St James' Church of England Primary Academy
Pokesdown Hill, Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH7 6DWOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St James' Church of England Primary Academy is a primary school in Bournemouth for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 111 schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. It ranks 11th of 26 primary schools in Bournemouth. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2013.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 14 March 2013, report published 22 April 2013
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 24 January 2023
Pupils are happy at the school. Staff greet them warmly at the start of the day, playing music to welcome their arrival. The whole school participates in celebratory 'sign and sing' collective worship. Pupils enjoy a wide range of lunchtime activities, including table- tennis, cricket, reading and football. The school's values are firmly rooted in the Christian ethos of the school. Pupils know why learning through 'love, hope and forgiveness' matters. They make clear links with these values and the school rules to 'be ready, be respectful and be safe'. Leaders have high expectations for behaviour, and pupils live up to them. In lessons, pupils listen carefully and are keen to learn. As a result, they achieve well. Pupils feel safe and well cared for. They have no concerns about bullying. Parents recognise this caring culture, with one reflecting the views of many, commenting, 'the school has built a strong community where the children are supportive of each other'. Staff enjoy greeting ex-pupils, who accompany family members at the end of the school day. Pupils understand that, when you join the St James' family, you will always be welcomed as a member of it.
What the school should improve
- In a few foundation subjects, the curriculum has recently been reviewed and updated. As a result, it is not yet having the impact leaders intend. Pupils cannot always remember key knowledge to make links with their previous learning. Leaders need to ensure that teaching of clearly sequenced knowledge and skills in these subjects has the impact they intend.
- The proportion of disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND who attend the school's extra-curricular clubs is lower than other pupil groups. As a result, these pupils do not benefit from wider development opportunities. Leaders should identify and address the potential barriers to participation for these groups of pupils.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
59 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
404 pupils on roll, with places for 420
Schools near St James' Church of England Primary Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokesdown Community Primary School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 58% met the expected standard |
| Avonwood Primary School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 84% met the expected standard |
| Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Good | 67% met the expected standard |
| Stourfield Infant School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Stourfield Junior School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | 73% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- DIOCESE OF CHICHESTER ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mr Alastair Brown
- Phone
- 01202426696
- Address
- Pokesdown Hill, Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH7 6DW
- Local authority
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- URN
- 140760
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.