Graham James Primary Academy
Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 7ES · Thurrock · primary school
Check the area around this school
15th of 39 primary schools in Thurrock we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 6.8/10 against 4,083 of them, against 6.6/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 67.0 · 57 | 62% | 3.50 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 38% | 3.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Graham James Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 14.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (6.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the choir and Young Voices, attend a residential trip, and can access a breakfast club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 461 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who do not reach the expected standard in their final year? What specific activities are included in the residential trip? How is the breakfast club structured for early arrivals?
What Ofsted said about Graham James Primary Academy
Overview
Pupils at Graham James Primary Academy are described as “kind and polite” who “enjoy their learning” and embrace the school’s values. The report highlights a “broad and rich curriculum” and “highly positive” relationships between staff and pupils, creating an environment where children feel safe and supported.
Strengths
- The early years provision is rated Outstanding, with “exceptional” ambition and support that helps children become “independent and respectful.”
- Reading is central to the curriculum; staff teach phonics “skilfully,” resulting in pupils who are “confident readers” and achieve “extremely well.”
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is effective, with staff skilled at identifying needs and making “effective adaptations” to help pupils access learning.
- Pupils benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, including trips and community work, which enrich their character and cultural awareness.
- Leaders and trustees are committed to staff well-being, ensuring workload is managed and that staff feel “well supported.”
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, staff do not consistently use assessment to tailor tasks to pupils’ needs, meaning some pupils “do not learn subject content as securely as they could.”
- The school should ensure all teachers consistently check pupils’ understanding to provide clear feedback and appropriate activities, preventing pupils from missing opportunities to extend their learning.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 72% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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