St James' CofE Primary School Gorton
Manchester, M18 8LW · Manchester · primary school
Check the area around this school
90th 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 — 3.1/10 against 353 of them, against 2.1/10 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 | 48.0 · 16 | 40% | 0.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
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 Gorton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 48.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 466 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
Since the latest inspection was in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to raise attainment since then? How does the school support pupils in reaching the higher standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about St James' CofE Primary School Gorton
Overview
St James’ CofE Primary School Gorton continues to be a good school, described as a "warm and welcoming" environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Leaders have made "swift and successful changes to the curriculum" to address learning gaps caused by the pandemic, resulting in pupils achieving well. The school fosters high expectations, particularly for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, while maintaining strong community links and positive staff morale.
Strengths
- Leaders have implemented a "broad and creative curriculum" with effective support for teachers to deliver it with confidence.
- Pupils with SEND benefit from "rigorous systems" and expert staff, ensuring they are fully involved in the wider school life.
- Reading is strongly promoted through effective phonics training, "weekly reading cafés," and carefully chosen texts that engage pupils.
- Behaviour is excellent, with incidents of bullying being rare and resolved quickly; pupils treat each other with "kindness and respect."
- Staff value the "strong support for their well-being" and professional development opportunities provided by the trust.
Areas to improve
- In a minority of subjects, teachers do not support pupils to remember prior knowledge effectively, leading to gaps in learning. Leaders should ensure teachers help pupils "revisit and remember their learning securely."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture established through regular staff training, robust recording systems, and pupils being taught about online safety and how to report concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 47% |
| 2023/24 | 49% |
| 2024/25 | 48% |
| 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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