St James Church of England Primary Academy
Rugeley, WS15 4PL · Staffordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
195th of 217 primary schools in Staffordshire we can score, 310 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 3,836 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.4/10 among them, against 1.2/10 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 | 45.0 · 13 | 40% | 0.51 |
| 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 Church of England Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.4 out of 10 among them, against 1.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 103 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 bridge the gap between the expected and higher standards in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to improve attainment in reading, writing, and maths? How does the school manage class sizes given the current capacity?
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, described as a "happy village school" where pupils feel safe and supported. Leaders are "determined, compassionate and skilful," fostering a "truly inclusive nature" and a strong sense of community. The school is held in "extremely high regard by parents" who appreciate the high-quality care and education provided.
Strengths
- Pupils behave beautifully, embodying values such as "trust, love, honesty and truthfulness, respect, friendship and perseverance."
- Reading is a high priority, with staff teaching phonics in a "highly skilled and effective way," leading to the vast majority of pupils reading well for their age.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified without delay and achieve very well through a "determined, individualised approach."
- The school’s ethos is woven through all aspects of life, creating a "calm and orderly place" that enables all pupils to learn to the best of their ability.
- Staff feel "cared for and valued," and governors provide challenge in a "supportive and considered way."
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the school does not enable pupils to apply essential knowledge in different contexts, limiting their ability to make meaningful links.
- Some pedagogical approaches are not yet in line with research-informed practice, meaning curriculum implementation and assessment are not as well developed as they could be.
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 | 87% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 2024/25 | 45% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of WS15 4PL, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT