Graham James Primary Academy
96%
Capacity
459
Pupils
3.5x
Demand
About Graham James Primary Academy
Graham James Primary Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Thurrock community, welcoming children from age 2 to 11. The school has 459 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 480 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Graham James Primary Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Petra Back, it falls under Thurrock local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 72% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — above the national average. Additionally, ranked 3585th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 15th out of 39 in Thurrock.
Graham James Primary Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 184 applications for 53 places, making it 3.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 51 were first-preference applications.
Graham James Primary Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 76% recommending the school (46 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Graham James Primary Academy include Library, Outdoor Playground, Sensory Room, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Gymnasium, Forest School, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Swimming, Dance, Cross Country and 1 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Drama, Chess.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 17.6%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Thurrock, Graham James Primary Academy is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 2 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | The Sorrells, Stanford-le-Hope, Thurrock, SS17 7ES |
| Headteacher | Petra Back |
| Local Authority | Thurrock |
| Number of Pupils | 459 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 17.6% |
| School Capacity | 459 / 480 (96% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
1 Apr 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 May 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (72%)
3585th of 13,686
Nationally
361st of 1,612
In East of England
15th of 39
In Thurrock
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
72%
Expected Standard
7%
Higher Standard
'22/23
67%
'23/24
72%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
46 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
8Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed53
184
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
51 families put this school as their 1st choice (28% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Graham James Primary Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
The Sorrells, Stanford-le-Hope
Thurrock, SS17 7ES
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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