Lift St James the Great
East Malling, ME19 6SD · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
100th of 425 primary schools in Kent we can score, 460 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.4/10 against 854 of them, against 8.0/10 nationally. 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 | 79.0 · 86 | 40% | 3.43 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Lift St James the Great overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 11.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in October 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 176 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year?
What Ofsted said about Lift St James the Great
Overview
St James the Great Academy continues to be a good school, where pupils enjoy attending and feel safe. The report highlights a caring environment with positive relationships, noting that pupils are happy and adults keep them secure. Leaders work closely with the trust to provide an inspiring curriculum that encourages pupils to ‘choose a remarkable life’.
Strengths
- Pupils form positive relationships and show ‘genuine compassion for one another’, enjoying opportunities such as walking the school dog.
- The curriculum is broad and matches pupil needs well, including learning about diversity through subjects like art.
- Staff receive coaching to refine teaching, creating a culture where staff feel supported and workloads are manageable.
- Pupils develop into confident and fluent readers, with targeted support ensuring those who fall behind catch up quickly.
- Teachers help pupils gain knowledge in most subjects by encouraging them to draw on previous learning, such as through quizzes.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must ensure adaptations are made to help pupils with SEND access learning alongside peers in all subjects, particularly those recently reviewed.
- Leaders need to ensure the school’s approach to questioning is implemented consistently across all subjects so pupils develop their understanding well enough.
Safeguarding
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 | 80% |
| 2024/25 | 79% |
| 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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