St James' Roman Catholic Primary School
Orpington, BR5 1BL · Bromley · primary school
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3rd of 69 primary schools in Bromley we can score, 76 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 — 9.9/10 against 1,577 of them, against 9.9/10 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 | 94.0 · 99 | 40% | 3.96 |
| Ofsted | 92 | 35% | 3.20 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 31.0 · 98 | 25% | 2.46 |
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' Roman Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 94.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 31.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (9.9 out of 10 either way). The school was inspected in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils attend a breakfast club and an after-school club. Trips include a sleepover in school, a residential at PGL, and visits to The Natural History Museum, The London Aquarium, The National Gallery, The Golden Hinde, The British Museum, and The Houses of Parliament.
Getting in
The published school roll is 216 pupils against a stated capacity of 218. 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 manage the transition for children moving between the separate grade areas identified in the recent inspection? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the higher standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about St James' Roman Catholic Primary School
Overview
The inspection describes a school where leaders and staff work with "clear purpose, ambition and unity" to deliver an "ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum." Pupils achieve "extremely well," with outcomes "significantly above national figures," while benefiting from a "respectful, orderly and positive environment" that fosters high attendance and strong behaviour.
Strengths
- Pupils "achieve extremely well" across the curriculum, with "depth of knowledge" being particularly strong in subjects such as art and design.
- Leaders maintain a "relentless focus on attendance," resulting in high rates even for vulnerable pupils, supported by "personalised support" and clear expectations.
- The early years provision allows children to "flourish socially, emotionally and academically," with staff modelling "ambitious vocabulary" to deepen language development.
- Staff deliver "sharply focused teaching" that secures knowledge in reading, writing and mathematics, while effectively adapting provision for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
- Leaders have created a "highly ambitious personal development programme" that nurtures pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through explicit teaching of cooperation and empathy.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should "review the impact of inclusion provision more closely" to ensure support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is "effective and consistent across all subjects."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 97% |
| 2023/24 | 94% |
| 2024/25 | 94% |
| 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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