St James Church of England Primary School, Handsworth
Birmingham, B21 8NH · Birmingham · primary school
Check the area around this school
94th of 258 primary schools in Birmingham we can score, 291 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.6/10 against 952 of them, against 5.7/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
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, Handsworth overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 5.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the School Council and participate in football, basketball, multi-sports, and Bikeability. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 409 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 are working towards the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the School Council involve pupils in decision-making?
What Ofsted said about St James Church of England Primary School, Handsworth
Overview
St James Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, firmly embedded in its community with a core value of love underpinning all activities. Most pupils join below expected levels or have special educational needs and disabilities, yet they “flourish and achieve well” due to high expectations and strong teamwork among staff.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “well-designed and sequenced,” specifically focusing on language to help pupils with speech delays catch up quickly.
- Support for pupils with SEND is “strong,” with staff who “get to know children and their families exceptionally well” and provide targeted help.
- The reading curriculum is “very effective,” ensuring most pupils read at an age-appropriate level through daily reading time and class novels.
- Pupils are “very well prepared for life in modern British society” through a strong offer of wider opportunities, trips, and lessons on values like respect and online safety.
- Children in Reception settle quickly, benefiting from “strong care and nurture” that helps them learn routines and build relationships swiftly.
Areas to improve
- Staff should ensure they have the knowledge and skills to adapt teaching so that pupils who finish work early are not left waiting, which currently “slows pupils’ learning.”
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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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