New Parents frequently ask questions about the school, and this section of our Website provides answers to the most commonly asked questions. We hope you will find these useful. If, however, you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact the School Office via phone or e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The following questions are answered elsewhere on this website, and links are provided here.

Where can I find copies of school brochures, prospectus and Policies? The complete School Prospectus can be viewed by clicking here . Copies of most school policies can be found in the main reception area for parents to view, or by enquiring at the School Office.

What will my child wear to school? Click here to view School Uniform.

Can my child wear jewellery to school? Click here to view School Uniform and Jewellery.

What time does the school day start and finish? Click here to view School Information: The School Day.

Which subjects does the School teach? Click here to view Teaching Curriculum.

What facilities are there for Special Educational Needs? Click here to view the Prospectus – Special Educational Needs.

Do I need to inform the School if my child is ill and is not attending school? Click here to view School Information: Punctuality and Attendance.

Will I have to pay for any school activities? Click here to view School Information: Trips and School Activities.

What Religious Education (RE) instruction is there? Please click here to link to School Information: Spiritual Life of the School.

St Thomas’ has many strengths, providing every child with a greater opportunity to develop his or her true potential. This is visible in our mission statement and school aims, creating a school ethos that:

• Encourages every child to reach his or her full potential. To us "Every Child is Special".
• Has dedicated and caring teaching staff, including

          o a specialist Music teacher
          o a specialist PE teacher at key Stage 2
          o Lunchtime homework club

• Provides a caring and welcoming school community
• Creates an active parental body who contribute to and participate in school life
• Achieves excellent SATs (Statutory Assessment Tests) results at both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
• Has a multi-cultural and multi-national school, welcoming to all children from all backgrounds and faiths.
• Promotes strong links with the local parish community
• Achieves great music and drama productions and sporting successes
• Provides extended services for parents with a Breakfast, and After school club
• Supports a wide range of extra curricular clubs, including ballet, drama, recorder, chess, football, netball, hockey, cross country, tennis and golf

No! Children of all backgrounds, faiths and religions are welcome, and indeed many children at school are non-Catholic.

Clearly the school gives preference to Catholic children, and this is explained in the Admissions policy which can be viewed by clicking here

Children are invited into school for an afternoon in the term prior to them joining St Thomas’ as a gentle introduction into school life. When they arrive every child has a "Classroom Buddy" to show them around and help them settle into school life.

In addition, year 6 children elect to become playground buddies, and on a rota basis they work with children in the infant playground.

The school publishes class newsletters early in the start of each term. These are also published on this website, and can be viewed by clicking here.

We fully appreciate the benefit of visiting places of educational interest. All year groups enjoy a variety of trips, from day trips to Birdworld and Brooklands in Reception, through to New Barn or York, Swanage, and France in years 4,5 and 6. These trips are residential and are two or three days in length.

Yes. As a Catholic School, we aim to give all our children an experience of a caring Christian community that will influence and shape their future lives. It is often commented that the School has a strong family atmosphere. This is, we are sure, a result of the love, respect and care which Staff and pupils show for one another as they try to follow the Teachings of Jesus.

Please click here to link to School Information: Spiritual Life of the School.

School Governors are very active with the school and are made welcome in the school as often as possible. All Governors have their chosen focus areas of the school’s curriculum or activities such as: numeracy, literacy, ICT, Special Educational Needs, health and safety. Governors are also aligned to specific classes and are encouraged to attend school on a regular basis a couple of times or so each term and are invited to school social and fund raising events. Governors’ meetings take place through the term during the evenings. This means that Governors are often in school and are happy to discuss their work with Parents, if asked.

There are several nurseries in the Merrow and Burpham area. Once a year, the school organises a Nursery leaders’ Lunch. This gives Nursery Leaders the opportunity to see our Foundation stage facilities. We also discuss about how we introduce children into school in a way that makes the transition into primary education a happy and enjoyable experience for children and parents alike! A list of local nurseries can be obtained from the School Office.

Bullying of any type is not tolerated at St Thomas’ . The policy has been developed by the children themselves and is clearly displayed around the school. Bullying is managed in a positive and proactive way. St Thomas’ is a "telling" school. The children are reminded frequently that we listen and are here to help. The use of the "friendship" bench and "mentor" system educates the children in becoming more aware of the needs of others.