplaincy team provide a spiritual anchor for students and staff alike.

Physically, the school occupies a site that has seen significant investment in recent years. The building layout encourages a calm flow between lessons, and the dedicated sixth form area provides older students with a more mature, independent environment. Mr Rayner’s tenure has been marked by an emphasis on "The STM Way," a set of expectations that prioritises readying students for life beyond the school gates through discipline and kindness.

External reviews confirm that students feel safe and well-supported here. There is a clear sense that the school is a "family," where the staff go beyond academic instruction to ensure students are emotionally prepared for the challenges of adolescence.

In 2024, the academy's academic performance reflected the challenges and triumphs of a comprehensive intake in Stoke-on-Trent. At GCSE, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 38.9. While this sits below the England average, it is important to view this within the local context where the school remains a popular choice for families.

According to FindMySchool proprietary rankings, St Thomas More Catholic Academy is ranked 3,212th in England for GCSE outcomes and 18th in Stoke-on-Trent. These rankings place the school’s performance in the national lower band, which is typical for many schools in similar socio-economic contexts. The Progress 8 score of -0.23 suggests that students make progress slightly below the England average from their starting points, though certain departments, notably in the creative arts and vocational subjects, often see stronger value-added figures.

In the Sixth Form, the school achieved an A*-B rate of 25.2% in 2024. For A-level outcomes, the academy is ranked 2,301st in England and 9th in Stoke-on-Trent (FindMySchool ranking). While these results sit below the England averages for elite grades, the school remains a vital provider of post-16 education for the Longton area, focusing on enabling students to reach their individual potential.

The curriculum at St Thomas More is broad and balanced, designed to cater to both academic and vocational pathways. In the lower years, there is a strong emphasis on the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside Religious Education, which is a mandatory component for all students.

Teachers are noted for their commitment to student progress, often providing extra-curricular "booster" sessions for Year 11 and Year 13 students. The school has worked hard to improve its Ebacc entry rates, though currently, 6.3% of pupils achieve Grade 5 or above across the Ebacc suite, which is an area the leadership continues to target for growth.

In the Sixth Form, the curriculum expands to include a variety of BTEC and A-level options. The "Trinity" collaboration with other local Catholic schools allows for a wider range of subjects than a single site might traditionally offer, ensuring that students have access to specialist teaching in niche subjects.

Where Students Go Next

Destinations for leavers are a point of pride for the academy, demonstrating its success in moving students into meaningful next steps. For the 2023/24 cohort, 66% of leavers progressed to university, a significant achievement that reflects the school's aspirational culture.

The school has a proven track record of supporting elite applications. In the measurement period, 2 students applied to the University of Cambridge, with 1 securing an offer and subsequently accepting their place. This 50% offer rate for Oxbridge candidates highlights that for the most academically able students, the support systems are in place to reach the highest tiers of UK higher education.

Beyond university, 14% of students moved directly into employment, while 4% secured apprenticeships. The school's careers programme is robust, starting early in Year 7 to ensure students are aware of the myriad pathways available to them in the modern economy.

St Thomas More is a perennially oversubscribed school. For the most recent intake, there were 474 applications for 198 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 2.39. This means there are more than two applications for every available seat, making it one of the most in-demand schools in the Stoke-on-Trent local authority.

As a Catholic school, the admissions policy gives priority to baptised Catholic children from feeder parishes. However, the school welcomes students of all faiths and none, provided they are supportive of the school's ethos. Parents should be aware that a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) is usually required alongside the standard local authority application.

Because the school is oversubscribed, the "distance" factor becomes critical for those not meeting faith-based criteria. Parents are encouraged to use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous years' intake patterns to gauge their chances of success.

Pastoral care is the "golden thread" of the St Thomas More experience. The school operates a traditional house system, which fosters a sense of belonging and healthy competition. Each student is assigned a form tutor who acts as the primary point of contact for families, ensuring that no child "gets lost" in a large secondary environment.

The school's "Learning Support" department is well-regarded, providing tailored assistance for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). While the school does not have "special classes" in the sense of a separate unit, the integration of support within the mainstream classroom is handled with sensitivity. The chaplaincy team also plays a vital role in pastoral care, offering a listening ear and emotional support that complements the formal pastoral hierarchy.

The extracurricular life of the school is varied and active. Sport is a major pillar, with the school often competing at a high level in local Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire leagues for football, netball, and athletics.

STEM: Innovation and Skills

The academy has made significant strides in its STEM provision. The "Science Busking" initiative and participation in national coding competitions provide students with hands-on experience beyond the textbook. The school’s laboratories are well-equipped, supporting a curriculum that encourages students to see themselves as the engineers and scientists of the future.

Music and the arts are also celebrated. The school choir and various instrumental ensembles perform regularly at liturgical events and community concerts. There are also clubs ranging from debating to "Eco-Warriors," ensuring that students have the opportunity to develop interests outside of their academic studies.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, St Thomas More Catholic Academy does not charge tuition fees. Education is funded by the government, meaning it is free for all students aged 11 to 18.

However, the school provides significant support through the Pupil Premium, which is additional funding of up to £1050 per eligible student. This fund is used to provide fair and equal opportunities, covering costs such as assistance with school uniform, educational technology, and resources. It also helps finance educational visits and residential experiences for disadvantaged students. Families are encouraged to apply for Free School Meals to trigger this additional support.

The school day typically begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:10pm. For students in the Sixth Form, hours may vary depending on their specific timetable. While the school does not operate a formal "wraparound" care service in the style of a primary school, there are numerous after-school clubs and a "Homework Club" in the library that often runs until 4:30pm.

The school is located in Longton and is well-served by local bus routes. There is limited on-site parking for visitors, but the school is easily accessible by foot for those living in the immediate catchment area.

• Fierce Competition for Places: With a subscription proportion of 2.39, the school is significantly oversubscribed. Families without a strong faith connection who live further away may find it difficult to secure a place.
• Academic Context: While the school excels in pastoral care and destinations, its headline GCSE and A-level scores sit below England averages. It is a school that focuses on "value added" and individual progress rather than being a traditional "exam factory."
• Faith Commitment: The Catholic ethos is central to life at St Thomas More. Daily prayer and attendance at Mass are standard parts of the school calendar. Families should be comfortable with this level of religious integration.
• Sixth Form Transition: While the sixth form is a strength, it is smaller than some standalone colleges. The "Trinity" partnership is essential for breadth, which may involve students occasionally travelling to partner sites for specific subjects.

St Thomas More Catholic Academy is a school with a big heart and a clear sense of purpose. It suits families who value a disciplined, faith-based environment where pastoral care is given equal weight to academic achievement. It is particularly well-suited to students who will benefit from a close-knit community and those who aspire to university despite living in an area with historic educational challenges. For families looking for a supportive, aspirational secondary experience in Stoke-on-Trent, it remains one of the strongest options available.