Kettleshulme St James CofE (VA) Primary School, Kettleshulme. High Peak

In its own words: "'With The Lord by our side, we build inner strength and create a loving family where all individuals can soar high' John 10:10"

From the headteacher's welcome: "Hello and welcome to our beautiful school in the hills! We are a small but MIGHTY family who have a big heart, make a big impact and nurture some pretty awesome children who go on to be the best versions of themselves before they fly our nest! We pride ourselves in developing individuality and celebrating difference."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, cross-country, drama, guitar and forest school.

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care, from £4.12 per day.

In 2025, 78% of Year 6 pupils at Kettleshulme St James CofE (VA) Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 67% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 80% and 78% in Cheshire East and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 77% in reading and 85% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 4 families put Kettleshulme St James CofE (VA) Primary School as their first choice and 6 named it as one of their preferences, for 4 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Kettleshulme St James CofE (VA) Primary School are Taxal and Fernilee CofE Primary School (1.4 miles, Good, 88% reading, 88% maths); Whaley Bridge Primary School (1.7 miles, Good, 63% reading, 63% maths); Buxworth Primary School (2.7 miles, Good, 76% reading, 41% maths); and Pott Shrigley CofE Primary School (2.7 miles, Good, 67% reading, 50% maths).

Kettleshulme St James CofE (VA) Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

29 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Kettleshulme St James CofE (VA) Primary School (as of September 2025): 93% would recommend the school, 93% say their child is happy there and 67% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that the school supports their child's wider development (97%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (67%).

13.6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 4 pupils (6.1%) received SEN support and 5 (7.6%) 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 autism.

Kettleshulme St James CofE (VA) Primary School had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 14 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Whaley Bridge Rail Station, about 1.8 miles away in a straight line.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Bull's Head (opposite), 90 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 2 crimes within a mile of the school, most often public order offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Cheshire East (61).

In 2024/25, Kettleshulme St James CofE (VA) Primary School issued 2 suspensions, 3 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.