Hurst Knoll St James' Church of England Primary School

About Hurst Knoll St James' Church of England Primary School

Hurst Knoll St James' Church of England Primary School is a popular choice among local families, with 22 out of 23 places offered to first-preference applicants for the 2025/26 academic year. The school is oversubscribed, receiving 60 applications for those 23 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.61. This level of demand suggests parents who get a place tend to be pleased, though the school does not publish a formal parent recommendation percentage. The headteacher, Jonathon Hobday, leads a mixed Church of England primary for children aged 4 to 11, with a current roll of 195 pupils against a capacity of 210. Over half of pupils (59 per cent) are eligible for free school meals, which is significantly above the national average and reflects the school's role in a community with higher-than-average deprivation.

Academically, outcomes at Hurst Knoll are below the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 tests, 28 per cent of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Tameside average of 62 per cent. The school ranks 57th out of 57 primary schools in the local authority on this measure, placing it in the bottom 50 per cent nationally. Individual subject results show 66 per cent of pupils met the expected standard in reading, 59 per cent in writing, and 38 per cent in maths. Average scaled scores were 102 in reading and 98 in maths. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection, in July 2022, rated it Good overall, with leadership and management also judged Good. This was an improvement from its previous inspection in 2011, when it was rated Requires Improvement.

The school offers a range of facilities including playing fields, a forest school, library, art studios and a chapel. Sports provision includes swimming, athletics, cross country, tennis and netball, and there is a good selection of clubs such as book club, art club, science club, coding, choir and chess. For children with additional needs, the school has identified provisions for specific learning difficulties (dyslexia), social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and hearing impairment. With a capacity of 210 and 195 pupils on roll, there is some spare capacity, but the high oversubscription ratio means securing a place is competitive. This school will suit families who value a Church of England ethos, a strong focus on outdoor learning through its forest school, and a supportive environment for children with a range of SEND needs.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Hurst Knoll St James' Church of England Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents