Joy and Pride as St Thomas Cantilupe CE School Praised in Glowing Inspection
There were many smiles at St Thomas Cantilupe Church of England Primary School this week after the school received a SIAMS report describing it as “a beacon of hope and light for the diverse community it serves.”
The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS), carried out on September 24th, praised the Hereford city school for its life-changing vision to “enable every child to shine bright their light” — a message inspired by Matthew 5:14–16.
The report highlighted the school’s strong Christian character, outstanding inclusivity, and the way its values of love, perseverance, and unity are lived out daily by pupils and staff. It found that “St Thomas Cantilupe is living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish.”
Inspectors said:
“The school’s life-changing vision drives every aspect of its work. St Thomas Cantilupe is a beacon of hope and light for the diverse community it serves. Pupils and adults flourish because of exceptional care.”
“Inclusion of pupils and their families is exemplary. The curriculum and the teaching of it are adapted to meet the needs of individuals. This enables pupils to overcome barriers to learning. Pupils and adults are encouraged and supported to let their light shine in their own unique way. The impact of this provision is transformative.”
Headteacher, Asha Begley said she was “immensely proud” of the recognition.
“Our vision to let every child ‘shine bright their light’ is at the heart of everything we do,” she said. “We are thrilled that the report reflects the warmth, inclusivity, and Christian distinctiveness that make our school so special. This result is a testament to our children, staff, families, and church community, all working together in love and unity.”
The school, part of the Diocese of Hereford Multi-Academy Trust (DHMAT), was also commended for its inspiring collective worship, ambitious curriculum, and commitment to justice and advocacy. Pupils were praised for “passionately challenging all forms of injustice, instigating action with determination” The report further states “theircompassionate response to being advocates of change is quite extraordinary. They seek to make a difference to their world.”Religious education (RE), enriched by the school’s culture days was said to be “… the cornerstone of the strong and respectful relationships. Teaching and learning are consistently of high quality. As a result, pupils demonstrate impressive religious literacy, articulating their understanding with confidence, respect, and insight.”
CEO of DHMAT, Andrew Teale, congratulated the school on its success:
“St Thomas Cantilupe is a shining example of what it means to live out a Christian vision in education. The school’s commitment to inclusion, compassion and excellence is changing lives every day. We are incredibly proud of the STC team — this report celebrates a community where spirituality, hope and learning truly flourish.”
Parents also shared their delight at the outcome.
“You feel the love and care the moment you walk through the door. The teachers really do help every child to ‘shine bright their light.’ This report confirms what we already know — it’s a wonderful place to grow and learn.”
“STC is all about how we can create beautiful human beings. They go the extra mile.”
The report noted that “Collective worship is inspirational and uplifting,” uniting the school community through “joyful singing and meaningful moments of reflection.” It also praised the school’s partnership with Hereford Cathedral, which has enriched spiritual life through joint choral events and worship opportunities.
Asha Begley added:
“Our children really do let their light shine. We’re delighted that the SIAMS inspection has recognised the difference that family, love and community make in our school every day.”
The full report can be read here: St Thomas Cantilupe Church of England Primary School – Our Church School Ethos and Values or SIAMS Inspection Reports | The Church of England
This year St Thomas Cantilupe CE Primary became the first school in Herefordshire to secure four significant awards for inclusion, global citizenship, children’s rights, and sustainability. The school was recognised with the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM), the Global Neighbours Award, the Silver Rights Respecting Schools Award, and the Green Flag Award (Distinction). It also held the first ever, school’s Hay Festival residency and supported Hereford in Bloom. These achievements are a testament to its commitment to excellence in education and community impact.
If your child is starting school in September 2026, you are invited to book a personal tour by contacting the admin team via:
website www.st-thomascantilupe.org
email: admin@st-thomascantilupe.hereford.sch.uk ortelephone 01432 268400
Follow the school on BlueSky @st-thomascantilupe.bsky.social
