St James' Church of England Primary Academy
Bournemouth, BH7 6DW · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole · primary school
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16th of 50 primary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole we can score, 66 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 — 7.4/10 against 3,948 of them, against 7.1/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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' Church of England Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 17.0% achieved it, 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 (7.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a boys' club, Lego therapy, football, and netball. The school also provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 404 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 maths? What specific activities take place during the Lego therapy sessions?
What Ofsted said about St James' Church of England Primary Academy
Overview
St James’ Church of England Primary Academy continues to be a good school, where pupils are happy and feel safe within a supportive community. The school’s Christian ethos is central to its culture, fostering high expectations for behaviour and a strong sense of belonging among students.
Strengths
- Pupils are "happy at the school" and benefit from a "caring culture" where they feel "safe and well cared for."
- Reading is taught effectively with a "consistent approach," resulting in pupils who "read well" and have a "love of reading."
- Mathematics teaching is strong, with teachers having "strong subject knowledge" and pupils confidently applying skills in problem solving.
- Staff accurately identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they "access learning alongside their classmates."
- Leaders provide extensive training and take positive steps to check on "staff well-being and workload."
Areas to improve
- In a few foundation subjects, the recently updated curriculum is "not yet having the impact leaders intend," meaning pupils cannot always remember key knowledge.
- The participation of disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND in extra-curricular clubs is low, so leaders must "identify and address the potential barriers to participation."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" maintained through regular staff training and tenacious follow-up of concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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