St James' CofE Junior School
Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1NY · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
Check the area around this school
91st of 108 primary schools in Westmorland and Furness we can score, 121 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 — 0.3/10 against 1,390 of them, against 0.6/10 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 | 31.0 · 3 | 40% | 0.13 |
| 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' CofE Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 31.0% 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%, 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 (0.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils attend swimming lessons.
Getting in
The published school roll is 115 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 literacy? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in maths? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St James' CofE Junior School
Overview
St James’ C of E Junior School continues to be a good school where pupils feel safe, happy, and confident. Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum that supports high expectations, resulting in pupils achieving well and being well prepared for secondary school.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy attending and benefit from a "well-thought-out curriculum" with many opportunities to develop knowledge and skills.
- Staff have "high expectations" of achievement, and pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve well.
- Behaviour is excellent; pupils are "well mannered," respect others, and "eagerly welcome visitors."
- Reading is promoted effectively, with pupils learning to read with "confidence and fluency" by the end of key stage 2.
- Governors provide "secure oversight" and are considerate of staff workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, leaders should finalise curriculum design so teachers are clear about essential knowledge, as pupils’ recall of past learning is not always secure.
- Leaders should ensure assessment strategies in a few subjects are fully developed so teachers know how well pupils are retaining key concepts and vocabulary.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture, regular staff training, and prompt reporting of concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 39% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 31% |
| 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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