Business Details
Welcome to St James Church Of England Primary School
St James Church Of England Primary School is a warm, inclusive, and diverse one-form entry primary school located in Muswell Hill, London. Our core values of kindness, wisdom, respect, joy, and perseverance underpin a nurturing environment where every child is known by name and supported to flourish academically and socially. We offer a broad, enriched curriculum designed to ignite curiosity and prepare children for secondary education, while fostering a lifelong love of learning.Our dedicated staff, strong community ties, and active parent body contribute to our reputation as a top 3% primary school in England. We welcome families from all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and embedding British values through our teaching and collective worship.
Services
Nursery Provision
Primary Education
After-School Clubs
Wraparound Care
SEND Support
Forest School Programmes
Parent Workshops
Community Outreach
Online Safety Resources
Cultural Enrichment
Highlights and features
- Ranked in the top 3% of primary schools nationally by The Times (2024)
- Inclusive environment celebrating diversity and supporting every child individually
- Award-winning curriculum integrating STEM, arts, and global awareness initiatives
- Strong community partnerships with parents and local organisations
- Dedicated staff with expertise in inclusive education and child wellbeing
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- UNICEF
- Woodland Trust
What people say
Top 3% ranking
Inclusive environment
Award-winning curriculum
Dedicated staff
Strong community ties
Services
Nursery Provision
Our Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' nursery for 3-4 year olds opens in January 2026, offering flexible hours with government-funded options. The programme focuses on foundational learning through play-based activities, preparing children for primary education while maintaining our core values of kindness and respect. Staffed by qualified early years specialists, the provision integrates seamlessly with our primary school environment.
Primary Education
We deliver a comprehensive curriculum for Reception to Year 6, combining academic rigor with personal development. Our small class sizes enable individualised attention, while specialist teachers enhance music, PE, and computing education. Regular assessments ensure progress tracking against national standards, supported by interventions for additional needs. The curriculum includes unique initiatives like Forest School and STEM Week to enrich learning experiences.
SEND Support
Our Conscious Inclusion programme addresses diverse learning needs through tailored support plans and specialist resources. The SENCO team collaborates with external agencies to provide targeted interventions, while staff receive regular training on inclusive teaching strategies. We maintain high achievement rates for pupils with additional needs, reflected in our Platinum Green Tree Award and UNICEF Rights Respecting Gold accreditation.
After-School Clubs
A wide range of extracurricular clubs operate daily, including sports, arts, coding, and language programmes. These activities extend learning beyond the classroom while fostering social skills and new interests. The Friends of St James PTA funds many initiatives, ensuring accessibility for all families. Clubs are led by qualified staff and external specialists, maintaining our safeguarding standards.
Forest School Programmes
Adjacent to Highgate Woods, our Forest School provision offers weekly outdoor learning sessions for Early Years and Key Stage 1 pupils. Qualified instructors lead nature-based activities that develop resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness. The programme aligns with curriculum goals while promoting physical development and mental wellbeing through hands-on experiences in our unique woodland setting.
People
Geraldine Gallagher
Executive Head Teacher
With over 20 years' experience in primary education leadership, Geraldine Gallagher oversees strategic development across the school. She champions inclusive education practices and has led the institution to multiple national awards, including the UNICEF Rights Respecting Gold Award.
Louisa Beringer
Head of School
Louisa Beringer manages daily school operations, focusing on curriculum innovation and staff development. Her expertise in early years education has strengthened our nursery provision, while her commitment to pupil wellbeing maintains our nurturing environment.
Penny Kirkley
School Business Manager
Penny Kirkley oversees admissions, finance, and operational management. With 15 years in school administration, she ensures efficient service delivery while maintaining strong community engagement through parent workshops and outreach programmes.
Andrea Batten
Inclusion Manager/SENCO
Andrea Batten leads our Conscious Inclusion initiative, supporting pupils with diverse learning needs. Her team coordinates specialist interventions and staff training, contributing to our Platinum Green Tree Award recognition for inclusive practices.
Questions
What makes St James CofE Primary School unique?
Our small, inclusive environment ensures every child is known individually. We combine academic excellence with values-driven education, offering unique programmes like Forest School and STEM Week, while maintaining strong community partnerships.
Do you have to be Church of England to attend?
No - over 50% of our pupils come from non-CofE backgrounds. We welcome families of all faiths and none, provided they support our Christian values of kindness, respect, and perseverance.
What nursery provision will be available from 2026?
Our new nursery opens January 2026, offering 15-30 funded hours weekly. Extended care operates 7:45am-6pm, 50 weeks annually. Additional hours and holiday care will be available at extra cost.
How does the school support children with additional needs?
Our Conscious Inclusion programme provides tailored support through individual learning plans, specialist resources, and trained staff. The SENCO team collaborates with external agencies to ensure comprehensive provision for all pupils requiring extra assistance.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer diverse after-school clubs including sports, coding, music, and language programmes. The Friends of St James PTA funds many initiatives, ensuring accessibility for all families while extending learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
How can parents get involved?
Parents participate through our active PTA, volunteering in classrooms, and attending workshops. Regular communication channels include parent-teacher meetings, newsletters, and community events that strengthen school-family partnerships.
