St James' CofE Academy
Main Road, Biddenham, Bedford, MK40 4BDOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St James' CofE Academy is a primary school in Bedford for ages 5 to 11. It is one of the 84 schools in Bedford. It ranks 15th of 52 primary schools in Bedford. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2012.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 21 March 2012, report published 24 April 2012
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 4 February 2025
Pupils enjoy attending St James' Church of England Academy. The school places a high value on everyone's well-being. The school's strong ethos of flourishing together is visible in every aspect of school life. This creates a caring and nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Pupils enjoy their learning. They study a broad and stimulating curriculum. The school has worked hard to ensure that learning is interesting. Pupils respond well to the high expectations that staff have for them. This is helping pupils to achieve increasingly well. Behaviour is a strength in the school. Pupils treat everyone kindly and with respect. The school's behaviour code of 'be ready to learn, show respect and stay safe' is promoted effectively in all aspects of school life. Pupils' learning is rarely disturbed. Pupils elect members to represent their views on the school's leadership teams. They hold various fundraising activities and help decide who to support with the money they raise. Playtime and lunchtimes are fun and enjoyable for pupils. The school encourages pupils to take great care of the school environment. This helps them to become responsible citizens. Most parents feel supported by the school. They appreciate the useful information the school shares with them.
What the school should improve
- A small number of pupils are not receiving the extra help and guidance they need to be able to read independently. Although these youngest children are learning the necessary knowledge of phonics to decode words, they are not gaining the skill and confidence they need to be fluent readers. The school needs to ensure that these pupils are provided with guidance and support by expertly trained teachers to develop their confidence when reading aloud. This will enable them to catch up more quickly.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
28 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
194 pupils on roll, with places for 210
Schools near St James' CofE Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Denham Primary School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 72% met the expected standard |
| St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary and Pre-School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | 44% met the expected standard |
| Westfield Primary School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | 48% met the expected standard |
| Queen's Park Academy | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | 61% met the expected standard |
| Great Ouse Primary Academy | 0.8 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | 67% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 5 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mrs Alison Barden
- Phone
- 01234352721
- Address
- Main Road, Biddenham, Bedford, MK40 4BD
- Local authority
- Bedford
- URN
- 148982
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.