St James’ Church of England Primary Academy in Bournemouth has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on January 24 and 25, 2023. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and welcomed. Staff greet students warmly at the start of each day, enhancing the sense of community. The school emphasizes a Christian ethos, with values centered around love, hope, and forgiveness, which pupils understand and connect to their behavior and learning. High expectations for behavior are evident, and pupils respond positively, demonstrating attentiveness and eagerness to learn in lessons.
Pupils express feeling safe and well cared for, with no concerns regarding bullying. Parents appreciate the supportive culture within the school, noting the strong community spirit. The school has established a welcoming atmosphere, where even former pupils return to visit, reinforcing the notion that once a child joins the St James’ family, they remain a valued member.
The leadership team is committed to ensuring that the curriculum prepares pupils to be global citizens, ready for future educational and life challenges. This ambition is shared among staff and is reflected in various aspects of school life. Leaders have implemented a well-defined curriculum across subjects, although some areas are still in the early stages of development and have yet to fully impact pupils' learning. In these subjects, pupils may not always have a solid knowledge base to support their current studies.
Reading is a focal point of the curriculum, and the school employs a consistent approach to teaching phonics from the start of Reception. This strategy has resulted in pupils developing strong reading skills. Older students who require additional support receive targeted interventions, and whole-class reading sessions enhance comprehension abilities. The school actively promotes a love of reading through various initiatives, including library visits and class reading areas, encouraging pupils to share book recommendations.
Mathematics instruction is also strong, with teachers benefiting from ongoing professional development. The emphasis on using correct mathematical vocabulary begins in Reception, and regular reminders help pupils retain their learning. This approach enables students to confidently apply their mathematical knowledge in problem-solving scenarios.
The school is attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support while learning alongside their peers. Highly skilled staff provide personalized provisions, and sensory activities help prepare these pupils for the school day.
While many pupils enjoy the extracurricular opportunities available, leaders recognize that participation among disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND is lower than desired. Efforts are needed to identify and address barriers to participation for these groups.
Pupils demonstrate awareness of their local community and the wider world, showing empathy towards diverse cultures and those facing challenges. Leadership opportunities, such as house captains and digital leaders, are available, allowing pupils to engage actively in school life.
The school maintains effective safeguarding arrangements, with a strong culture of safety supported by regular staff training. All staff are trained to identify and report concerns, ensuring that pupils know whom to approach with worries. The school’s leadership is proactive in securing necessary support for families.
In summary, St James’ Church of England Primary Academy continues to provide a nurturing and effective educational environment. While the school excels in many areas, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in ensuring that all pupils can access extracurricular activities and in further developing the curriculum in certain subjects.
