Journey back in time with me to when St James CofE Primary School first opened its doors. The story of St James CofE Primary School begins long before its current location. Over 165 years ago in 1849 trust deeds were drawn up. The renowned Victorian architect Anthony Salvin designed an Infants schoolroom. It also included a mistress’s house in Fortis Green Muswell Hill.
The Earl of Mansfield gave the land. He lived at Kenwood. The building served as St James Church Sunday School too. For over 60 years it was Muswell Hill’s only primary school.
St James CofE Primary School opened for Infants on July 25 1850. It was the feast day of St James. Children came from a wide area. They still do today. The school started with 52 children. By 1860 numbers rose to 82. An extra classroom was completed in 1862. The frontage looked very similar to when the building was vacated in 1968.
In 1903 the Borough of Hornsey Education Committee took responsibility. The Vicar four Foundation Managers and two Local Authority Managers governed St James CofE Primary School. Walter Penn the first Headmaster joined in 1912.
The 1930s saw St James School reorganized. It became Junior Mixed and Infants. On September 1 1939 the school was evacuated to Trumpington near Cambridge. Headmaster Ivor Plant wrote about the new environment. He described Christmas celebrations. One hundred parents joined their children for the day.
In August 1940 the school returned to Muswell Hill. Its reputation grew. The Local Authority and Managers looked for a new site in 1958. They purchased the old Cranley Gardens Railway Station. On June 11 1968 children and teachers moved to a new building. This building was on Woodside Avenue backing onto Highgate Woods. St James Primary School has flourished there ever since.
The building has been updated since then. Playgrounds improved and classrooms refurbished. This ensures education continues to the highest standards. This tradition started when the school opened in 1850. Today the school has a capacity of 210 pupils. Currently 182 pupils attend St James CofE Primary School.
St James CofE Primary School maintains close ties with St James Church. The church is well represented on the Governing Body. Geraldine Gallagher is the Executive Head teacher. Annie Moore is the Head of School. Penny Kirkley is the School Business Manager. She is the main contact for admissions. Annie Moore and Andrea Batten are the Inclusion Managers and SENCOs.
In March 2022 Ofsted assessed St James CofE Primary School. The inspection rated the school as Good. Pupils are happy and safe. They enjoy learning including visits and workshops. Children actively support the local foodbank. They raise money for charity. They take on leadership roles. These include house captains rights respecting leaders science technicians or school counselors. Inspectors noted the children are well behaved. They know how to keep themselves and others safe.