The short version
Average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2019).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 42.1 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2019
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
42.1
1.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
38%
3.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
66%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
92%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
0%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 106 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 20 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 57 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Voluntary aided school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 631
- Capacity
- 74%
- FSM
- 39.2%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Croydon
- Head
- Mrs Maryssa Dako (Head of School)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
10 official reports linked on this page, including 9 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
April 2019 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
July 2017 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
December 2016 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
March 2015 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
November 2014 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
March 2012 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
March 2011 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
December 2008 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
April 2005 | Full Inspection
Location
Russell Hill Road, Purley, Surrey, CR8 2XP
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmMargaret Roper Catholic Primary School
Primary · Very close
Purley Nursery School
Nursery · 531m away
Christ Church CofE Primary School (Purley)
Primary · 664m away
St David's School
Independent · 733m away
Tudor Lodge School
Independent · 748m away
Laleham Lea School
Independent · 860m away
Cumnor House School
Independent · 962m away
The John Fisher School
Secondary · 964m away
Questions parents ask
Is Thomas More Catholic School a selective school?
No. Thomas More Catholic School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Thomas More Catholic School's Ofsted rating?
Thomas More Catholic School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in October 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Thomas More Catholic School?
Thomas More Catholic School currently has 631 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Thomas More Catholic School take?
Thomas More Catholic School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Thomas More Catholic School?
Thomas More Catholic School is in Purley, CR8 2XP, in the Croydon local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Thomas More Catholic School have a sixth form?
Yes, Thomas More Catholic School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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