Graham James Primary Academy, Stanford-le-Hope

In its own words: "Graham James Primary School was formed in April 1991 following the amalgamation of Graham James Infant School (opened in 1966) and Graham James Junior School (opened in 1968). The School became an Academy in 2013."

From the headteacher's welcome: "I became Head Teacher at this School in September 2007. From my very first visit I knew this was the place for me."

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:45am.

In 2025, 83% of Year 6 pupils at Graham James Primary Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 78% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 81% and 81% in Thurrock and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (83% in reading, 82% in maths).

For September 2026 entry, 73 families put Graham James Primary Academy as their first choice and 217 named it as one of their preferences, for 59 places offered. That is 1.2 first choices for every place. 17 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Graham James Primary Academy are Arthur Bugler Primary School (0.2 miles, Good, 71% reading, 66% maths); Abbots Hall Primary School (0.2 miles, Good, 76% reading, 83% maths); Giffards Primary School (0.3 miles, Good, 85% reading, 86% maths); and St Joseph's Catholic Primary School (0.9 miles, Requires improvement, 81% reading, 71% maths).

Graham James Primary Academy's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

46 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Graham James Primary Academy (as of September 2025): 76% would recommend the school, 94% say their child is happy there and 56% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (94%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (56%).

14.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 10% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (79%), Mixed (6%) and Black (5%).

In 2026, 72 pupils (15.6%) received SEN support and 11 (2.4%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

The nearest railway station is Stanford-le-Hope Rail Station, about 1.2 miles away in a straight line.

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Town Centre (westbound), 70 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 107 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and other theft. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Thurrock (163).

Graham James Primary Academy recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Graham James Primary Academy are Mossbourne Port Side Academy (0.6 miles), Mossbourne Fobbing Academy (0.7 miles) and St Clere's School (1.4 miles).