St James Catholic Primary School
Birmingham, B45 9BN · Birmingham · primary school
Check the area around this school
5th of 258 primary schools in Birmingham we can score, 291 in total — the rest without enough published data. 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 — 9.7/10 against 3,495 of them, against 9.4/10 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 | 93.0 · 99 | 40% | 3.95 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St James Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 93.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to a national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 17.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in November 2023. 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 (9.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 210 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 do not reach the higher standard in their core subjects? What does a typical day look like for a child in the final year of primary education? How does the school maintain its Outstanding rating in terms of daily teaching quality?
What Ofsted said about St James Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where “all pupils spoken to said how much they enjoy school” and feel safe due to strong leadership. Leaders are “very ambitious for all pupils to do as well as they can,” resulting in high achievement, particularly in reading and mathematics, for all groups including disadvantaged pupils.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “very well sequenced” with strong interlinks between subjects, ensuring pupils make “very rapid gains in their learning.”
- Teachers possess “excellent subject knowledge” and use “highly effective and targeted questioning” to check understanding and address misconceptions.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are fully included, with skilled adaptations ensuring they “access the same learning as their peers.”
- Reading standards are “very high for all pupils” by Year 6, supported by consistent phonics application and early intervention.
- Pupils demonstrate “very positive relationships” with adults and peers, showing respect for different backgrounds and taking on responsibilities such as serving lunch.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 90% |
| 2023/24 | 90% |
| 2024/25 | 93% |
| 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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