The Academy At St. James

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 7 July 2026

Leaders warmly welcome pupils into the Academy at St. James every morning. Pupils enjoy coming to school because they know that they belong and that they are safe. The school vision is aspire, believe, achieve. This is linked closely to the Christian values of the school. Pupils are nurtured and staff know them well. Pupils enjoy learning and say that teachers make their lessons interesting. Although many pupils achieve well, some have gaps in their knowledge and do not achieve as well as they should. Pupils' outcomes in national tests at the end of Year 6 are below the national average in some areas. From before pupils join the school, leaders and staff prioritise getting to know them and their families. This means staff can quickly identify any difficulties that pupils face. All pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with other potential barriers to learning, benefit from the support the school has to offer. Pupils know the school rules and behaviour expectations. They uphold these well. This creates a purposeful and calm environment for pupils to learn in. When pupils find following the rules difficult, leaders provide sensitive and timely support. During social times, pupils enjoy the outdoor space that the school has. They play together well and enjoy a range of activities. Pupils show that they understand respect and tolerance and why these are important. Pupils are confident that bullying is rare and if it does occur, leaders will respond to this swiftly and effectively. Pupils value the wide range of opportunities available beyond the classroom. Many take part in extra-curricular clubs, sporting activities and performances. Leadership roles, including the school council, worship leaders and mental health leaders enable pupils to develop their confidence and decision-making skills.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that existing gaps in pupils' important knowledge, particularly in spelling, grammar, handwriting and mathematical fluency are identified and filled quickly so that pupils achieve more highly.
• Leaders should ensure that they improve pupils’ achievement so that a greater proportion achieve at least in line with national averages in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6.
• Leaders should ensure that all staff continue to embed the recent changes made to the school’s offer for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)