Thomas More Catholic School
74%
Capacity
631
Pupils
3.0x
Demand
About Thomas More Catholic School
Thomas More Catholic School is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Croydon community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 631 pupils on roll, operating at 74% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Thomas More Catholic School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Maryssa Dako, it falls under Croydon local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.13 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 42.5. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of D-. Additionally, ranked 1827th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 16th out of 22 in Croydon.
Thomas More Catholic School is a popular choice with families — it received 345 applications for 113 places, making it 3.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 45 were first-preference applications.
Thomas More Catholic School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 67% recommending the school (18 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Thomas More Catholic School include Art Studios, Sports Hall, Library, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Rounders, Netball, Tennis and 2 more, as well as clubs including Book Club, Choir, Drama, Debate and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 39.2%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Croydon, Thomas More Catholic School is one of the options available in the London region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Russell Hill Road, Purley, Croydon, CR8 2XP |
| Headteacher | Maryssa Dako |
| Local Authority | Croydon |
| Number of Pupils | 631 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 39.2% |
| School Capacity | 631 / 850 (74% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
16 Oct 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (16 Oct 2024): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 3 Jun 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.13)
1827th of 3,141
Nationally
382nd of 487
In London
16th of 22
In Croydon
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
25.3
'22/23
22.3
'23/24
16.9
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
18 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed113
345
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
45 families put this school as their 1st choice (13% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thomas More Catholic School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Russell Hill Road, Purley
Croydon, CR8 2XP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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