Our Trust Blog

Welcome to our Trust Blog

We have so much knowledge and experience within St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust, it feels important to share our insights with our wider community.  Within Our Trust Blog page, members of our Leadership team will be posting regular articles about their insights and experiences from working in Education.

If you are interested in our articles and keen to work in education, we are always pleased to hear from people who would like to work for St Thomas Catholic Academies, whether in a teaching or administration/support role.

To see a list of our current vacancies, both within our central team and across all our schools click here.

If there are no current vacancies that are suitable for you, click here to register in a talent pool for your preferred location.

Index

  • When the School Gates Close, Our Mission Continues

    9 Nov

    For many people, the summer holidays signal the end of another school year. Classrooms are empty, playgrounds fall silent and children enjoy a well-earned break. But behind the school gates, the work continues. At St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust, summer is one of our busiest times of the year.
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  • Building Strong Foundations for our pupils’ future success

    9 Nov

    In Ofsted’s publication, Strong Foundations in the First Years of School (October 2024), there are powerful messages about the importance of laying the right foundations for pupils’ learning, from the very beginning. The study highlights that schools have been routinely pushing on with curriculum content, without being curious enough about whether pupils have secured the basics before moving on. This drive towards rapid progress at all costs has had long-term implications for success at both Year 6 and Year 11. It is unfortunately the most vulnerable pupils who are most disadvantaged from these gaps in core concepts and skills.
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  • Becoming Fully Alive: Developing Teachers Who Help Children Flourish 

    9 Nov

    Every child deserves a great teacher. “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10) At St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust (STCAT), we believe teaching is one of the most profound ways to serve others. Every day, teachers use their gifts, talents and dedication to inspire children, nurture confidence, and unlock potential. In doing so, they help young people flourish not only academically but also personally, socially and spiritually.
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  • The Power to "Bounce Back" - Why Building Resilience in our Pupils Matters

    9 Nov

    Life is unpredictable and comes with many challenges. We often want to shield our children from every bump in the road. However, true protection lies in equipping them to manage the inevitable difficulties well. Developing resilience is about the ability to adapt to difficult situations and ‘bounce back’.
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  • Inspiring Moments From Classrooms Across Our Trust

    9 Nov

    In the last Fully Alive briefing, I shared a thought based on a quote by Vincent van Gogh: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” I would like to now continue that thought and begin with Kate’s story. A Special Welcome Kate attended a Catholic primary school—in fact, one of the schools that is now in our Trust. Kate vividly remembers her Year 2 sports day. The sun beat down relentlessly.
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  • Walking With Our Communities: Whose School Is It Anyway?

    9 Nov

    The Living Partnership Between Parish and School in St Thomas Catholic Academies TrustAs the STCAT Director of Mission and a Catholic School Inspector, I have had the privilege of visiting many Catholic schools over the years. What continually amazes me is that, while they share so much in common, each school is beautifully unique. And hand on heart, I can say that I have never stepped into a Catholic school where I wouldn’t be proud to send my own children. So what is it that makes them so special and why does it matter?
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  • What ‘Fully Alive’ Means for Our Schools in 2026: A CEO’s Vision for the Year Ahead

    9 Nov

    Catholic education in the UK was founded on a simple conviction: that every child – especially the poor and vulnerable – deserves to learn, belong and thrive. In 2026, our mission, 'The glory of God is a human being fully alive.', continues that work in a world that can feel fractured and divided. Pope Francis speaks of a society longing for direction and light – and our proud Catholic schools stand at the heart of that search. As a parent, I remember the love and responsibility I felt holding my own newborn boys.
    Read More

  • Celebrating Success

    18 Dec

    Celebrating Success: Our Trust Apprentice Completes Her Journey ‘Fully Alive’Ellen Barnaville explains all about her apprenticeship and why she decided this was the right option for her.
    Read More

  • If only I knew then what I know now...

    15 Apr

    When I attend conferences, I genuinely find myself somewhat out of place. I feel I don't fit. In fact, if I am really honest, I don't like them. I am a white, middle-aged man who has succeeded thanks to being surrounded by great people.
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  • Train to Teach

    16 Jan

    Train to Teach with St Thomas Catholic Academies Trust 

    We are incredibly proud of our Train to Teach Programme, and our Training and Development Lead is delighted to share all about it with you.
    Read More

Archive

November, 2026
December, 2025
April, 2025
January, 2025
December, 2024
November, 2024
October, 2024
September, 2024