St James' CofE Junior School
Whitehaven, CA28 7HG · Cumberland · primary school
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25th of 119 primary schools in Cumberland we can score, 145 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 — 7.8/10 against 4,224 of them, against 7.6/10 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 | 74.0 · 76 | 40% | 3.02 |
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.43 |
| 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' CofE Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 74.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.6 out of 10 against all schools). The June 2026 inspection used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join cricket, judo, and swimming clubs, with both breakfast and after-school clubs available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 156 pupils against a stated capacity of 180. 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 new report-card framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities? What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about St James' CofE Junior School
Overview
Pupils at St James' CofE Junior School "flourish" within a supportive environment where leaders promote personal development to a "strong standard". The school maintains an "expected standard" in achievement, attendance, behaviour, curriculum, inclusion, and leadership, with results in national tests consistently above the national average.
Strengths
- Leaders provide a "rich and well-structured personal development offer" that builds resilience and ensures pupils have a "mature appreciation" of British values and safety.
- Pupils achieve well, with results in reading, writing, and mathematics "above the national average", and are "well prepared for the next stage in their education".
- Attendance rates are "consistently above the national average" due to highly successful systems and effective communication with families.
- Pupils demonstrate "high levels of respect" and positive attitudes towards learning, with bullying and discrimination being rare.
- Staff are knowledgeable and deliver the curriculum as intended, providing focused support to help pupils gain confidence in fundamental skills.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should strengthen the precision of support plans for pupils facing barriers to learning so that curriculum delivery "consistently and closely aligns to individual needs".
- Leaders should ensure that activities consistently enable pupils to "deepen their understanding and build a detailed knowledge across the curriculum", as they do not currently apply their understanding in depth consistently.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 79% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 74% |
| 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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