St Thomas More High School Review 2026: A Catholic Community with Purpose

"God's Servant First," the final words of the school's patron saint, sets the tone for this bustling boys' comprehensive in Westcliff-on-Sea. St Thomas More High School combines a distinct Catholic ethos with the practical demands of modern education. Serving families across Southend and South Essex, it offers a structured, single-sex environment for boys aged 11 to 16, before welcoming girls into a mixed Sixth Form. The school maintains a Good rating from Ofsted, with inspectors noting the "calm and orderly" atmosphere that permeates the corridors.

The school sits on a compact site in Kenilworth Gardens, where 1960s architecture has been augmented by modern additions, including a dedicated Sixth Form block and sports facilities. Space is managed efficiently to accommodate over 1,000 students, creating a busy but purposeful environment.

Mrs Gemma Ackred has led the school since 2017. Her leadership is characterised by a focus on "Christ-centred" education, where academic achievement is viewed as part of a wider moral formation. Staff describe a supportive culture, and the retention of experienced teachers contributes to the stable atmosphere.

The Catholic character is not an add-on; it is the operating system. The day begins with prayer, Mass is celebrated regularly in the school chapel, and the Chaplaincy team plays a central role in pastoral life. While a significant proportion of students are practising Catholics, the school welcomes boys from other faith backgrounds who are willing to respect this ethos. The result is a community that feels cohesive, grounded in shared values of respect and service.

The school delivers solid academic outcomes that consistently exceed local and England averages. In 2024, the Progress 8 score of +0.32 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points, a crucial metric for parents valuing value-added education over raw grades.

Ranked 1,973rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 5th in Westcliff-on-Sea, the school sits in the "national typical" band, reflecting performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England.

Detailed metrics show strengths in core subjects. The average Attainment 8 score stood at 49.8 in 2024, above the England average of 45.9. Crucially, 7.9% of pupils achieved the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) at grade 5 or above. While this figure appears lower than the England average, it reflects a curriculum policy that allows boys freedom of choice rather than forcing a specific suite of subjects.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, resisting the trend to narrow choices too early. At Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), boys study the full range of National Curriculum subjects, including drama, music, and art. The teaching style tends towards the traditional and structured, an approach that suits the all-boys dynamic well.

Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge. In science and mathematics, lessons are often fast-paced, with a focus on retrieval practice to embed knowledge. The humanities department is particularly vibrant, utilising the school's faith context to explore complex ethical questions in history and geography.

Support for literacy is a priority. Recognising that boys can sometimes lag in reading engagement, the school has implemented structured reading programmes and library lessons. This focus ensures that students can access the more demanding texts required at GCSE level.

Transitions are well-managed at both 16 and 18. After GCSEs, the majority of boys choose to stay on at St Thomas More, transitioning into the mixed Sixth Form. Those who leave typically progress to local colleges such as South Essex College for vocational courses or apprenticeships.

For Sixth Form leavers, university remains the primary destination. In 2024, 68% of the cohort progressed to university. The school has a growing track record with elite institutions; one student secured a place at Cambridge in the most recent cycle, with seven students submitting Oxbridge applications.

Employment and apprenticeships are also valued pathways. Twenty per cent of leavers entered employment directly, while 4% secured apprenticeships, reflecting the school's pragmatic approach to careers guidance that values vocational success alongside academic degrees.

St Thomas More is a voluntary aided Catholic school, meaning the governing body is the admissions authority. The school is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 556 applications for 184 places, a ratio of over 3 applications per place.

Admissions criteria prioritise Catholic children. The order of priority typically includes:

1. Looked-after children.
2. Baptised Catholic children from practising families (verified by a Certificate of Catholic Practice).
3. Other Baptised Catholic children.
4. Other looked-after children.
5. Children of other faiths.
6. Other applicants.

Parents must complete two forms: the Common Application Form (CAF) for Southend-on-Sea City Council and the school's Supplementary Information Form (SIF). The SIF is critical for those applying under faith criteria.

The pastoral system is organised by Year Group, with Heads of Year staying with their cohort as they move up the school. This continuity allows staff to build strong relationships with families.

Pastoral care is inextricably linked to the school's religious mission. The Chaplaincy provides a non-academic "listening ear" for students, offering support during times of bereavement or personal difficulty. Safeguarding procedures are robust, with the 2022 Ofsted inspection noting that pupils feel safe and know who to report concerns to.

Behaviour is managed through a clear system of rewards and sanctions. The school sets high expectations for conduct, known as the "St Thomas More Way," which emphasises courtesy and self-discipline.

Extracurricular life is energetic, particularly in sport. The school fields competitive teams in football, rugby, basketball, and athletics, often enjoying success in district and county competitions. The sports hall and fitness suite are well-used before and after school.

The arts are not neglected. The annual school production is a highlight, involving students from all year groups in acting, set design, and lighting. The Music department runs a choir and various ensembles, which perform at school Masses and community events.

STEM: Innovation and Challenge

The STEM club (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) allows boys to apply their learning practically. Recent projects have included robotics challenges and coding competitions. The school organises trips to science fairs and universities to raise aspirations in engineering and technology fields.

Trips and visits enrich the curriculum. From geography field trips to the Essex coast to history tours of the battlefields, learning is frequently taken outside the classroom. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered, with many boys completing Bronze and Silver awards, developing resilience and teamwork skills in the process.

The Sixth Form is a distinct entity, admitting girls as well as boys. This co-educational environment provides a natural bridge to university and workplace life.

Academically, the Sixth Form performs solidly. In 2024, A-level results placed the school 1,967th in England. While the percentage of top grades (A*-A) was 10.8%, the pass rate remains high, and the focus is on ensuring every student reaches their potential. The "national lower" banding suggests that while elite grades are less common than in selective grammars, the school supports a broad range of abilities effectively.

Sixth Formers enjoy their own study centre and common room. They are expected to take on leadership roles, acting as prefects and mentors to younger students, reinforcing the sense of community.

The school day runs from 8:40 am to 3:10 pm. The site is located in Westcliff-on-Sea, well-served by local bus routes. Westcliff and Chalkwell stations (c2c line) are within walking distance, making the school accessible for students travelling from wider Essex.

Uniform is strictly enforced. Boys in Years 7-11 wear a navy blazer with the school badge, white shirt, and school tie. Sixth Form students wear business dress, distinguishing them as young adults within the community.

Faith commitment. The Catholic ethos is pervasive. Families uncomfortable with regular prayer, Mass attendance, and religious education as a core subject should consider whether this environment aligns with their values.

Selective surroundings. Southend has a highly selective grammar school system. St Thomas More sits alongside these selective schools, and while it achieves strong progress scores, the academic pacing differs from its super-selective neighbours.

Boys-only main school. The single-sex environment for 11-16 year olds suits many boys who thrive on the specific teaching styles employed, but it is not for everyone. Families seeking a co-educational social environment from Year 7 will need to look elsewhere.

St Thomas More offers a grounded, supportive, and values-driven education. It balances academic progress with moral formation, producing young men (and women in the Sixth Form) who are polite, purposeful, and ready for the world. Best suited to families who value the Catholic ethos and want a school where their son will be known, challenged, and supported within a strong community structure. The main challenge is securing a place amidst high demand.