St James' CofE Primary School, Birch-in-Rusholme
Manchester, M14 6HW · Manchester · primary school
Check the area around this school
18th of 123 primary schools in Manchester we can score, 137 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 — 8.8/10 against 1,269 of them, against 7.4/10 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 | 74.0 · 76 | 40% | 3.02 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
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 Primary School, Birch-in-Rusholme 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 11.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in swimming, yoga, forest schools, sports tournaments, dance, and Ryan's Guitar Challenge. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 222 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 in reaching the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the forest schools sessions? How is the after-school club structured for wraparound care?
What Ofsted said about St James' CofE Primary School, Birch-in-Rusholme
Overview
St James’ CofE Primary School continues to be a good school, providing a welcoming environment with a "great sense of togetherness." Leaders have established an ambitious curriculum delivered in a logical order, ensuring pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve well across most subjects.
Strengths
- Relationships between pupils and staff are strong, with pupils feeling "safe and happy" and bullying concerns dealt with "quickly and effectively."
- The curriculum is "ambitious for all pupils," with clear routines in the early years that prepare children well for Year 1.
- Teachers possess "secure subject knowledge" and use assessment information effectively to address gaps in learning and misconceptions.
- There is a "consistent approach to the teaching of phonics and reading," with timely support ensuring struggling pupils catch up with their peers.
- Staff morale is "very high," with leaders being "cognisant of workload and well-being," and governors providing strong oversight.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, leaders do not check in sufficient detail how well pupils are learning the curriculum, which "hampers how well some pupils achieve." Leaders should ensure a full understanding of how pupils develop a "deep and rich body of subject knowledge" across all subjects.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with all staff receiving updated training and leaders working well with other agencies to provide "appropriate and timely support" to pupils and families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 73% |
| 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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