St James School, located in Exeter, Devon, is recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on November 14 and 15, 2023. The headteacher, Emily Harper, leads the school, which is part of The Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust. This trust is overseen by CEO Moira Marder and a board of trustees chaired by Andy Mulcock. The school also has an executive headteacher, Lindsay Skinner, who plays a significant role in its management.
The school embodies its motto, work hard, be kind, fostering an inclusive environment characterized by warm and respectful relationships among pupils and staff. Students feel safe and supported, taking pride in their school and enthusiastically welcoming visitors. The school promotes a sense of community through its house system, where pupils participate in friendly competitions for house points.
St James School maintains high expectations for behavior, with pupils generally exhibiting good conduct in lessons and throughout the school. The school emphasizes understanding the reasons behind acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, providing clear consequences for disruptions while supporting pupils in improving their behavior. This structured environment allows students to concentrate on their learning effectively.
The curriculum at St James School is ambitious and well-planned, with a focus on building upon prior knowledge. Pupils engage in a broad range of subjects, with many completing the English Baccalaureate. The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can access the curriculum. However, there are areas where the implementation of the curriculum could be improved to enhance learning outcomes for all pupils, particularly disadvantaged students who do not achieve as well as their peers.
Reading is a significant focus, with pupils exposed to a diverse selection of literature as part of the St James canon. The school identifies struggling readers and provides targeted support to help them improve their reading skills. The personal development curriculum, known as the St James baccalaureate, is valued by pupils, who appreciate lessons that prepare them for adulthood and life in modern Britain. Initiatives like culture day and various clubs promote understanding and celebration of diversity.
Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, with prefects serving as role models and representatives of their peers. The school actively engages with local employers, providing impartial careers advice and facilitating transitions to post-16 education. Attendance is a priority, with staff working closely with families to address barriers to regular school attendance, resulting in a positive trend in attendance rates.
The school is committed to staff well-being, with a supportive environment that fosters professional development. Staff members feel valued and invested in, contributing to a positive workplace culture. The school recognizes the importance of community engagement and seeks parental feedback to enhance its practices.
Safeguarding measures at St James School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. The inspection highlighted the need for continued improvement in curriculum implementation to ensure all pupils can achieve their full potential. Overall, St James School continues to provide a good educational experience, with a strong emphasis on personal development, community involvement, and academic achievement.
