St James CofE Primary School
Oldbury, B69 1BG · Sandwell · primary school
Check the area around this school
54th of 84 primary schools in Sandwell we can score, 93 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 — 6.5/10 against 1,241 of them, against 5.1/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 40% | 1.47 |
| Ofsted | 13 | 35% | 0.45 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
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 overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 12.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Forest School, football, wellbeing, dodgeball, Junior PCSOs and Health Champions clubs, as well as play basketball and football.
Getting in
The published school roll is 449 pupils against a stated capacity of 500. 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 maths? What does the Forest School curriculum look like in practice?
What Ofsted said about St James CofE Primary School
Overview
St James CofE Primary School is described as a "happy, caring school" where pupils are "known, valued and heard." The report highlights a "highly inclusive school culture" and strong personal development, noting that leaders have created an environment where pupils "thrive" and feel safe.
Strengths
- Leaders have established a "highly inclusive school culture" with "highly effective staff training" and careful adaptations for pupils with special educational needs.
- Personal development is a strength, with pupils gaining essential knowledge about safety, relationships, and "fundamental British values."
- The curriculum is "broad and balanced," "engaging and well sequenced," allowing pupils’ knowledge to build sequentially.
- Staff demonstrate "secure subject knowledge" and use "skilful questioning" to check understanding and address misconceptions.
- There is a "highly positive staff culture" with strong support for wellbeing and professional development.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure that "precise adaptations consistently stretch higher attaining pupils."
- Leaders should continue work to "remove barriers to attendance and secure sustained improvements in persistent absence."
- Leaders should ensure that provision is of a "consistently high quality across all areas of the early years learning environment," particularly outdoor areas.
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 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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