The Church has seen education as one of its Primary roles throughout its long history. It can be said that The Church has been involved in education in Altham for around a thousand years.
We aim to continue this tradition by providing the highest possible modern standards of education in a Christian environment with worship at the centre of its daily life, and a strong commitment to family values and morals.
Altham St. James’ CE Primary School is an Aided School provided by the Church of England Trustees, originally to admit children from the village and outlying areas.
The present school is a stone building dating back to early Victorian times, which has been adapted and modernised over the years (with, most recently, the addition of a fourth classroom in 2020).
There are four classrooms and a hall – one classroom houses the reception pupils, the second Keystage 1 pupils, the third and fourth classrooms house the Keystage 2 pupils and the hall is used for worship, PE and dining.
Outside, we have a recently improved EYFS playground (improved in September 2017), an outdoor classroom, two hard surface yards, an adventure playground, games field and green area, some of which is allowed to grow wild as an environmental area.
The connection with the church is maintained by our frequent visits to Church and the visits of clergy or members of the parish into school on a weekly basis. We are also proud to be part of the community of the village of Altham, with the school being used for various village functions. Many of the villagers and parishioners take a special interest in the life of the school.
Our current admissions number (PAN) is 12. We have exceeded this in recent years and will exceed it again this year and take 15 pupils. We are now going through the six week consultation period. If you wish to comment on this, please contact the Clerk to the Governors jawhittingham@btinternet.com