The Academy At St. James
Bradford, BD15 7YD · Bradford · primary school
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119th of 156 primary schools in Bradford we can score, 157 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 — 2.4/10 against 1,253 of them, against 2.0/10 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 | 49.0 · 17 | 41% | 0.70 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.77 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.60 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Academy At St. James overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 49.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Academy brass band and Forest School. Sports provision includes JUMP and Sport England. Trips visit Malham, Ingleborough, Filey, West Yorkshire safari park, Windsor Court, Waterstones, and the Bradford Stories Bus, alongside residential overnight stays.
Getting in
The published school roll is 310 pupils against a stated capacity of 448. 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 specific activities are included in the residential overnight stays? How does the Forest School curriculum link to the national curriculum?
What Ofsted said about The Academy At St. James
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils and staff have a "spring in their step" and enjoy being part of a community that "cares for each other." Leaders provide clear direction and professional development, resulting in a curriculum that is carefully planned and sequenced from early years through to Year 6. The school is characterised by high standards of behaviour, with pupils being polite, respectful, and engaged in their learning.
Strengths
- Reading is a "high priority" and a "thread running through the whole school," with pupils speaking with enthusiasm about books and demonstrating a "strong grasp of vocabulary."
- The curriculum is brought to life through local community links, such as using the nearby nature reserve, and physical education is described as a "real strength."
- Staff are "passionate and enthusiastic," using initiatives like ‘Flashback Friday’ to help pupils recall previous knowledge and assessment to refine activity choices.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities have "high aspirations" which are supported by staff who have "high ambitions for all pupils."
- Governors are "extremely knowledgeable" and work together with leaders to offer "support, challenge and guidance."
Areas to improve
- Leaders need to ensure that the high consistency of assessment used in English and mathematics is applied across "all areas of the curriculum" to inform ongoing planning.
- Leaders should continue to work with families to reduce persistent absences among a small number of pupils to ensure they do not miss important aspects of the curriculum.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with the team approaching its role with "diligence and expertise" and leaders being "quick to act" to support pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 45% |
| 2023/24 | 38% |
| 2024/25 | 49% |
| 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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