Welcome from the Head
Heraclitus said, “the only constant in life is change”, and at school, we teach the pupils to see change, not as something to be afraid of, but as something to embrace. Building this resilience, this “Elasticity”, is so important in this swiftly changing world.
The secret of managing change, according to Socrates, is to “focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new”, and this is the message we give to our Year 6 pupils as they embark on the next stage of their journey. They have delighted us with their humour, hard work and their remarkable stage performances.
Their brilliant Shakespeare performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at our 50th Birthday celebration at Westminster City Hall was a highlight for so many, and their performance of Matilda Jr. was a joyful finale to a successful year. Their 11+ offers were impressive, with over a third of them receiving scholarships. Bravo Year 6! We could not be prouder of you.
Although we are saying goodbye to some well-loved families and staff relocating out of London or going abroad, we are delighted to be welcoming new families and staff to our community. For those leaving, we wish you all the very best. Do remember that you will always be welcome to visit us in the future.
We have had an incredibly busy year, and we have tried to capture the essence of all we have done in this publication, but the best way to really appreciate the wonder of St James is to come and see us in action.
Enjoy!
Hilary Wyatt Head
St James Schools
Celebrate 50 Years with Music, Memories and Meaning
We thank all 553 performers at our 50th Birthday celebration: the old boys and girls; the staff, past and present; the parents; and, of course, all the children who performed so well. They were the stars. Long may they shine.
12 Head Teachers have led the schools throughout the last 50 years...
St James has called home to many building over the years...
1992 – 2009: Paul Moss, St James Junior School
1995 - 2014: Laura Hyde, St James Senior Girls’ School
2020 – 2022: Kris Spencer, St James Preparatory School
2022 – Present: Hilary Wyatt, St James Preparatory School
2023
Present: Emma Bell, St James Senior Girls’ School
2024 – Present: Rick Clarke, St James Senior Boys’ School
2010: Ashford, Surrey
January 1975: 90-92 Queen’s Gate in South Kensington
1983: Chepstow Villas, Notting Hill
1990: 19 Pembridge Villas, Notting Hill Gate
A key part of the St James teaching is the discovery of the power of attention. It brings a task to life. Without attention, every task is mechanical: attention allows it to be creative, effective, and instructive.
Your attention on the evening of our celebration, did just that. It fed every performance with light and love.
Thank you for that. All 1400 of you.
Your reaction at the time, and subsequently has led us to step back and look at our Schools. How are they set for the next 50 years? How close to our founding ideals are they?
Other schools have followed many of the early revolutionary ideas: mindfulness, fresh vegetarian diet, pausing between activities, the power of excellence, both in the literature studied and music performed. But most of all, perhaps, following our recent line, are we still learning?
In the words of the hymn, is each step we take making us more wise? Time will tell, but we are determined to make St James the very best it can be.
If you would like to join the team, either as a governor or trustees, please let us know. Your experience is the expertise we need.
If you would like to help in other ways, do let us know. The bursary fund opens our door to all.
Very best wishes,
Jeremy Sinclair CBE, Chair of Trustees
2003 – 2013: David Boddy, St James Senior Boys’ School
2009 – 2020: Catherine Tomlinson, St James Junior School
2013 – 2023: David Brazier, St James Senior Boys’ School
2005: Spectrum was divided into the three schools, each releasing their own edition
2023: Magazine renamed Púrna, meaning ‘complete, infinite, full’ in Sanskrit
2014 – 2023: Sarah Labram, St James Senior Girls’ School
1996: Pope’s Villa, Twickenham
2000: Earsby Street, West Kensington
SchoolNews
Celebrating Our Academic and Pastoral Successes
Across every area of school life, from creative arts to sports, wellbeing, and academic excellence, our pupils have shown resilience, pride, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and achievements, and grateful to our dedicated staff and supportive families who make our community so vibrant.
Artistic Excellence
We began the year with fantastic news from the ISA National Art Competition, where hundreds of schools took part.
Four of our talented artists were recognised at Regional level, with Salila winning 1st place. Her artwork, a stunning silkscreen artwork, was taken to the National Finals near Birmingham by Mrs Wyatt, and received a Highly Commended (3rd place); a brilliant achievement!
Performing Arts for the Win
Our pupils made a fantastic impression in the 2025 ISA Drama Competition, earning the award for Best Costume, Staging, and Props.
• Year 4’s Shakespeare performance received an Honourable Mention
• Eden received an Outstanding Individual Recognition
Our Drama programme continues to build confidence, teamwork, and communication skills. This was further highlighted when our Year 6 pupils achieved Distinction in the English Speaking Board Level 1 Speech Award – a brilliant showcase of their growing public speaking abilities.
To top it all off, our performing arts team can be exceptionally proud of being shortlisted for the Independent School of the Year for the Performing Arts two years in a row!
ChallengeChallengeAccepted,Conquered
This year marked our biggest year yet in Maths competitions! Pupils tackled every challenge with enthusiasm and determination.
• In the Primary Maths Challenge, several pupils reached the Bonus Round. Special mentions go to Eliza and Carmen in Year 5 for their excellent efforts.
For the first time, Year 4 pupils also took part, and their resilience made us so proud.
• In the Junior Mathematical Challenge, Dylan and Felix in Year 6 took on questions aimed at Year 8 pupils. Both progressed to the Junior Kangaroo, where Felix achieved bronze and Dylan earned gold!
• Meanwhile, our Year 3 and 4 pupils tackled the First Maths Challenge, with every pupil in Year 4 volunteering to take part. We celebrated a record number of gold awards, including several from our outstanding Year 3s.
• To top it off, our team of Arthur, Lily, Eliza, and Carmen represented St James in the Christ’s Hospital Maths Challenge – performing brilliantly and doing us proud.
Sporting&SpiritSuccess
What a year for sport at St James!
We participated in seven ISA events, including football, netball, cross country, cricket, athletics, and, for the first time, tag rugby tournaments.
An incredible four pupils qualified for Nationals in cross country and athletics. Congratulations to Malu, Laura, Aria and Salila!
Our own highlights included:
• The Handball World Cup Festival which saw Germany win
• A memorial dodgeball tournament honouring a former pupil
• House victories: Winchester reclaimed the Swimming Gala Cup, and Canterbury held on to the Sports Day Cup
On National Fitness Day, the whole school came together for a record-breaking day of movement:
• 5,426 sprints
• 5,899 squats
• 6,199 step-ups
• 6,745 star jumps and more!
WellbeingforAwardSchool
We are also delighted to announce that we have received the Wellbeing Award for Schools!
This national recognition celebrates our commitment to creating a supportive, nurturing, and inclusive environment for every child. Programmes such as Feel Good Fridays, our Listening Ear support, and the Wellbeing Ambassador Programme have played a huge role in helping pupils feel heard, valued, and empowered. Special thanks go to Mr Jones for his leadership and vision in enhancing our wellbeing provision. This award is a reflection of his hard work and the support of our entire school community.
Here’s to another year of growth, inspiration, and success at St James!
11+ Journey
Our Year 6 pupils achieved outstanding success in this year’s 11+ exams, receiving a wealth of offers from a diverse and prestigious range of senior schools. These included Godolphin and Latymer, Emanuel, Frances Holland, Latymer Upper, Putney High, Notting Hill & Ealing, Kew House, The Harrodian, and more. Many pupils also chose to continue their journey with us at St James Senior Girls’ School and St James Senior Boys’ School.
While the 11+ process can often feel daunting, we ensure our pupils feel supported, calm, and confident throughout. In the Upper School, pupils develop verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills, and our Maths and English lessons are carefully tailored to meet each pupil’s individual needs - ensuring they are both challenged and nurtured in every subject.
To further support their journey, our dedicated 11+ Club focuses on exam technique and interview preparation, helping pupils build confidence and perform at their best. Alongside this, our broad and enriching curriculum ensures that pupils remain well-rounded, intellectually curious, and emotionally balanced as they prepare for the next stage of their education.
We are incredibly proud of all our pupils and everything they have achieved - regardless of how long they have been with us at the Prep School. We wish each and every one of them the very best of luck as they take their next steps. We know they will continue to shoot for the stars, wherever their paths may lead!
Felix
Ella Grace Jack
Kirstie Mika Luella
Annabel F
Sarah Tabby Turki Balkis
Salila
Orson
Reva
Annabel H
Viktoriia Zak Zaki
Dylan Aisha
NurseryExpansion
New look, new name!
Starting this September, our nursery will be open 48 weeks a year, with extended hours from 7.30am to 6.00pm to better support our local families’ needs.
With this exciting new chapter comes a new name, as the Nursery becomes “Little Shells Nursery at St James”.
This development builds on our long-standing commitment to providing an inspirational and balanced introduction to school life, where creativity, academic foundations, and holistic wellbeing go hand-in-hand. With access to Forest School, a fully-equipped Teaching Kitchen, and specialist sessions with our Prep School Performing Arts teachers, children will continue to enjoy a playful and enriching early learning experience.
As Little Shells Nursery, we will continue to offer the same caring team, varied curriculum, and joyful atmosphere, now with the added benefit of a more accessible and flexible structure to meet the needs of modern family life.
Q&A with Ms Anna Tajeddin
Nursery
What has made your 2024/2025 class special?
This year’s nursery class has been a joyful mix of curiosity, creativity, and kindness. From day one, the pupils have shown a strong eagerness to learn, explore, and build friendships. Their growing confidence, willingness to help one another, and enthusiasm for new experiences have made each day feel special. Whether through imaginative play, shared laughter, or small acts of care, this class has created a warm, supportive environment that has been a true pleasure to be part of.
What is your favourite memory of the year?
There were so many wonderful highlights this year that it’s hard to choose just one favourite memory. However, one moment that really stands out is when we made a fire at Forest School and toasted marshmallows together. The excitement on the pupils’ faces, the warmth of the fire, and the joy of sharing such a special experience made it truly unforgettable. It was a perfect mix of learning, fun, and togetherness, everything that made this class so special.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
Watching the pupils grow throughout the year has been truly inspiring. They began as little ones needing constant support, but now confidently explore, problem-solve, and play together with increasing independence. It’s been a joy to see strong friendships form and social skills blossom as they organise their own games and support each other. Their progress, both individually and as a group, reflects just how far we’ve come together in developing a real sense of community and confidence.
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class?
Always stay curious, be kind, and believe in yourselves. You are all capable of amazing things, and this is just the beginning of your exciting journey. Keep asking questions, keep exploring, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they help you grow. Remember how special you are, how much you are loved, and how proud we are of you. Carry the joy, friendship, and confidence you have built here into all your adventures ahead. The world is lucky to have you!
Reception B
Q&A with Mrs Bawn
(née Bailleux)
What has made your 2024/2025 class special?
This class has been an absolute dream to teach. They are inquisitive, engaged, and full of energy. They show kindness and care for each other and their independence shines through daily. They have enjoyed topic work and were particularly fascinated by the caterpillars turning into butterflies! The pupils have been so engaged during our Forest School sessions and have really taken risks with proper equipment safely and stepped out of their comfort zones, as well as enjoying learning about nature.
What is your favourite memory of the year?
My favourite memory is our week of two amazing trips to the transport museum and the farm. The pupils’ curiosity and excitement were infectious, and their impeccable behaviour made the outings enjoyable for everyone, especially during long train journeys where they were very well behaved and patient. Seeing them explore new environments with such enthusiasm and confidence truly stood out as a highlight of the year. The best bit was the goat jumping up to greet us!
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
This class has made incredible progress in reading, writing, and maths. Many who struggled to write their name can now confidently write full sentences. They have developed personally, socially and emotionally too, which is so important, and they have grown massively in confidence, developing a growth mindset and becoming independent. They are speaking more, and all pupils are now able to answer questions using “because”.
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class?
Keep being curious and kind, always asking questions and helping others. Believe in yourselves and never be afraid to try new things. Remember, making mistakes is positive and helps us to learn, so keep celebrating them. Stay independent, work hard, and support each other. I’m proud of how far you’ve come and excited for all the wonderful things you’ll achieve next!
Class 1C
Your ability to work together as a team is very special. Whether it is making Lego models, singing together, gardening or doing an obstacle course, you have learnt to listen to each other and interact with each other in a considerate and effective way. I’ve spotted a lot of super, special teamwork Y1C! Well done.
What is your favourite memory of the year?
A favourite memory I will always cherish is seeing you all peering through the very tall broad bean plants which you germinated and sowed in the garden from seed. You then carefully picked and popped open the bean pods that grew and were brave enough to try the fresh, tasty beans snuggled inside the pods.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
I think your greatest achievement this year was performing a scene from ‘Macbeth’ in our Shakespeare Festival. I was so proud that you all knew your lines inside out and were so confident on stage. I am also amazed at your progress in swimming; you are especially good at putting your face in the water and blowing bubbles!
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class?
You are wonderful pond dippers, bark rubbers, plant growers and insect finders. Nature is, and always will be, your friend.
Q&A with Miss Cselko
Class
1L
Q&A with Miss Laird
What has made your 2024/2025 class special?
The kindness and camaraderie amongst 1L is heart-warming. They now support and uplift each other without adult guidance. If a pupil has lost their smile, the others will notice, hold out their hand to comfort or support with kind words of resolution. They know and respect each other very well.
What is your favourite memory of the year?
Every Friday, when the spelling test feels a little too serious, we dance and shake it off to music we love! Watching the pupils’ artistic skills grow this year has been an absolute joy. Their illustrations and attention to detail are phenomenal. Our recent trip to Holland Park ecology centre saw the pupils immersed in nature and scooping out pond life with nets. The pupils came face to face with newts!
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
1L are special little humans full of independence, confidence and endless fun! They have worked incredibly hard this year and displayed excitement for every subject and learning challenge. Their listening and determination has lead to outstanding results in English and Maths this year. I am so proud 1L!
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class?
• Believe in yourself. To be an over achiever, you must be an over believer.
• Never say I can’t. Be resilient.
• Be fearless in facing challenges.
• In a world where you can be anything, always be kind.
• Be you and be proud.
Class 2C
What has made your 2024/2025 class special?
It has been such a special experience spending 18 months with this class and witnessing their incredible growth. Over this time, we truly became a strong unit and just like the story we read at the beginning of the year, our class really did become a family. We've been a fantastic team!
Q&A with Miss Chetwin
discovered. We ended the trip with a relaxing picnic, simply enjoying each other’s company. It felt like a truly perfect day of togetherness!
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
We’ve made incredible progress across so many areas this year! What I’m most proud of is the pupils’ fantastic writing; the effort they’ve put in and the way their creativity truly shines. I’ve also loved seeing them confidently express their ideas during philosophical discussions, listening respectfully and valuing each other’s viewpoints. It’s been incredible to see them develop their unique voices, both on paper and in conversation.
What is your favourite memory of the year?
Our outing to Holland Park was one of my favourite moments. It was a beautiful day spent outdoors, searching for signs of spring. The pupils were so engaged and curious, and it was lovely to see them running around together and sharing what they had
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class?
As you move on to new adventures, always stay curious; keep asking questions, exploring ideas, and wondering “what if?”. Stay kind and remember that even small acts can make a big difference. Be open to new people, places, and perspectives; you never know what you might learn. As Roald Dahl said, “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” So believe in yourself, and in the magic of learning!
Class 3PW
What has made your 2024/2025 class special?
Year 3PW - your kindness, energy, artistry, storytelling super-powers, teamwork, and courage made this year not just special – but unforgettable! Keep shining, keep being amazing authors, artists, and adventurers. Thank you for filling our year with joy.
What is your favourite memory of the year?
My favourite memories of you include spending time with you in the garden while learning about plants and seeds; making Christmas cards with you for the homeless – and reading all the compassionate things you wrote; and watching your generous and enthusiastic spirits soar at our Bake Sale.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
Your greatest achievements include: not always having to be first in line, remembering to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, trying your best not to waste food and other resources, being kind and helpful, seeing mistakes as your greatest teachers and always trying your best!
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class?
• Stay curious. Every “Why?” you ask is a doorway to something wonderful.
• Be kind. Kindness is the super-power that never runs out of battery.
• Try, try, try again. Mistakes aren’t roadblocksthey’re stepping-stones to “I did it!”
• Read widely. Books are secret portals; open one whenever you need a new world.
• Believe in “yet.” “I can’t do it… yet” means the best is still coming.
Keep your hearts brave, your minds open, and your smiles ready to share. I can’t wait to hear about the amazing things you will discover next!
Q&A with Ms Parker-Wood
What has made your 2024/2025 class special?
Class 3J
Q&A with Mr Jones
This class has had a brilliant mix of curiosity, humour and heart. They’ve asked big questions, shared thoughtful ideas and made each other laugh on even the sleepiest mornings. What’s made them really stand out, though, is how they’ve grown together, becoming more inclusive, more resilient, and more confident in themselves and each other.
What is your favourite memory of the year?
Our class innovation story of Ella and the Costume Cupboardwithout a doubt. The imagination in those lessons was off the scale. Everyone was completely invested, and the stories that came out of it were some of their best writing all year. It was one of those magical moments where every child’s creativity sparked at once.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
Their resilience and teamwork. They’ve learned how to persevere when something feels tough, and how to lean on each other when it matters. Whether tackling a tricky task or sorting out a disagreement, they’ve shown real character and determination.
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class?
Keep being curious, kind, and brave. Trust yourselves, listen well, and don’t be afraid to take up space; your ideas matter. And remember, a little laughter (and a lot of teamwork) can get you through most things.
Dorset Year 3
Residential Trip to
New Barn,
Year 3 had a fabulous time on their residential trip to New Barn!
They threw themselves into their first residential and loved learning about the Celts, by making butter and flour from scratch. They were also treated to a pottery session and a campfire, accompanied with hilarious songs and chants!
For many of the pupils, it was their first trip away from home. We were so proud of the independence they showed, as well as their enthusiasm and energy they showed throughout the trip. Well done everyone!
Class 4N
Q&A with Mr Norris
What has made your 2024/2025 class special?
This year has been special because of the amazing energy, enthusiasm and humour of the Year 4 class! Every day has been full of laughter and learning.
What is your favourite memory of the year?
My favourite memory is of our residential to Somerset. All the pupils challenged themselves and had a wonderful time. It has been great to see everyone grow in confidence.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
The greatest achievements have been attaining amazing scores in Maths challenges, producing wonderful work about Jamaica, and having great success in the ISA Drama Competition.
What is your parting message/ words of wisdom to your class?
Stay positive, look after each other and remember to have fun!
What has made your 2024/2025 class special?
This class has been an absolute joy to teach!
Class 5E
You’ve brought energy, laughter, and a real sense of togetherness to every lesson. Your willingness to help each other, your positive attitude, and your curiosity have made every day enjoyable. I have especially enjoyed getting to know each of you and your quirky personalities better throughout the year!
What is your favourite memory of the year?
The residential trip to Mendip Activity Centre is my standout memory. It was amazing seeing you all outside the classroom, abseiling, exploring, and supporting each other. Whether it was trying to be less scared of insects and heights or simply hanging out in the lodge, those moments captured your courage, teamwork, and sense of fun. I particularly loved the raft-building challenge, and I’m still suspicious that our raft was tampered with before it got onto the water…
Q&A with Mr Edwards
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
You’ve achieved so much this year, both academically and personally. I’ve seen each of you grow in confidence as you prepare for the 11+ exams, tackling tricky questions and pushing yourselves. Adapting to iPads for learning in class was a huge step too, and you embraced it with maturity and unbelievable creativity. Some of the time it felt like you were teaching me, so thank you for doing it with patience and humour.
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class?
Believe in yourselves; you are capable of amazing things. Keep asking questions, keep laughing, and never be afraid to make mistakes; that’s how you grow. You’ve made this year so memorable for me, and I can’t wait to see all the brilliant things you’ll do next. Good luck next year!
Year 4 & 5 Residential Trip to Mendip
What our pupils had to say:
“The best trip on Earth! At the beginning of the day, we departed from St James and we jumped into the mini bus going to Mendip Activity camp. When we got there we were greeted by our lovely activity leader called Dom and her team that helped put our luggage on the van. After that we had our delectable lunch! After a while we walked to our lodge hidden next to a forest. When we were in the building we got all our bags and suitcases and brought them to our rooms where we made are beds.”
Eden
“On Wednesday we went canoeingit was hard at first but then once you got the hang of it it was easy. Then we went paddle boarding. I was great at it, it was so fun, I only fell in when I was trying to get out. It was so cold!”
Winifred
5
Year 4
Year
Class
Q&A
with Miss Simmons
6S
What has made your 2024/2025 class special?
I'm not sure how to summarise the past two years in order to truly show my appreciation for this class. It's been absolutely incredible: there hasn't been a day that hasn't filled me with joy. Thank you for always being the most fun, talented, bright, kind, quirky bunch - please stay like this forever. I've loved how you always make the most of every opportunity, how you support each other without a second thought, and even how you use my teachings and quotes against me.
What is your favourite memory of the year?
It has got to be the PGL residential – 5 days of thrills and funny moments to cherish forever. The class were brave and full of fun from day one. We had stunning weather as we dipped our toes into the English Channel, leapt from terrifyingly high trapezes, and zoomed down exhilarating zip wires. The pupils became (even) closer friends; it was the perfect ending to the year.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
They have achieved an incredible amount this year. Not only did they power through the challenges of the 11+ but they have also been exemplary prefects at the same time.
The Matilda Jr production will go down in St James history as one of the greatest! They also proved themselves to be OUTSTANDING entrepreneurs – their enterprise project efforts were brilliantly impressive. What a year!
What is your parting message/words of wisdom to your class?
Every single one of you is brilliant in so many ways - keep believing in yourself and striving to reach new heights (just like paper airplanes).
As a teacher, there are always certain classes that you remember forever - this is you. Thank you for the best memories; I'm so proud to have been your teacher. All the luck for the future... onwards and upwards from here!
Enterprise Year 6
PROJECT
In a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial flair, the Year 6 pupils proved they’re more than ready for the world of business with their dazzling Enterprise Project, sponsored by Chip, the savings app!
Designed to teach real-life skills like budgeting, teamwork, marketing, and customer service, the project challenged pupils to plan, create, and run their own small businesses. The catch? They had just £5 per person to start with and a big goal: to make a profit.
From handmade crochet items and DIY jewellery to beautiful sunflowers and impressive paper goods, the school courtyard was transformed into a buzzing marketplace full of colour, energy, and ambition. Each team developed a business plan, pitched their ideas, and then went full steam ahead into production and sales.
The event drew crowds of parents, staff, and pupils from across the school, many of whom were blown away by the professionalism, creativity, and enthusiasm on display.
Not only did these young entrepreneurs rake in over £400 in profits, but they also chose to donate a portion of their earnings to two charities proving that heart and hustle can go hand in hand.
Bravo, Year 6: your futures are bright!
Year 6
Residential Trip to Osmington Bay
Year 6 had a fantastic trip to the beautiful Osmington Bay!
The sun shone down upon everyone as they tackled challenging activities, from abseiling to zip wire, trapeze to keelboat sailing. Every single pupil pushed themselves beyond their comfort zones and made the teachers incredibly proud. They were blown away by the levels of encouragement and support the pupils gave each other - displays of true friendships and outstanding kindness.
They laughed, they played, they jumped, they solved; what a way to end their time at St James Preparatory School!
Head Pupils’ Reflections
I have been at this school for six years and I have had so many fun memories; Year 5 to 6 were packed with them.
It is crazy how much I have grown physically and mentally thanks to every amazing member of staff, and my best friends have really made my time here even better.
The 11+ exams are finished and my advice to the new Year 6 is to stay calm even if you feel pressure. If you panic, it will only make it worse.
Following the 11+, we have had lots of fun things; Sports Day, the Swimming Gala, and the Sanskrit Speech Competition. The most fun activities were the Enterprise Project and the residential trip!
I’m going to miss St James, and I will remember all my memories for the rest of my life.
Zak
I have been at St James since Reception and I have made many life-lasting memories over the past seven years. Looking back, I can still remember the joy of making it to the big pool in swimming lessons in Year 1, and my favourite times of day being break time and lunch.
As a Year 6, the start of our year was more focused on academics in the buildup to the 11+, but after our exams and interviews were over, we were able to focus on more fun activities. This spring, we had our residential trip to Osmington Bay in Dorset where we went sailing, abseiling, zip-lining and more! We also worked really hard to put together the musical Matilda Jr and the end result was fantastic "...because even if you're little you can do a lot!".
In Sports, this past half term has been mainly focused on Athletics. We participated in the ISA Athletics and most importantly we had Sports Day, which is one of my favourite days of the year because I love racing against my friends and having delicious ice cream and a massive picnic with everybody afterwards.
I have loved being Head Girl at St James, and my advice for the lucky next Head Pupil is to enjoy the role as the year goes quickly. I will miss St James very much, especially all the Year 6 class and the teachers who've helped me so much along the way.
Annabelle
Nativity
Our Lower School stars brought the Nativity story to the stage for a festive end of the Autumn Term!
We are so proud of their confidence and talent, performing over two days for the whole school and families. Well done!
ShakespeareFestival
What an incredible three-day journey through the world of Shakespeare!
Our stars from Nursery to Year 6 shone brightly on stage for our annual Shakespeare Festival, bringing The Bard's timeless words to life.
This year, Year 6’s ambitious 50-minute production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream captivated audiences, while younger pupils brought their own plays to life with enthusiasm and skill. The festival embodies not only theatrical excellence but also a profound engagement with language, history, and storytelling traditions.
Each performance was a testament to their bravery, talent and passion.
Bravo to all our young thespians!
Matilda Jr
Our Year 6 pupils gave a truly unforgettable performance in their final school production Matilda Jr. - and what a spectacular farewell it was. In a fastpaced, high-energy 1 hour and 20-minute show, the entire cast came together to deliver a production that was nothing short of brilliant.
What stood out most was the incredible sense of unity and collaboration among the pupils. The ensemble work was especially impressive; the group singing was polished, and the choreography executed with confidence and sharp timing! It was clear this was a class that had worked hard, supported one another, and truly loved performing together.
A standout moment was the rousing rendition of the “School Song”, performed with such enthusiasm and precision that it had the audience beaming. The big company numbers like "Revolting Children" and "When I Grow Up" were packed with energy and heart!
There were also plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, thanks to some perfectly timed comedic performances from The Wormwoods - flamboyant, loud, and gloriously over-the-top - and Miss Trunchbull, played with both menace and comic flair. Balancing out the chaos, the role of Matilda was played with quiet strength and maturity, while Miss Honey brought warmth and heart to every scene - beautifully performed.
Bravo
Year
6!
This Year 6 cohort is bursting with talent. Their confidence, stagecraft, and teamwork were a joy to witness. As their final show at St James, Matilda Jr. was not just a performance but a celebration of everything they’ve become: bold, brilliant, and ready for the next stage.
“It has been a fun-filled rehearsal process and the pupils from the senior school, aided by the prep school, have created some wonderful moments. We feel it was an excellent way to showcase our pupils in this celebratory year. Some beautiful singing, hugely energetic routines and even a few kites made for a wonderful time for all!”
Mr Herriman, Head of Drama at St James Senior Girls’ School
A Celebration of Music AND COMMUNITY
The St James Summer Concert
This year’s Summer Concert was a joyful celebration of music, talent, and togetherness. Pupils from all three St James Schools came together for a vibrant evening of performances that spanned genres and generations, from baroque to Beatles, and sonatas to rock.
The evening was thoughtfully arranged into three parts: The Garden Party, The Concert, and The Gig - each showcasing the remarkable talent and confidence of our pupils. Audiences enjoyed a diverse line-up of soloists, small ensembles, choirs from both the Senior Girls’ and Senior Boys’ Schools, as well as the Joint Schools Orchestra.
It was a truly collaborative event, brought to life by the dedication of our music, catering, estates, events and marketing staff - not to mention the ongoing support of the Friends of St James.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Community
St James Nursery & Preparatory School has had a wonderfully impactful year supporting both local and international charities. Thank you to all who generously contributed; your support is deeply appreciated.
This year, we were delighted to partner up with Under One Sky (UOS). We began the Autumn Term with a Harvest collection, donating blankets, clothes, and food to homeless friends.
At Christmas, we partnered with the Senior Girls’ School to create 519 handmade cards, exceeding our target, to be distributed to our UOS friends. For our last term, Year 4, 5 & 6 pupils, under Chef Suzie’s guidance, made up to 100 cheese sandwiches weekly for UOS to deliver to their community during SkyWalks.
Harvest certainly brought our partnership with St James off to a flying start. The collections were beyond overwhelming in the best possible way. In fact, we left the school with a jam-packed van and a big smile.
Each week, Under One Sky supports between 500-600 homeless friends on London’s streets, so the volume of this Harvest collection ends in a place of great need. That sleeping bag could save someone’s life, or that bar of soap give someone a feeling of dignity.
This is always a good moment to take a “Pause” and contemplate that… We know because we see the impact week after week. Should you ever wish to experience it for yourself, then don’t hesitate to join us for a Skywalk in the city we all call home.
Watch Here
For our international charity of the year, Masibambane College in South Africa, fundraising included a Sponsored Walk, Scooter Wash, Bake Sale, Craft Sale, Cinema Experience, and Times Tables-a-thon!
Thank you to everyone who so kindly and generously donated this year. Your positively overwhelming support is greatly appreciated.
Community
Christmas Fair
With Santa’s Grotto, tombola, biscuit decorating, lucky dips, the Mobile Animal Farm, a brilliant raffle and some fantastic music from the pupils, even the rain couldn’t dampen the mood for our Christmas Fair!
Through everyone’s efforts, we raised over £6,700 for our two schools and our chosen charities: Under One Sky and Masibambane School.
Thank you to everyone who baked, organised volunteers, helped to sell tokens, decorated the school and cleared up at the end. The Christmas Fair couldn’t happen without your support!
Fundraising
Our annual Quiz Night in March saw the Prep School teachers put in a valiant effort to reclaim the cup, but they were just pipped to the post by Year 9 parents. Together with a fantastic auction run by Year 13s, the evening raised a total of £1,657.59 for the Bursary Fund.
In addition to supporting Under One Sky and the Bursary Fund, the Friends raised a further £3,280.04 for the school. These funds are being used to support the first phase of the exciting new Playground Project!
It has also been a real pleasure to welcome so many parents and alumni back to school this year. Whether mentoring pupils, speaking at assemblies, or joining us in our 50th Birthday celebrations, their contributions have been invaluable. We’re incredibly proud of our strong, supportive community and it is a true joy to welcome our newest alumni, the Year 6 Class of 2025!
Community Parent Activities
It has been wonderful to welcome more and more parents to our weekly activities at the school.
Our Parent Art sessions (now popular with pupils too!) moved to our relaxing Courtyard Café, and we enjoyed playing around with ink sketches of spring blossoms, watercolour oysters and even our whole-school fruit observational painting!
The Staff and Parent Choir, had another incredible year, performing at Central Hall Westminster for our 50th Birthday, and on Speech Day! We look forward to growing it and involving our alumni in the future.
A huge thank you to all parents and carers for all of your support and dedication to our school community.
Just 20 minutes a week, at 8am on a Thursday, put a literal spring in my step for the rest of the day. So many studies have proven that singing in a group is good for you. It can improve mood, reduce anxiety and even improve cognitive function. Who doesn’t want all that?
St
James Parent
We really appreciate the close interaction between the parents and the school, giving us the opportunity to see our child's progress and to better understand his time at the school.
St James Parent
Library
On World Book Day we had a fantastic day full of great costumes (showcased in our annual parade) and even greater reads! The theme: Read Your Way was celebrated through a survey that was released to pupils about their favourite ways of interacting with books.
Book clubs for Year 4 and 5 have been full of brilliant books and activities planned and executed by the members themselves. From blind taste tests, to drawing competitions, to a mystery guessing game all inspired by the stories and characters we have been reading about, club members have given their all into interacting with the books they chose. We have explored multiple genres and styles of books, such as mystery, adventure, comics, and non-fiction too!
We have been extremely lucky to continue partnering with Waterstones and participate in four author visits since February, liaising with local primary schools in the area, both hosting and visiting them. Every author shared their unique paths into the world of writing, including interactive world-building activities where pupils could immerse themselves into the story. We look forward to welcoming many more authors next year!
We would like to thank all the guardians and friends of St James who have purchased books for our library over the year, the pupils gain so much from an ongoing and updated supply of books and stories to explore!
It has been an honour to take over from Anita as Librarian this year. The new library has provided such a beautiful and calm space where pupils can come to immerse themselves in the world of literature. I have loved every minute of my role, and it has been a joy to promote reading for pleasure in multiple ways.
Céleste Bökkerink, Prep School Librarian
WorldBook Day
Sanskrit
Our annual Sanskrit Speech Competition took place on Thursday 26 June in the Assembly Hall with all pupils from Nursery to Year 6 participating!
This year the competition was judged by Wendy Jupp, who is currently studying for a Masters Degree in ‘Traditions of Yoga and Meditation’ at SOAS, London University.
Passages from the Veda, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita were sung from memory, and an English translation of each passage was recited. Year 2, for example, the winners of the first section of the competition, performed Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 verses 18 and 19, which were translated as:
When the mind is fully controlled, centred in the Self alone, then one is free from all cravings and desires and is said to be truly spiritual. Just as a candle sheltered from the wind does not flicker, so the disciplined mind of a spiritual person remains steady.
Testimonial
Having been at St James since the very beginning of my formal education at the age of four, Sanskrit has always been a natural part of school life. For me, studying the language has felt as normal as Maths or English, something so consistent and familiar that I can’t remember a time when it wasn’t part of my daily routine.
Alumna, Anjali (2025), studying Sanskrit in Oxford next year.
From first learning to trace the alphabet in the Prep School to reading classical texts and sitting GCSEs, Sanskrit has always been my favourite subject.
What began as reciting the alphabet and word recognition has grown over the years into an appreciation for the structure, clarity, and depth of the language. Its logic and precision are things I’ve come to enjoy but even more than that, I’ve found myself drawn to the texts it unlocks and the insights they offer.
Sanskrit has opened up a whole new world of literature which is full of philosophy, relatable and fun stories as well as offering a different way of thinking.
A huge part of my journey has been shaped by Mr and Mrs Jessup. They have brought not only deep knowledge of the subject but have also encouraged and inspired me. Their teaching has made a lasting impression on me, and I’m incredibly grateful to have learnt from them.
St James has given me a foundation in Sanskrit that goes beyond vocabulary and grammar. It’s given me a sense of the language’s wider purpose. That’s something I’ve come to value more and more over time, and it’s a big part of why I’ve decided to continue studying Sanskrit at Oxford.
Sports Day
Art Gallery
Speech & Prize Giving Day
2025
