St Thomas à Becket Catholic Secondary School, A Voluntary Academy

The teachers at this school care way too much about things like uniform and looks. For example, the teachers seem to always pay attention to whether a student has their blazer on or not (usually during summer), and no matter how warm or cold, we have to always wear our blazers between lessons and we're not allowed coats on in the buildings nor in class (again, no matter how cold). Furthermore, many of the teachers pay unnecessary attention to girls' skirts - paying attention to wether or not it's rolled up or not or if its pleated or not. However, we're in school to learn, not to be told what and how to wear a uniform (claiming that it makes the male teachers uncomfortable which I think is weird). For those who are fun-loving, this school doesn't do non-uniform days or anything of the sort claiming that they don't have the finances for it. You're welcome.

This is an excellent school where children are respected as individuals. The teachers know the children really well and challenge them to achieve their best.

Not a school I would recommend. After the change of headship a few years ago the school went downhill. I personally experienced multiple years of bullying that were never sorted. Some teachers cared in general, others didn’t and were too self-involved and refused to help students. The school’s claimed ‘ethos’ are not what is followed within the school, with an unbelievably large lack of Catholic belief being channeled through the school’s daily life. The school claims to thrive on ‘diversity’ however refused to help students thrive. There is a huge lack of discipline and the rules are majorly flawed and mocked by students and teachers alike. Not enough was done for those with potential who needed help, with many teachers refusing help and refusing to believe in and encourage promising students. I often felt very unwelcomed even in my fifth and final year there. Many spaces in the school are too small and prone to students crushing eachother - a massive safety hazard. Not enough was done with personal support and development for pupils who needed it and many felt left out not only by peers but by staff. Many staff used to mock students which caused massive upset and effected especially Y11’s mental health in an already difficult year. This school has a lot of potential but a lack of leadership is what causes it to slack majorly.

Very racist school, always accused students of colour of being involved in gang activity and continuously searched their bags and demonised and silenced the black girls for having attitudes but sympathised and protected Caucasian students who wrote racist messages online. My child told me the Caucasian students were smoking cigarettes in their school yard and when they told the teachers they did nothing about it. Teachers would barely do anything about bullying in general and would sometimes join in the jokes. If you are a parent of colour or have a disabled child I do not suggest sending your child to this school they are very hostile towards them and they deserve better, even with a special unit for special children the social media messages from students are appalling. I have graded this from my daughters experience.