St James' CofE Academy

Overview

This is a “welcoming school” where pupils and staff feel “respected and valued,” fostering strong relationships and a positive culture. Leaders are “ambitious for all pupils,” including those with special educational needs, ensuring they grow in “confidence, independence and resilience.” The school maintains high expectations for behaviour, with bullying “not tolerated” and dealt with effectively.

Strengths

• Pupils “enjoy coming to school” and demonstrate kindness, following the school’s values and showing enthusiasm for their learning.
• Leaders have “prioritised reading” with clear systems and consistent phonics teaching, helping pupils become “confident and fluent readers.”
• Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they can “access the whole curriculum.”
• There is a “respectful school culture” where staff hold high expectations and use the behaviour policy “consistently and effectively.”
• Leaders are “reflective” and consider staff well-being, with governors offering “appropriate support and challenge.”

Areas to improve

• The curriculum design is “less well sequenced in some subjects,” meaning pupils’ learning “doesn’t build as well as it could,” particularly for the most able.
• Teachers’ use of assessment “varies,” and checks on understanding do not consistently inform teaching to address gaps in knowledge.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with a “strong safeguarding culture” where staff have “excellent knowledge” of pupils and ensure timely support.