St Thomas More Language College Year 7 Booklet

Catholic Academy Trust

SERVING GOD, STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

ST THOMAS MORE LANGUAGE COLLEGE

YEAR 7 BOOKLET 2026/2027

HEADTEACHER’S WELCOME HEADTEACHER’S WELCOME

Choosing the right secondary school is one of the most important decisions Catholic parents will make. These years play a vital role in shaping not only a young person’s academic future, but also their character, faith, and vocation.

Parents and students are looking for a school where young people feel supported. A school where academic standards are high, achievement is celebrated, pastoral care is outstanding and faith is nurtured alongside learning. They also want a school that prepares students for adult life and encourages them to recognise their God-given gifts and the vocation to which they are called. I am proud to say that St Thomas More Language College provides exactly that, a strength recognised by both Ofsted and the Diocese.

At the heart of our College is a strong partnership between home, College, and parish. We know that when we work together, our students thrive. Guided by our mission of Serving God and Striving for Excellence, we are committed to helping every young person fulfil their potential and become the person God created them to be.

Our students benefit from a rich and diverse Catholic curriculum, dedicated and highly skilled staff, and a culture of high expectations. Above all, they are part of a community rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, where Gospel values are lived out each day through respect, service, compassion, and a commitment to excellence.

We are proud to be part of the Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust, which we joined in September 2024. The Trust brings together Catholic schools that share a vision and commitment to providing an outstanding Catholic education for the foration and achievement of all of our pupils.

Through this partnership, we continue to strengthen the opportunities available to our students so that they are equipped to flourish both academically and personally.

On behalf of our staff and the Trust, I warmly welcome you to our College community and look forward to the opportunity of working with you and your family in the years ahead.

Many Thanks & God Bless, Dr T Papworth (Ph.D., MBA, NPQH, MA) Headteacher Saint Thomas More Language College

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GETTING READY FOR SEPTEMBER GETTING READY FOR SEPTEMBER In preparation for your child’s transfer to St Thomas More Language College, here is some key information:

VISITING THE COLLEGE VISITING THE COLLEGE

If you wish to meet with a member of staff, a prior appointment must be made either by telephone or letter. On the day of the appointment, all parents must report to Reception. The College operates a “no chewing gum policy” which applies to all students and visitors.

TELEPHONE TELEPHONE

Emergency messages can be given to pupils via the College Office. Mobile phones are NOT permitted on site, if they are SEEN, they will be confiscated.

PAYMENTS

TRAVEL PASS

PAYMENTS

TRAVEL PASS All pupils are eligible for an 11-15 Zip Oyster Photocard, which must be obtained from Transport for London.

Their website is: https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-anddiscounted-travel/11-15-zip-oysterphotocard

The Arbor Parent App is our method for all school payments. Registration details will be provided before the start of term.

Please note that payments cannot be made at the College Office.

ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS BOOKLET ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS BOOKLET Term Dates 2026-2027

The Uniform List

Data Protection

Saint Thomas More Language College

Parental Consents

Arbor Parent App

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TERM DATES 2026/2027 TERM DATES 2026/2027 Autumn Term Staff Training (INSET) Day

Thursday 3rd September 2026 & Friday 4th September 2026

Term Begins

Year 7 Only: Monday 7th September 2026 Whole school returns: Tuesday 8th September

Half Term

Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October 2026 (Inclusive)

Term Ends

Friday 18th December 2026

Christmas Holiday

Monday 21st December 2026 – Friday 1st January 2027

Staff Training (INSET) Day Monday 4th January 2027 Term Begins Tuesday 5th January 2027 Half Term

Monday 15th February – Friday 19th February (Inclusive)

Term Ends

Thursday 25th March 2027

Easter Holiday

Friday 26th March 2027 – Friday 9th April 2027

Summer Term Term Begins

Monday 12th April 2027

May Day Bank Holiday

Monday 3rd May 2027

Half Term

Monday 31st May – Friday 4th June 2027 (Inclusive)

Term Ends

Friday 16th July 2027

Saint Thomas More Language College

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UNIFORM UNIFORM

At St Thomas More Language College, we are proud to be a uniform-wearing College. We expect a high level of professional dress at all times, which reflects our ethos as a Catholic college, our ‘Articulation Project’, that seeks to Serve God and Strive for Excellence in everything we do.

Full college uniform applies to and from the college at all times. It must always be worn correctly at all times. All members of the community must uphold and abide by this policy. The governing body will monitor its impact and have the right to modify it.

Our uniform can be purchased from School Uniform Direct, our uniform supplier; their website is: www.schooluniformdirect.co.uk Hairstyles for boys and girls must be neat.

Boys' hair must be of uniform length all over.

No designs, dye or extreme styles are permitted.

Full details of the uniform policy can be found on the STMLC Website.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT FOR ALL STUDENTS GENERAL EQUIPMENT FOR ALL STUDENTS Transparent pencil case Black/blue pens Green Pen Red pen for underlining Highlighter Pencils (at least 2) Rubber, Ruler, Sharpener

Calculator (scientific) Student Planner (to replace it will cost £10) Bible (The Gideon Society will provide all students with a bible [NT]) Geometry Set Novel/Book

If you are unsure whether an item meets our uniform policy, please contact the College before purchasing. Students who do not comply with the policy may be sent home, internally excluded or have prohibited items confiscated.

Saint Thomas More Language College

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UNIFORM LIST UNIFORM LIST ITEM

BOYS

GIRLS

Jacket

The College PE jacket/windbreaker with The College PE jacket/windbreaker with the school crest may be worn as a school the school crest may be worn as a school coat, or a plain black waterproof coat. coat, or a plain black waterproof coat.

Blazer

Plain black blazer with the school Plain black blazer with the school badge on the breast pocket. This must badge on the breast pocket. This must be worn every day with sleeves down. be worn every day with sleeves down.

Shirt

White or grey shirt, tucked into trousers White shirt tucked into the skirt with the at all times. The top button must be top button fastened. fastened.

Plain dark grey or black full-length suit trousers, worn on the waist with a belt.

Trousers Jeans, canvas trousers, leggings, tracksuit bottoms and cords are not permitted.

Plain dark grey or black fitted full-length suit trousers, worn on the waist with a belt. Jeans, canvas trousers, leggings, tracksuit bottoms and cords are not permitted. Students wearing trousers must also wear a shirt and tie.

Skirt

Grey pleated knee-length skirt, worn on the waist.

Jumper

Plain grey V-neck jumper. No other style Plain grey V-neck jumper. No other style of jumper or cardigan is permitted. of jumper or cardigan is permitted.

Socks & Plain black or grey socks.

Tights

Plain black opaque tights with winter uniform. Black or grey socks must be worn with trousers.

Shoes

Black leather shoes with black soles.

Trainers, Converse, canvas shoes and boots are not permitted. Laces must be plain black with no coloured laces or tags.

Tie

The school tie must be worn at all times. The school tie must be worn at all times.

The top button must be fastened to The top button must be fastened to ensure the clip-on tie sits correctly. ensure the clip-on tie sits correctly.

School Bag

Plain black rucksack with minimal branding. Plastic drawstring bags and small Nike "Just Do It" bags are not permitted.

Saint Thomas More Language College

Black flat-heeled leather shoes with black soles. Trainers, Converse, canvas shoes and boots are not permitted. Laces must be plain black with no coloured laces or tags.

Plain black rucksack with minimal branding. Plastic drawstring bags and small Nike "Just Do It" bags are not permitted.

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UNIFORM LIST UNIFORM LIST

SUMMER UNIFORM (GIRLS ONLY) Students will be advised when summer uniform is permitted.

Summer uniform items cannot be mixed and matched i.e., students wearing trousers must also wear a shirt and tie.

Skirts

Grey pleated knee-length skirt, worn on the waist.

Shirts

During the summer uniform period, an open-neck white blouse may be worn.

Socks

White ankle socks may be worn

PE KIT STMLC Black tracksuit bottoms with logo or Plain black shorts STMLC t-shirt with logo STMLC zip top with logo Change of socks (white) Trainers

The College reserves the right to ban certain unforeseen items/hairstyles that may come in as fads or fashion items and therefore are not specifically stated in our uniform code.

Requests for uniform variations for medical, religious or cultural reasons will be considered individually. The only compulsory branded items are the blazer and PE kit.

Second-hand uniform is available on request.

Saint Thomas More Language College

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GDPR GDPR

Before your child joins us, there are a few important forms and permissions that need to be completed.

These help us keep your child's information up to date, ensure their safety and wellbeing, and enable them to take part in College life from their very first day.

ADDITIONAL PARENTAL CONSENTS ADDITIONAL PARENTAL CONSENTS

Alongside this booklet, you will need to complete an online information form via Applicaa and submit it to the College.

You will also be asked to complete several additional consent forms, including: Administering First Aid Copyright Permission Data Exchange Internet Access College Visit Permission Sex Education Student Photograph & Image Consent Connexions Consent Cashless Catering System Consent Emergency Medical Consent Attendance at Off-site Sports Fixtures

Saint Thomas More Language College

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GDPR GDPR

DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY As part of the St John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust (SJSCAT), St Thomas More Language College follows the Trust's Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices. These documents explain how personal information is collected, used, stored and shared in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

The Trust's policies are available at: https://www.sjscat.co.uk/Policies/ The College processes most pupil information under the lawful basis that processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the College. This enables us to fulfil our statutory responsibilities for educating, supporting and safeguarding our students.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND MEDIA CONSENT PHOTOGRAPHY AND MEDIA CONSENT The College may take photographs or videos of students during lessons, educational visits, sports fixtures and other school activities to celebrate achievement and promote College life.

With your consent, images may be used for: Displays within the College.

College publications, newsletters and website.

College promotional materials.

College archives.

Local and national media.

Publications and websites of trusted partner organisations.

Photography by approved commercial photographers.

Please note that your child's photograph may be stored on the College's Management Information System (MIS) for identification, safeguarding and administrative purposes. This forms part of our statutory duties and does not require parental consent.

Saint Thomas More Language College

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GDPR GDPR

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

The College is legally required to share certain pupil information with the Department for Education (DfE).

This information is used to: Determine school funding; Monitor educational performance; Support national education policy; and Contribute to educational research.

Information may be stored within the National Pupil Database (NPD) and shared by the DfE with authorised organisations in accordance with data protection legislation.

Further information is available at: School data collections: https://www.gov.uk/education/datacollection-and-censuses-for-schools National Pupil Database: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-pupildatabase-npd-privacy-notice/national-pupil-database-npdprivacy-notice DfE data sharing: https://www.gov.uk/data-protection-how-wecollect-and-share-research-data Subject Access Requests: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-foreducation/about/personal-information-charter

Saint Thomas More Language College

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GDPR GDPR

INTERNET AND DIGITAL LEARNING INTERNET AND DIGITAL LEARNING Students are expected to use the College's IT systems, email and internet access responsibly and in accordance with the College's Acceptable Use Policy.

By providing consent, parents and carers acknowledge that: Students will use College technology responsibly; The College monitors network use to ensure safe and appropriate access; Internet filtering systems are in place, although no filtering system can remove all unsuitable content; and Parents and carers share responsibility for promoting safe online behaviour outside of College.

Saint Thomas More Language College

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FREE SCHOOL MEALS FREE SCHOOL MEALS

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Our Free School Meals Checking Service provides a quick and easy way to check whether your child is eligible for free school meals. Simply visit www.fsm.lgfl.net and complete the online eligibility check.

HOW IT WORKS HOW IT WORKS

After entering a few details, the system securely checks your eligibility against the Department for Education database and provides an immediate Yes or No response.

This online service removes the need to apply in person and allows the school to process your application quickly if you are eligible. Once your eligibility has been confirmed, there is no need to reapply each year, as the school can recheck your eligibility when required.

WHY APPLY? WHY APPLY?

Your child will get a nutritious lunchtime meal every day and every successful application helps unlock additional funding for St Thomas More Language College. This funding enables the College to invest in additional staff, equipment, learning resources and enrichment opportunities that benefit all pupils.

A THANK YOU FROM LGFL A THANK YOU FROM LGFL

As a thank you for using the checking service, all parents at LGfL-connected schools can register to receive free Sophos Antivirus Software to help protect the computers used by pupils at home. Registration is quick and straightforward, with no advertising or obligation to purchase anything.

YOUR INFORMATION YOUR INFORMATION

All information submitted is stored securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act. If you have any questions, please contact the College Office at info@stmo.sjscat.co.uk.

Saint Thomas More Language College

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ARBOR ARBOR

Our preferred method of payment is online via the Arbor Parent App. You will receive further information about the app and how to register closer to the start of term. Please note that purchases and payments cannot be made at the College Office.

All pupils will be issued with a Dinner Card, which provides access to the Dining Hall.

Replacement cards cost £10 and can be paid for via the Arbor Parent App. Pupils must have their Dinner Card with them to purchase a meal, and credit can be added to the card through the Arbor Parent App. A full school meal costs approximately £2.53 and must be paid for in advance. A breaktime service is also available, with individual items charged separately to your child's Dinner Card. Please note that this is separate from the cost of a school meal.

There is a daily maximum spend limit of £6.00. If your child spends more than £4.00 during morning break, they will not be able to purchase a school dinner that day.

You may be entitled to Free School Meals. Please complete the enclosed Free School Meal form to check your eligibility and return it to the College Office with proof of entitlement.

Saint Thomas More Language College

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MUSIC LESSONS MUSIC LESSONS

Instrumental lessons are available at St Thomas More Language College, providing pupils with a fantastic opportunity to discover the enjoyment and lifelong benefits of learning a musical instrument.

Lessons are currently available in piano (classical and pop), drums, guitar, bass guitar, violin, saxophone, flute, clarinet and singing.

Each lesson lasts 30 minutes and takes place once a week during the College day.

Lessons are delivered on a rotating timetable, ensuring that pupils do not miss the same lesson each week. Teaching staff are aware of this arrangement.

All instrumental lessons are delivered by experienced professional musicians from the Tri-Borough Music Hub, ensuring your child receives high-quality specialist tuition.

LESSONS COST THE FOLLOWING: PAIRED LESSONS FOR THE YEAR 30 x 30-minute lessons cost £330, split into equal payments of £110 across three terms.

INDIVIDUAL LESSONS FOR THE YEAR 30 x 30-minute lessons cost £660, split into equal payments of £220 across three terms.

A limited number of instruments are available to borrow. Where these are unavailable, instruments can be hired through the Tri-Borough Music Hub. Please note that a full half-term's notice is required if you wish to withdraw your son/daughter from instrumental lessons. Flexible payment plans are also available.

If you would like your son/daughter to begin instrumental lessons next academic year, please complete the form below.

Please submit the completed form by Friday 17th July 2026. Payment details will be provided at a later date.

Saint Thomas More Language College

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THE GIVING FROM THE HEART FUND THE GIVING FROM THE HEART FUND At St Thomas More, we are committed to providing every student with the opportunities they need to thrive.

The Giving from the Heart Fund helps support educational visits, enrichment activities, pastoral initiatives and other experiences that enhance College life beyond what government funding can provide.

During your family's time at St Thomas More, we hope you will support the fund through a one-off annual gift or regular donation.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue providing exceptional opportunities for our students.

£20 Your £20 monthly donation

Equals 5 coffees That’s only one coffee a week!

£50 Your £50 monthly donation

Equals 12 coffees

Saint Thomas More Language College

FIND OUT MORE

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PLEDGE FORM PLEDGE FORM Let us know if you would like to make a gift.

I understand that this gift will be used by The Saint John Southworth Foundation for the benefit of St Thomas More Language College.

I would like to make a voluntary gift: I pledge a monthly/annual amount of £________ over ________ years for a total gift of £________OR I would like to make a one off gift of £________.

Title First name Surname Address Postcode Telephone Email

Signature Date Increase the value of your donation at no additional cost to you:

Yes, I am a UK taxpayer and I want to gift aid this donation, any donation I make in the future and any donations made in the past 4 years to The Saint John Southworth Foundation.

PAYMENT OPTIONS: Standing orders or direct transfers can be made using the school’s bank details below.

Account name: SJSF St Thomas More Association Sort Code: 30-93-79 Account Number: 23866968 Bank Name: Lloyds Bank Payment reference: Please include ‘STMO’ and your initial and surname as reference Please tell us the date of your first online payment: Completed forms should be emailed to development@sjscat.co.uk or handed in to the College Office.

Saint John Southworth Foundation. 89 Addison Road, London W14 8BZ. Charity Registration: 1121531

SERVING GOD, STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

Catholic Academy Trust

Cadogan Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 2QS

stmlc.co.uk

info@stmo.sjscat.co.uk