St Thomas More Catholic School, Blaydon

School has a dedicated SEND team including a SENCo, Deputy SENCo, and SEND Support Officers

“We are proud to have an experienced and dedicated SEND team who work closely with students, families, teachers, and a range of external professionals.”

Expert team of Learning Support & Literacy HLTAs and Learning Support Assistants

“Additionally, we have an expert team of Learning Support & Literacy HLTAs and Learning Support Assistants.”

Safeguarding is described as central to the school's approach, with a whole-school, proactive strategy.

“Keeping children and young people safe is at the heart of everything we do at St Thomas More. Our safeguarding team works to create a culture of safety and vigilance across the school and within our wider community.”

Pastoral system described as core strength offering counselling, mentoring, wellbeing groups, nurture sessions, and safe spaces

“Our pastoral system is a core strength of the school. Students can access counselling, mentoring, wellbeing groups, nurture sessions, and safe spaces at break and lunch.”

Year 12 students receive dedicated sessions on university application using the Unifrog platform

“Throughout year 12, we offer advice, guidance and dedicated sessions on all aspects of university application. We use the Unifrog platform to drive this process which guides students to recognise their skills, experiences, interests and the subjects that they might consider for university study.”

School emphasises targeted involvement of Pupil Premium pupils in a wide, inclusive range of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities.

“We are committed to ensuring that Pupil Premium pupils can access a wide and inclusive range of enrichment opportunities, removing barriers wherever possible.”

Safeguarding is framed as the heart of everything the school does, reflecting a core ethos value.

“Keeping children and young people safe is at the heart of everything we do at St Thomas More.”

School emphasises Catholic values and tradition, with high ambition cited by Ofsted

“St Thomas More is a school that is proud of its traditions and Catholic values.”

The school has a dedicated Sixth Form admissions programme described as offering a caring, supportive, and academically ambitious environment.

“Our Sixth Form offers students high quality education in a caring and supportive environment. Our pastoral programme is as important as our academic achievement which means that whilst we expect and encourage you to reach your full potential, we will back you up and support you at every step.”

Sixth Form is led by a Head of Sixth Form, supported by a Deputy Head of Sixth Form and a Sixth Form Support Officer, with a dedicated team experienced in post-16 education.

“The team is led by our Head of Sixth Form, who is supported by a Deputy Head of Sixth Form and a Sixth Form Support Officer.”

The school coordinates admissions appeals through Gateshead Council, which arranges the appeal hearing.

“Our appeals are coordinated on our behalf by Gateshead Council, therefore they will contact you directly to make arrangements for your appeal to be heard. The Appeal Hearing takes place at the Gateshead Council offices.”

About two thirds of students progress to university, mostly at Russell Group institutions including Oxford and Cambridge

“Each year, approximately two thirds of our students go to university. The majority of these university places are at Russell Group institutions which include Oxford and Cambridge.”

Sixth Form Wider Curriculum Programme includes careers education, advice and guidance to help students plan next steps including university, apprenticeship, or employment.

“Together, the team works closely to design and deliver our Sixth Form Wider Curriculum Programme, which includes careers education, advice, and guidance to help students plan their next steps after St Thomas More — whether that be university, an apprenticeship, or employment.”

GCSE 2024/25: Attainment 8 score 51.9, EBacc entry 63.9%, 60.4% achieving grade 5+ in English and Maths

“| Attainment 8 Score | 51.9 |”

KS5 2023/24: A-Level Attainment B- [35.02], Applied General Vocational Attainment Distinction [37.47], Technical Awards Attainment and Completion Distinction [42.08]

“| A-Level Attainment | B- [35.02] |”