St James CofE Primary School, Oldbury
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Location
Estimated admission likelihood based on school density and oversubscription data
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 4 months agoReport card - no overall grade (new Ofsted framework from Sep 2024)
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
St James is a nurturing, inclusive school where every child is known and valued. The school excels at identifying and supporting pupils with additional needs, including those with complex circumstances, through specialist provision like the wellbeing hub and stepping stones programme. Pupils thrive emotionally and academically because staff build strong relationships and provide bespoke support to help them overcome barriers to learning.
Key Strengths
- Highly inclusive school culture with effective support for pupils with additional needs and those facing barriers to learning
- Strong focus on personal development and wellbeing with a wellbeing hub providing bespoke support
- Positive behaviour and attendance, with low rates of persistent absence and pupils feeling safe and respected
- Well-designed, broad curriculum that builds knowledge sequentially with effective phonics teaching
- Skilled staff who know pupils well and adapt teaching to ensure all can access learning
Areas for Improvement
- Reading outcomes in 2025 were below average, though progress is improving
- Some higher-attaining pupils are not stretched enough to achieve all they can
- Outdoor areas in early years are less well developed for learning than indoor spaces
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified and managed, making pupils safer and helping them feel safe.
Extracurricular Activities
Wide range of clubs, visits, themed days, school council roles, librarian positions
St James CofE Primary School is an inclusive and caring school where pupils feel safe, valued and supported to thrive. Leaders have created a positive culture with strong pastoral support and adapted provision to meet all pupils' individual needs.
At a Glance
48.6%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
Yes
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Primary Performance (KS2)
Academic year 2025/26KS2 Results (% meeting expected standard)
Reading has declined from 77% to 64%. Maths has remained stable at around 72%. Writing has improved from 58% to 83%.
Class Sizes
29.3
Avg class size
29.6
Infant (KS1)
29.6
KS2
15
Total classes
2024/25 academic year
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
90%
Near capacity
449 pupils
500 capacity
51 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - Oldbury
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Oldbury
Admissions Demand - Sandwell
Places available
4,920
Applications
3,904
Got 1st preference
93.8%
Got preferred school
98.2%
Primary admissions across Sandwell (2025/26)
Inspection History(9)
House Prices
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SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
6.15615%
Overall absence
20.16129%
Persistent absence
372
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
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Secondary Schools Nearby
Secondary schools pupils are likely to move to
St James CofE Primary School
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