The short version
Below-average SATs results. Nearly full.
- SATs results are below the national average, with 54% meeting the expected standard (national: 62%)
- This is a Church of England school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
- The school is nearly full at 91% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Reading, Writing & Maths
Expected standard
Pupils meeting expected level in all three
54%
-8.0pp vs nationalHigher standard
Pupils exceeding expected level
11%
+3.0pp vs nationalSubject scores
Reading
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
105
-1.0 vs nationalMaths
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
103
-2.0 vs nationalGrammar & spelling
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
104
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 9 days per year on average — about two weeks of school.
13% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 21 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 15 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Primary
- Ages
- 5–11
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Church of England
Numbers
- Pupils
- 192
- Capacity
- 91%
- FSM
- 19.3%
Governance
- Local authority
- Bedford
- Trust
- DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Alison Barden (Head Teacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Previous reports
Location
Main Road, Biddenham, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 4BD
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmBiddenham International School and Sports College
Secondary · 736m away
Great Denham Primary School
Primary · 776m away
St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary and Pre-School
Primary · 939m away
Westfield Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Queen's Park Academy
Primary · 1.2km away
Grange School
Special school · 2.0km away
Grange Academy
Academy · 2.0km away
Polam School
Independent · 2.1km away
Questions parents ask
How many pupils attend St James' CofE Academy?
St James' CofE Academy currently has 192 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St James' CofE Academy take?
St James' CofE Academy caters for pupils aged 5 to 11. It is classified as a primary school.
Where is St James' CofE Academy?
St James' CofE Academy is in Bedford, MK40 4BD, in the Bedford local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St James' CofE Academy have a sixth form?
No, St James' CofE Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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