St James Church of England Primary and Nursery School
Okehampton, EX20 1GJ · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
237th of 279 primary schools in Devon we can score, 309 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 — 0.5/10 against 2,443 of them, against 0.8/10 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 | 37.0 · 6 | 40% | 0.24 |
| 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 and Nursery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 37.0% 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% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the FISH Club, play football, rounders, or hockey, and participate in arts and crafts. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 244 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
What specific support is available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard in core subjects? How does the curriculum prepare students for the transition to secondary school?
What Ofsted said about St James Church of England Primary and Nursery School
Overview
St James Church of England Primary and Nursery School is described as an inclusive institution with a "caring ethos" where pupils are "polite, courteous and well-mannered." The report highlights a "calm and orderly atmosphere" in which children feel safe and enjoy their education, supported by strong relationships between adults and pupils.
Strengths
- Leaders place a "high priority on pupils’ personal development," ensuring adults know each pupil well and act swiftly on well-being concerns.
- The curriculum provides essential knowledge for success, with teachers carefully adapting work so pupils, including those with SEND, can "experience success and achieve well."
- Reading is a clear priority; children in the early years "get off to a flying start" with a sharp focus on language, communication, and phonics.
- Staff are well-supported, appreciating training and the leadership’s focus on their "mental health and well-being."
- The school’s Christian foundation underpins spiritual development, fostering kindness and respect for different religions and family models.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the curriculum is "not clear enough about the knowledge and skills" required, preventing pupils from building a "deep understanding."
- Leaders need to strengthen links with parents to address concerns about communication and ensure issues are "dealt with quickly."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders creating a strong culture where keeping pupils safe is "everyone’s responsibility" and staff are well trained in procedures.
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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