Thornham St James C.E. Primary School

Why Choose Us?

Choosing a primary school is a crucial decision for parents and carers as it lays the foundation for a child's education and personal growth. As a parent, pupil, visitor, or member of staff, you will find that our school aims to offer the best education, as other schools would, but the way in which our school works is different and distinctive.

Choose us because this distinctive difference is rooted in our Christian vision and values that affect the way in which everyone behaves and the way in which everyone is supported to shine! The worth of each pupil drives us to work to fulfill their God-given potential. We recognise that every child is unique and special, and we value the part each child plays in the TSJ family – we welcome children from all backgrounds, with differing needs, beliefs, and values. Together, we foster the interests and talents of our respectful school community and celebrate their successes.

Choose us because we are a warm and nurturing school, where every single teacher and member of staff knows every child by name. Our pupils always come first. Our teachers are passionate, creative, and help to set the high expectations we have for our children.

Choose us because we believe that all children can, need, and want to achieve. Our aspirational, broad, and balanced curriculum supports staff to cultivate an engaging and inspirational environment to enthuse every child. There is an atmosphere of high aspirations, nurtured through a supportive and caring environment. Guided by the value of wisdom, pupils at Thornham St James are the pinnacle of excellence: they are courteous, independent, and curious learners who are ready for any challenge.

Choose us because the education here is wider-reaching than the vital academic achievement we strive for every pupil. We believe that a good education must promote life in all its fullness – there should be no choice between academic rigor and the well-being of the pupils. Well-being and mental health are a key focus, as we know that children need nurturing. Our aim is to equip pupils with a lifelong love of learning, while readying them for tomorrow's world by building resilient, balanced, and happy minds so they are well-prepared for their step to secondary school and beyond.

Choose us because music and sport are strengths of the school, with staff supporting children in the curriculum and at different sporting events and clubs. Links with Oldham School’s Sports Partnership, Crompton House, Oldham Music Service, and Young Voices are some of the partnerships that enrich and support our provision.

Choose us because we have a very strong sense of community which is helped by our link to St James Church, our very enthusiastic and active parent body, and our supportive Governors. Our families are at the heart of everything we do; when you join our school, you all join the TSJ family.

Choose us because our school is situated in the semi-rural area of Thornham, on the boundary of Oldham and Rochdale, with access to large outdoor areas. Our setting provides children with the opportunity to play and learn in the most beautiful of environments; seeing wildlife, animals, and nature every single day.

Choose us because practically, we support our families. We have a before and after school club, ‘Beyond the Bell,’ open from 7:30 am until 6 pm.

Everyone who spends time learning and growing at Thornham St James becomes a successful individual with the values of community, service, wisdom, compassion, creativity and thankfulness readying them to be whatever they aspire to be! Our school is a place where children feel safe and respected as ‘Journeying Together, We Shine’.