St Thomas More
Language College
2026/2027 PROSPECTUS
HEADTEACHER’S WELCOME
Choosing the right secondary school is a key decision. At St Thomas More Language College in the heart of Chelsea, you’ll find a safe, friendly community built on high academic standards, strong pastoral care and a Catholic ethos. Our school offers a wide range of subjects, dedicated staff and values rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to work with each student, guiding them on their own individual academic, sporting, creative and spiritual journey ready for their post-16 education and beyond as young adults in society. We believe in strong partnerships between home and school, helping every student grow into the confident young person God calls them to be. Our recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate report (2025) noted that ‘pupils and staff reflect that the school community is a family. Pupils are flourishing in this environment... Staff provide the highest standards of pastoral care, removing barriers and enabling all pupils to thrive.’
MISSION STATEMENT Inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the example of our patron, St Thomas More, we are committed to educating the whole person - intellectually, morally, spiritually, and socially. We uphold the dignity of each individual, promoting inclusivity and mutual respect. Our college motto, Serving God, Striving For Excellence, reflects our dedication to faith, integrity, and service. We are a community living and growing in the Catholic faith. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ are the foundation of all that we undertake.
Students value our multi-cultural community. Alongside academic excellence, we offer a wide sporting and extracurricular programme, with facilities including a large sports hall on site and playing fields at Battersea Park. I warmly invite you to visit and experience the standards, values and opportunities that make St Thomas More Language College such a special place, inspiring your child to achieve their best and prepare for the future. Dr Trevor Papworth BSc (Hons), MA, MBA, PhD, PGCE, NPQH Headteacher
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OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY FAITH IN ACTION
We are a Catholic community dedicated to the formation and achievement of all of our students, so that they can grow and flourish in faith and love as they are accompanied on their educational journey. As a community of learners, we aim to educate students to live justly in their own lives and to strive for peace and justice for others, putting their faith into action. Students are encouraged to act compassionately within the College, the local community, and wider society. We want their gifts and talents to be developed and celebrated, both for themselves and for the benefit of others. To support this, students are given opportunities to showcase their Godgiven potential and develop leadership skills through a variety of projects. As a College community, we support charities at the international, national, and local level, giving students the chance to contribute to meaningful causes and make a positive impact on the world.
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“Serving God, Striving for Excellence”
- The College Motto
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
IMPORTANT LINKS
HOW TO APPLY
Please read our admission arrangements before completing the form.
We strongly encourage prospective families to attend one of our open events, where you can meet staff and students, explore our facilities, and learn more about school life at St Thomas More Language College.
PRIMARY TO SECONDARY TRANSITION
For the current secondary transfer process our Open Evenings are:
Wednesday 23 September 2026 Thursday 1 October 2026 Wednesday 7 October 2026
The supplementary form must be completed by the parent/carer and returned to the school by 31 October 2026. Your Borough’s E-admissions form must be returned to the Borough by 31 October 2026.
Open Evenings will start at 4.00pm until 6.00pm. The Head Teacher, Dr Papworth and Associate Headteacher, Dr Lanigan will deliver a presentation at 4.30pm and 5.30pm on each evening. All documents needed to apply to St Thomas More Language College can be found by clicking on the links in the sidebar of this page.
Click here to view the Admissions policy Click here to view the Supplementary Information Form Apply Here
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CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
OUR KEY STAGE 3 Adaptive teaching, tailored support and a strong focus on wellbeing ensures that everychild can thrive. St Thomas More Language College offers a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum for all our pupils which includes: English Mathematics Science Theology MFL (French or Spanish) Art Computing Design Technology
Food & Nutrition Geography History Music PHSCEE Physical Education Computer science
Further information on the school’s curriculum offer may be found here.
PSHEE & Citizenship PSHEE provides students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to play an effective role in society. Through lessons on relationships, health, wellbeing, and citizenship, students learn to grow in confidence and take responsibility for themselves and others.
“Leaders ensure that pupils study a broad curriculum throughout their time at school. “ - Ofsted Report, May 2022 (p. 2)
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From Year 7, students begin to build a portfolio that reflects their journey, with achievements recognised through certificates and rewards at Key Stages 3 & 4.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT We support every student to grow into a confident, compassionate and capable young person, rooted in Gospel values and prepared for life beyond school.
A POSITIVE START IN YEAR 7 Students at St Thomas More Language College feel safe, happy and supported, through clear policies that are consistently applied by all members of the school community. We place great emphasis on helping Year 7 students settle in and feel part of our community from day one. Through structured routines, pastoral care and a strong PSHE curriculum, students are guided to grow in confidence, responsibility and independence. Early opportunities for leadership, service and reflection help lay the foundations for future success. All pupils have a personal tutor who overseas their academic, social and emotional wellbeing.
HOME LEARNING AND STUDY SKILLS Independent learning is introduced early on, with Year 7 students supported to develop good habits and time management. A clear home learning timetable is provided for all students, alongside access to MS Teams, and structured tasks help students manage thier workload. Support is available for those who need it, and home learning is regularly monitored and rewarded.
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FUTURE PATHWAYS CAREERS EDUCATION AND EMPLOYABILITY
After their GCSEs our leavers pursue a diverse range of destinations that reflect their individual aspirations, strengths, and career goals. Destinations include: The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College The Twyford Group Apprenticeships Training Opportunities For those students wishing to pursue ALevels, St Thomas More’s membership of the Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust gives them an extra beneficial position in the over subscription criteria for entry to the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School Sixth Form. The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 recognised The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School as one of the top ten Comprehensive Schools in London for A Levels.
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‘A wide range of high-quality opportunities for the spiritual and moral development of pupils results in a holistic education that is supporting pupils to discern their unique vocation.’ - Catholic Schools Inspection, 2025
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Almost every curriculum area offers additional lessons or learning opportunities. The activities range from sports, exchange visits to France and Spain, music and drama clubs to debating teams and The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award. Our Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme has been recognised as an example of best practice nationally. This year national and international education leaders visited the College to see the programme first hand. Wider learning participation develops communication skills, self-confidence, leadership and the ability to work with others in a team.
WHAT WE OFFER Articulation Project Workshops at Leeds University Brilliant Club trip to Oxford University Cadogan Hall trip Choir Debating Club DofE Bronze & Silver Expeditions Europe Day at Europe House Film Club Gardening Club GCSE Geography Field trips Humanities Newspaper Maths Outside the Classroom Orchestra Saatchi Gallery STEM Skills Fair Translation Bee UK Parliament Education Centre Year 10 Ecology Trip Year 7 visit to the Tower of London
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THE HOUSE SYSTEM HOWARD
SHERWIN
FISHER
MAYNE
CAMPION
At St Thomas More Language College, every student and member of staff belongs to one of five Houses, each named after a Catholic martyr from the time of St Thomas More. These saints, known as the English Martyrs, remained faithful during times of religious persecution. Their example inspires our school community to live with courage, service, and faith. The House System brings fun, friendly competition, and a strong sense of community to school life. It encourages students to recognise their strengths, work together, and take pride in their contributions. HOUSE COMPETITIONS AND SPORTS DAY Throughout the year, houses compete in various events to earn points and build team spirit. The highlight is Sports Day at Battersea Park, where houses compete for the Sports Day Shield. The house with the most points wins the House Cup and is named House Champion. House points are awarded to students in recognition of positive contributions to school life. These may include home learning, effort, volunteering, articulation, and attendance. Other notable achievements, such as participation in Mass, after-school clubs, or sports teams, are also recognised. Students receive milestone rewards and badges to recognise their achievement as they collect house points. In addition to the House system, teachers nominate a number of students each week as Students of the Week. These students receive House points and a badge in recognition of their achievement. The Headteachers’ Commendation is also awarded weekly to students who have demonstrated exceptional effort, achievement, or contribution to school life.
“We have so many opportunities for trips and after-school or before-school clubs. We have so much choice. We are so lucky to have such an amazing school and community.”
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- Alessandra, Current Year 7 pupil
STUDENT SUPPORT
PASTORAL SUPPORT Students in Year 7 are placed in one of four forms: 7CPO 7FCL 7HAM 7SRK The form tutor and Heads of Year provide daily support to the students. They work closely with families to create an inclusive environment where students feel safe, valued and understood to allow academic and personal growth. We place great emphasis on the home-school partnership and parents and carers may contact the Head of Year, SENCO and DSL via the main switchboard at any time.
“St Thomas More is a warm and welcoming community with positive relationships seen throughout the school. Both pupils and staff reflect that the school community is a family. Pupils are flourishing in this environment.”
“Transition day was amazing and I met some good friends. I found the teachers really understanding and kind throughout Year 7 and I made a lot of friends."
- Catholic Schools Inspectorate 2025
- Gustavo Year 7 pupil
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INCLUSION AND SEND SUPPORTING EVERY LEARNER All staff work tirelessly to remove barriers to learning. Where work or pastoral concerns are identified, intervention is rapid. We have a widely acknowledged track record of working effectively with students and families, to overcome issues as they emerge.
LEARNING SUPPORT Our Learning Support Department provides tailored support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), helping them to thrive academically and personally. We celebrate every student’s strengths and are committed to building confidence, independence, and a love of learning. Our SENDCo is always happy to talk with parents and carers about the support available. We are dedicated to helping all students reach their full academic potential while fostering resilience, curiosity, and personal growth.
“We have an immense respect and gratitude for the school community and its members, you have made a difference to our son’s life.”
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- Year 11 parent
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Click here to start your journey!
We warmly invite you to visit St Thomas More Language College and experience first hand the welcoming, vibrant, and aspirational atmosphere of our college community. For further information, admissions details, or to arrange a tour, please contact our college office or visit our website to find out more.
SAINT JOHN SOUTHWORTH CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST We are proud to be part of the Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust, whose mission is to create a supportive community of schools that helps students grow. Its motto, Omnia in Uno - Everything in One - reflects our unity in God and our shared purpose. Our schools celebrate diversity while fostering the formation, faith, and development of every student, following the example of Saint John Southworth in service, dignity, and perseverance.
GETTING HERE By Tube: We are just a 5 minute walk from Sloane Square Station, served by the District and Circle lines and South Kensington Station served by the Circle, District and Piccadilly lines. By Bus: We are a 5 minute walk from Duke of York Square (Stop G), served by several routes including the 11, 19, 22 and 319. Many of our students travel from neighbouring boroughs such as Lambeth, Southwark, Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The journey is direct and manageable, and the area around the school is safe, calm, and well connected.
SCHOOL DAY TIMINGS The school is open from 8am for Breakfast Club. The school day begins at 8:30am, registration is at 8:45am, the school day finishes at 3:15pm and there are after school activities, clubs and intervention sessions afterwards. The school closes at 5pm. Catholic Academy Trust
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Cadogan Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 2QS 0207 589 9734 www.stmlc.co.uk
St Thomas More
Language College
info@stmo.sjscat.co.uk stmlc_info St Thomas More Language College