St James Church of England Primary School
Harlow, CM18 7RH · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
229th of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 — 4.7/10 against 2,922 of them, against 4.5/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
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 overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 13.0% achieved it, 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 (4.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.
Beyond the classroom
An after-school club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 211 pupils against a stated capacity of 218. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St James Church of England Primary School
Overview
St James’ Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils feel like they are part of a family and know that staff care about their welfare. The school has planned an ambitious curriculum with a clear sequence of learning, and staff have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Leaders and governors share these high ambitions, providing appropriate support and challenge to ensure the school remains effective.
Strengths
- Pupils behave well, follow the school’s ‘Golden Rules’, and are happy and confident about coming to school.
- The school has prioritised reading, introducing a new phonics scheme that is taught consistently well, with pupils now doing well in learning to read.
- There is an extremely strong curriculum for personal, social and health education, preparing pupils well for life in modern Britain.
- Staff describe the workplace as ‘incredibly positive’ and report that they are well supported by leaders.
- Children get off to a good start in the early years, with adults interacting purposefully to support a wide range of activities.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure that pupils in key stage 2 who do not read fluently receive the support they need to catch up with their peers.
- The school should complete the refinement of curriculum plans in a small number of subjects to precisely identify key knowledge and support teachers in implementing these changes.
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 | 42% |
| 2023/24 | 56% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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