St James' CofE Primary School, Birch-in-Rusholme

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Cromwell Range, Birch-in-Rusholme, St James C of E Primary School, Manchester, M14 6HWOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

St James' CofE Primary School, Birch-in-Rusholme is a primary school in Manchester for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 209 schools in Manchester. It ranks 37th of 250 primary schools in Manchester. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2013.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 5 March 2013, report published 27 March 2013

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 January 2023

Leaders have ensured that this is a welcoming school for pupils of all backgrounds. There is a great sense of togetherness. Relationships between pupils and staff are strong. Pupils also explained how they value the friendships that they establish with their peers. Leaders deal with any concerns that are raised by pupils quickly and effectively. This includes any incidents of bullying. Pupils said that they feel safe and happy in school. Leaders and staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils behave well in lessons. For example, they engage enthusiastically in the activities that teachers prepare for them. They equally enjoy singing in daily assemblies or participating in activities which promote their wider personal development. Staff expect pupils to achieve well. Pupils convey a great sense of enjoyment when they learn and play together. They love to learn new information. Across the curriculum, pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve well. Children in the early years also settle quickly to their learning. They benefit from clear routines. Children play safely and happily with each other. They are well prepared for the demands of Year 1. Pupils engage in a variety of extra-curricular activities. They have plentiful opportunities to learn about different cultures and religions. Pupils value residential trips and visits.

What the school should improve

  • In a few subjects, leaders do not fully evaluate how well pupils are learning the curriculum. This hinders some pupils' achievement. Leaders should ensure that they have a full understanding of how well pupils are developing a deep and rich body of subject knowledge across all subjects.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

27 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths74%

74%, 12 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths11%

11%, 3 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score109

109, 3 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score107

107, 2 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score112

112, 7 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

222 pupils on roll, with places for 236

Eligible for free school meals48.2%

48.2%, 21.7 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language49.5%

49.5%, 27.9 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support5.9%

5.9%, 8.9 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.3%

2.3%, 3.7 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near St James' CofE Primary School, Birch-in-Rusholme

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Birchfields Primary School0.5 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstanding49% met the expected standard
Heald Place Primary School0.6 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to good52% met the expected standard
Longsight Community Primary0.7 milesOfsted: Good52% met the expected standard
The Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Primary School0.7 milesOfsted: Requires improvement38% met the expected standard
St Agnes C of E Primary School0.7 milesOfsted: Good48% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Voluntary aided school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Church of England
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Gavin Shortall
Address
Cromwell Range, Birch-in-Rusholme, St James C of E Primary School, Manchester, M14 6HW
Local authority
Manchester
URN
105508

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.