St James' Catholic Primary School
millom, LA18 4AS · Cumberland · primary school
Check the area around this school
54th of 119 primary schools in Cumberland we can score, 145 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 the 3,905 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.6/10 among them, against 3.4/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 40% | 1.97 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
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, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, matching the national median of 64%. However, 0.0% reached the higher standard, compared to the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.6 out of 10 among them, against 3.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Drama, Netball, and Choir clubs, with the school choir performing in the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain. Sports include cricket, football, rugby, dance, gymnastics, swimming, climbing, and tennis. Trips visit theatres, the Brathay Trust Outward Bound Centre, and indoor climbing centres. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 186 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for pupils who need extra help in maths? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about St James' Catholic Primary School
Overview
St James’ Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school. Leaders maintain a clear, inclusive vision with high expectations for pupil achievement and conduct. The school fosters a calm, happy environment where pupils feel safe and are well prepared for future stages of education.
Strengths
- Pupils are described as “kind, caring and well mannered,” contributing to a strong sense of calm and feeling confident to speak to staff about worries.
- The curriculum is well-designed, with teachers making clear links between subjects like geography, science, and mathematics to deepen understanding.
- Phonics are taught effectively, ensuring most pupils have the foundations to read fluently and accurately, with well-matched books supporting progress.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are fully included and supported by staff who receive detailed training on their specific needs.
- Leaders provide a wide range of activities and trips, such as visits to London and Coniston, which help pupils develop confidence and resilience.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, teachers’ subject knowledge is less secure, causing them to miss opportunities to address pupil misconceptions. Leaders must ensure teachers receive support to accurately identify and address these gaps.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving necessary training to identify risks and promptly reporting concerns to leaders who respond in a timely manner.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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