St James' Church of England Primary School Blackburn
Blackburn, BB1 8EG · Blackburn with Darwen · primary school
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26th of 51 primary schools in Blackburn with Darwen we can score, 56 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 — 4.4/10 against 2,924 of them, against 4.2/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
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 School Blackburn overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join archery and lacrosse teams, enter the Spirited Arts Competition, and attend an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 395 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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 aiming for the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How has the 2023 inspection influenced current teaching strategies?
What Ofsted said about St James' Church of England Primary School Blackburn
Overview
St James' Church of England Primary School Blackburn continues to be a good school. Pupils enjoy being part of a "friendly learning community" and are happy at school, supported by "trusting relationships" with staff. Leaders maintain high expectations, ensuring most pupils achieve well and are well prepared for the demands of Year 1.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "broad and balanced," with leaders successfully adapting content to support pupils joining mid-year and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Staff teach new knowledge in a "logical order," helping pupils recall prior learning and address misconceptions effectively.
- Leaders foster a "love of reading," with early years staff delivering phonics effectively so children get off to a "flying start."
- Pupils behave well, moving "calmly and sensibly" around the school, and understand the impact of bullying.
- Governors support leaders while remaining mindful of staff workload, with almost all staff reporting that leaders are "considerate of their well-being."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should review their approach to reading in key stage 2, as some older pupils do not get "sufficient opportunities to practise their reading," causing a loss of confidence and fluency.
- Leaders should continue work to improve attendance rates, as the number of pupils who are "regularly absent from school remains high," hindering their learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" and effective systems in place to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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