St Thomas Academy, Worcestershire

Infobox high school
name= Saint Thomas Academy
native_name=
latin_name=
motto = "Ex Umbris in Veritatem" (Out of Darkness into Truth)
established = September 8, 1975
type = Public School (Private Education)
Rector= Dr Henry Jones MBE
headmaster = Thomas B. Mittard, Ph.D.
asst. headmaster = Simon K. Hardcastle Ph.D
dean of students = Dr Michael H. Byrnes
enrollment = 600
Nearest City/Town = Oldbury
County = Worcestershire
country = England- Worcestershire
colours = Red and White
affiliations = Anglican Communion

Saint Thomas Academy (abbr. St. Thomas Academy or STA). It is located in Worcestershire and although it is located firmly in rural surroundings it is just 3.4 miles south of Oldbury. The Academy acts as a boarding school strictly only for boys, years 1 through 13. However the Academy does offer 'foundation Stage 1', & 'Full-time foundation stage 2' which serves for youngsters aged 3-5. The Academy takes the form of a three-tier schooling system after reception, commonly known as Lower School (First School), Middle School, and Upper School (with Sixth form).

History

Being amongst Englands more recently established Public schools, it receives a lesser number of students vis a vis some of its larger counterparts in other parts of the Home Counties. Established during the Labour government of Harold Wilson it initially symbolised the discontent with government policy of introducing a 'Nation Comprehensive System'. Starting off with a modest 270 students, it initially only served as a boarding for both Secondary Education key stages plus sixth form (year 12, 13). Notable names amongst those who established the Academy include Sir Burke Trent (later Baron Trent), Secretary to the Cabinet 1963-1973).

It is notable for its 'Conserative Student Society' which emerged not long after the Academy was established, around 1976. This symbolises an apparent permanent link to the Conservative Party, which can best be explained by the context in which the School was founded. Indeed it was not till 1987 that a competing Labour Student Association was created, at the latter part of Margaret Thatchers years in downing street.

Not averse to attracting controversy, as in 1999 the Board of Inspectors for Independent Schools issued a warning to the Academy executive Board accusing "improper entry procedures" that seemed to "act deliberately against the interests of Students of ethnic minorities". This warning, however, found its' way to the tabloid paper 'The Sun', which subsequently ran an article about the 'overt discrimination inherent in 'Public' education'. The damage failed to prove detrimental, yet in 2003 the Academy Executive Board agreed to reserve approximately 50 places for non-fee paying ethnic students; receiving a government grant to recoup costs. Further controversy featured in 2006 when the then rector Peter Smith-Kelly Ph.D was caught off record as saying anti-Semitic remarks about the Jewish population. After two weeks of the article becoming public knowledge, he subesquently retired at 57. Two years short of the standard retirement age of the Rectorship.

Traditions

Every day, at start of classes all students are required through convention to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen. Teachers are required to lead this first thing every week day morning.

Once a year a remembrance ceremony is carried out upon the anniversaries of WWI & WWII. This features a senior student reading the Prayer, and the Schools Anglican Priest leading the ceremony in Trent Hall (named after Baron Trent, a school founder).

All students (unless otherwise excused by staff) are expected to attend the Sunday service. This is an important aspect of the Academy's link to the Anglican Communion. Exceptions are made for those with religious grounds for objection, however approximately 93% of students attend these Sunday services.

Sports and activities

Known to align with particular sports such as Rugby, Cricket, Swimming. Present Cricket "Stanley Cup" holders, a championship for all independent school cricketing teams in Worcestershire. Have won the cup five times: 1976, 1980, 1995, 2000, and Present 2007 champions.