2025
Purn • a Magazine!
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 2025 edition of our school magazine.
I am incredibly proud of the caring, dynamic community we have here at St James Senior Girls’ School. We are committed to nurturing the unique talents and aspirations of every individual, every day, fostering a culture of academic excellence and personal growth, underpinned by strong values.
Our unique approach, including “The Pause” instead of school bells, philosophy lessons for all and daily mindfulness practice, promotes a deep sense of wellbeing in mind, body and spirit. Helping young people to be comfortable in their own skin allows them to express themselves clearly and from the heart, as we heard and saw at this year’s Speech Day (P.64).
The St James education also helps our pupils to understand who they are, and how they wish to shape their future world. Our 2025 leavers captured this essence as they shared their love and gratitude for one another, their teachers, families and supporters at their emotional Leavers’ Dinner (p.49) - before playing rounders in their evening gowns! I have no doubt that the skills, strength, resilience and deep bonds they have developed during their time with us will enable them to continue to be their very best selves as they move on to university and beyond. They will always be part of the St James family.
In these pages you will find happy memories of our 50th Birthday Year including the wide range of exciting trips, visits, speakers and enrichment activities enjoyed by our pupils. We are also pleased to showcase here our academic departments, inspirational teachers and the many achievements of our whole community across our broad curriculum.
I hope you enjoy the magazine and wish you a happy and successful year ahead.
Emma Bell 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
Saying goodbye to Mrs Yolanda Saunders
We would like to take a moment to bid a heartfelt farewell to Mrs Yolanda Saunders. We want to express our deepest gratitude for her remarkable service to the St James family of Schools.
Yolanda has dedicated over 30 years to our community, as a volunteer, trainee teacher, Classics teacher, Head of Classics, Head of Sixth Form, and parent.
Her unwavering commitment and passion for nurturing the potential of every young person has left an indelible mark on us all. Her magnanimity, expertise, and genuine care as a teacher, careers advisor, and leader has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of pupils and colleagues alike.
We are truly grateful for her years of service and her dedication to helping pupils become their best selves. Please join us in thanking Mrs Saunders for her incredible contribution to our school and community.
Thank you so much for being so supportive and having such fun Philosophy lessons with us. You are truly an inspiration.
Phoenix
Thank you for being such an amazing supportive teacher throughout Year 12!! You helped and inspired us so much. We already miss you.
Amelie
Thank you for being a comforting figure and a very positive influence. You made school so much better and I looked forward to every Philosophy lesson.
Olivia
Thank you for being such an amazing Head of Sixth Form, your support was invaluable. I will especially miss our Philisophy discussions - they won’t be the same anymore!
Elena
Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for the St James community! You’ve really made the Sixth Form such a special and inspiring place to be.
Maia
You are such a great teacher and I loved catching up with you in the Sixth Form Centre! We’re all going to miss you so much!!
Megan
Thank you so much for being such an inspiration to all of us. We all wish you luck with whatever comes next in your journey.
Honor
Thank you for always making us smiles every day!
Thank you so much for all your support and care. You made Year 12 so much better. Wishing you all the best for your next endeavours.
Sophia
School News
LEITHS COMES TO OUR SIXTH FORM
This year has seen an exciting evolution in our Food and Nutrition department, with the introduction of the prestigious Leiths CTH Level 3 Extended Certificate in Professional Cookery, now proudly part of our Sixth Form curriculum. Under the expert guidance of Mr Bradley, 10 pioneering Year 12 students have embarked on this culinary journey, bringing flavour, flair, and finesse to every lesson.
This five-term, hands-on qualification is recognised across the UK and internationally carries valuable UCAS points. It is open to any student with a passion for food and a willingness to learn.
Since September, students have been perfecting techniques across a wide range of cuisines and formats. From crafting traditional roast dinners
to baking caramel soufflés, churning homemade ice cream to mastering classic patisserie, each session has been a feast of creativity and ambition. The results? Absolutely mouth-watering! The presentation, precision, and professionalism of their dishes would not look out of place in a professional restaurant.
Mr Bradley, Head of Food and Nutrition, shared his thoughts:
“This qualification is a food teacher’s dream. The recipes are rich in skill and technique, and watching the students grow in confidence each week is incredibly rewarding. Tasting all 10 dishes, every lesson is a challenge but one I am willing to undertake!”
Annabelle added: “I have really enjoyed some of the collaborative lessons and the whole class works well together in our Teaching Kitchen.”
With external assessments from Leiths due next year, all students are currently working at Merit standard, with many already pushing for Distinction. To showcase their skills, they’ll be catering a live event giving them a chance to serve their culinary creations beyond the classroom.
Student feedback has been just as enthusiastic. Hannah, one of our Year 12 chefs said: “We have all improved loads over the year, it's been challenging but very rewarding.”
Natalie said: “I feel I have really grown as a cook this year. I never thought I would be making soufflés and a roast dinner here at St James, but here we are!”
The addition of Leiths to our Sixth Form offer is a proud step forward, reflecting the broad and balanced education we strive to provide. It’s a launchpad for future chefs, nutritionists, and food entrepreneurs. We can’t wait to welcome the next cohort in September and to see just how far our talented Year 13s can take their culinary ambitions.
CAREERS & FUTURES
This year, we were delighted with the various careers programme activities we ran for all year groups.
We had an incredible Careers Fair. The event was a true testament to the collaborative effort of our entire school community, and it provided our pupils with invaluable insights and opportunities for their future careers.
We kicked off the day with an inspiring and engaging assembly from Emma Murphy, EMEA Head of Talent at Netflix, which set the perfect tone for the enriching sessions that followed.
The Unifrog sessions were a highlight, offering our pupils an excellent foundation for their independent career exploration and essential tools for their journey ahead.
We were also fortunate to have several staff members share their diverse career experiences with Year 9 and Year 11 pupils, offering them a unique perspective on professions beyond teaching.
Our Goldfish Bowl activity offered a hands on opportunity for pupils to practice teamwork and receive constructive feedback - an essential skill as employers increasingly incorporate creative tasks and challenges into their interview processes.
The Job Fair was a standout success, with professionals from a variety of industries offering firsthand insights into their careers. A big thank you to Ms Mello and Ms Cooper for their expert coordination in bringing these professionals to campus.
For our Sixth Form, Mrs Saunders hosted an insightful conversation about university life, featuring input from some of our esteemed alumni. This session provided the students with a deeper understanding of the university experience and its many opportunities. The Library also hosted an enlightening talk on the future impact of AI for Year 13 students, sparking thoughtful discussions about how AI could shape their careers and lives.
Finally, Caitlin Ellis from InvestIn education delivered a workshop on interview skills for Year 10 and Year 12 pupils. This session was tailored to ensure the girls feel empowered and confident in any future interview scenario.
It was a fantastic afternoon, underscoring the strength of the careers and futures provision
In addition to our Careers Fair, we are thrilled to see our Explore Your Future programme making a real impact with our Year 11 pupils.
Several pupils have secured exciting work experience placements with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, a fantastic reward for their commitment to the sessions we ran as part of our Futures provision.
This is not only a brilliant opportunity for our pupils to begin building their professional portfolios ahead of Sixth Form, but also a proud moment for our wider team whose hard work made this possible. We look forward to continuing to empower our pupils to succeed in the next stages of their journey.
Reflections Head Girls’
Sophia
Head Girl 2024/2025
In my Year 6 Leavers’ Book, I wrote that St James was like a home from home, and seven years later this still rings true.
Over 14 years, this school has nurtured me to become the person I am today. I have grown from a shy, unsure girl into a confident young woman who has a strong sense of self.
Philosophy, Sanskrit, and the ethos have given me insight into different schools of thought and equipped me with a strong moral compass.
My time as Head Girl was the last step in my journey. Leading School Council meetings fortnightly and having the chance to hone my public speaking skills in events was a great experience. I could not be more grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the community which gave me so much.
I just want to say a massive thank you to all my teachers and the support staff who make this school what it is.
Head Girl 2025/2026
I am incredibly excited and grateful to have been appointed Head Girl. The role means a lot to me, as it is an opportunity to give back to the school which has been my second home since I first stepped through the gates nearly 13 years ago. Although the application process was long and very competitive, it has taught me so much about myself and my values.
As Head Girl, I would love to strengthen the internal bonds within St James Senior Girls’ School through emphasising conversation between all year groups, as well as externally, through reaching out more to our local schools, our boys’ school and even our sister St James schools overseas.
Our school’s uniqueness is such an asset, one that I would love to share with a wider community and build genuine relationships upon.
With kindness and magnanimity so paramount to our school’s ethos, I also wish to encourage the school to play a greater role in tackling some of the more serious issues plaguing the world right now - whether that be on a smaller scale, in just talking about and raising awareness for certain issues, or through us collectively striving to take meaningful action, for example by advocating for certain campaigns.
Becoming Head Girl is an opportunity I intend to make the most of, and I am so thankful for the incredible community within which I can.
Malaika
The Harmony Project
The nature walk with all of the beautiful birds and different types of leaves, as well as planting my own tree, was an experience that I will never forget.
It was wonderful for Year 7 pupils from both our senior schools to spend time together for our annual Harmony Day. The day provided pupils a great opportunity to come together and enjoy the benefits of Ashford’s beautiful 30-acre site, all while engaging in a range of Harmony-based activities that fostered connection and learning.
Set within our expansive site, Harmony Day offers pupils the chance to engage directly with the natural world. Our grounds are home to a rich array of biodiversity, including 23 tree species, 38 plant species, and 28 bird species, nurturing a deep and lasting connection to the environment.
Pupils were divided into three groups and took part in a range of inquiry-based, outdoor learning activities rooted in the principles of balance, sustainability, and interdependence. These included a nature trail quiz and scavenger hunt, an art workshop exploring symmetry in nature, and the ever-enjoyable tree planting, which remains a core part of the Harmony Project. This year, over 200 British native saplings were planted along the bank of the North Field, contributing to a living legacy of ecological awareness and environmental care.
Despite the sleet and cold, spirits remained high, and the pupils fully embraced the day. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, collaborate and build relationships between the two schools in a meaningful and memorable way.
My sincere thanks go to all the staff who helped make the day such a success, and to our outstanding grounds team, whose preparation of the site ensured a smooth planting experience.
It was a joy to witness the enthusiasm, teamwork and friendship shared by pupils from both schools. Harmony Day continues to be a perfect opportunity to build relationships - both with each other, and with the natural world around us.
Adam Atkinson-Young, Head of Lower School at St James Senior Boys’ School
We planted oak trees which will hopefully stay there forever spiritually and physically.
Isabelle
Saskia
Enrichment Day
St James Senior Boys’ School and St James Senior Girls’ School came together for a fantastic Enrichment Day filled with shared experiences and exciting opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.
Bringing together over 200 pupils across Years 7 to 10, the day was designed around three core themes: connection, creativity, and challenge.
From the mathematical beauty of sacred geometry and the thrill of launching water rockets, to the dynamic beats of Spanish music workshops and the expressive flair of drama and dance, pupils embraced a packed programme of academic, artistic and physical activities.
Collaborative sessions in history, classics, media studies and the St James Swifts project allowed pupils to work side-by-side, sharing ideas and building friendships. Outdoors, spirited sports like kayaking, zorb football and athletics gave pupils a chance to challenge themselves in new ways, all whilst having fun!
Thank you to the many staff and facilitators whose energy and planning made this day possible. It was a fantastic celebration of the strength of our shared community and a day our pupils won’t soon forget.
Voices that inspire
This year’s Senior Lectures have offered our students more than just a break from the classroom. They have been windows into real-world experiences, resilience, and creativity. Held twice a year, these events bring together Year 11-13 students across senior schools to hear from inspiring speakers about insights from their fields and personal journeys.
Highlights from this year’s Senior Lectures
In the Autumn Term, we welcomed back Rama Gheerawo – an alumnus of St James and now a globally recognised design leader. Rama spoke candidly about his work across the world, from Qatar to Hong Kong, using design to support underprivileged communities and foster connections through empathy and human interaction. His talk was both humble and impactful, with powerful moments of reflection and humour.
“His speech was wonderfully moving,” said Jack R, Senior Prefect. “His design philosophies were touching and reflected some key aims of the St James ethos.” Students were also surprised to learn about Rama’s role in designing the iconic Mini Cooper dashboard!
Later in the year, students heard from Florence Adepoju, founder of the makeup brand MDMFlow. Her talk focused on resilience and making the most of opportunity – themes that resonated deeply with our students.
Through engaging breakout discussions, students from schools worked together, exploring questions around innovation and what it takes to build a successful business.
“We explored the early stages of creating a brand and shared examples like Netflix,” Rohan added.
“It was an enriching opportunity,” said Rohan B-N, “I’m grateful for being able to learn in a non-classroom environment. Florence’s talk really inspired us. She was honest about the hard work behind her success, and it made a big impact.”
“The discussions helped us connect, collaborate, and think differently.”
Florence’s entrepreneurial journey was an inspiring example of passion, hard work, and the fusion of science and business.
Looking back on the year, it’s clear that the Senior Lectures continue to offer something invaluable: the chance to think beyond the syllabus, learn from those who’ve walked unexpected paths, and reflect on the values that guide us.
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.
For the first major collaboration between Ms Chorley and Mr Herriman on a full-scale musical theatre production, and to celebrate our 50th Birthday, the Senior Girls brought Mary Poppins to the 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
Announcement! Next year’s production will be...
THE MUSICAL
LACROSSE TOUR to Berlin
A foggy start!
The trip didn’t start as planned, with the Friday flight from London City Airport cancelled due to thick fog. This meant a last-minute dash to Heathrow to catch a later flight, which was also delayed. We were however determined and the team finally touched down in Berlin at 10pm, after a long and challenging day.
Despite the setbacks, the pupils remained resilient and kept their spirits high with great humour!
Saturday
Saturday kicked off with some fun as the team played glow-in-the-dark 3D golf and explored a local shopping mall for souvenirs.
The day picked up pace when the team had a two-hour coaching session with the head coach from Berlin Panda Lacrosse Club, followed by their first games.
Both teams delivered incredible performances: the A team won 6-0, and the B team followed with a 3-0 victory, creating extreme highs for all players!
Sunday
On Sunday, the players competed in a fullfield tournament (10-a-side) against teams from Berlin and Poland.
In the afternoon, they participated in their first 6-a-side tournament against the same teams. After a day of hard-fought matches, St James placed second overall!
Last day!
On our final day, they were treated to a guided tour of the historic Olympic Stadium, before it was time to head home to England.
It was heartwarming to see players from different year groups come together, forming new friendships and creating memories that will carry on well beyond the trip.
A big thank you to Miss Berridge, Mrs Childs and Ms Chorley for their invaluable support throughout the trip.
Monday
On Monday, the pupils enjoyed a walking tour of Berlin, learning about its history, and notable sporting events.
In the afternoon, they played their final game against Panda Lacrosse, where individual awards were given for thier performance on the field.
That evening, St James went on a team dinner during which every player received a small award and commendation for their growth, as observed by the teachers:
“Telling The Truth”
Awarded to Leora T. for her mature and conscientious attitude
“Aiming For Your Best”
Awarded to Charlotte S. for her incredible performance in the matches
“Living Generously”
Awarded to Sophia H. for her continued positive attitude and leadership
CLASSICS TRIP to Greece
A group of pupils from Year 7, 8, 9, and 13 spent five magical days in Greece at the end of the Spring Term.
They visited the ancient sites at Athens, Delphi and Mycenae, the amazing Greek theatre at Epidavros and, of course, ancient Olympia, where they ran on the original Olympic racetrack and crowned a winner from each year group!
Everyone enjoyed lots of delicious Greek food, played football on the beach and managed to go shopping every day for bracelets and tasty Greek snacks.
The pupils all got to know each other well and there was a wonderful family atmosphere on the trip.
“I really enjoyed visiting the Parthenon because it helped me understand how the ancient Greeks used their critical thinking to construct and build a variety of different monuments.”
Michelle
“The most inspiring and influential ancient site for me was the one in Delphi. It really made me feel so peaceful and calm. Maybe this was due to there being a god of peace or calmness who was worshipped there [Apollo]. The site overlooked these huge mountains covered in greenery and it was so quiet, so I really had time to reflect and feel ease there. I really enjoyed making so many new friendships with people from the other year groups and felt really relaxed and comfortable and able to be truly myself.”
Marileta
Enrichment
The highlights of Academic Enrichment in our school this year included some fascinating Minerva talks, intriguing EPQ and AIM projects, Year 7 Personal Endeavour Projects that were thorough in their research and presentations, as well as some write-ups from our scholars that went over and above expectations.
Minerva hosted speakers with an eclectic range of topics; art and synesthesia, mental health, investigative journalism, East Germany during the Cold War, and more! The Minerva form reps came together as an amazing team that helped with the organisation of the events, but also with ensuring all guests were looked after.
Our pupils’ projects, ranged from Year 7s first attempts at research, to AIM, and all the way to the full Level 3 qualifications our Sixth Form students pursued. The range and knowledge generated was stunning! We saw presentations on astronomy and possibility of extraterrestrial life, whether reality TV resembles dystopian literature, how football started in the first place, how films might help our understanding of complex concepts from physicsand so many more!
Congratulations to every pupil who completed a project this year; we are confident that this valuable experience will accompany them in the years to come!
Our scholars reflect on this year’s Minerva Talks
Throughout the course of the year, we have had the privilege as scholars of attending and supporting all the academically enlightening Minerva Society Talks, in which guest speakers come in and talk to us in depth about particular topics that they are extraordinarily enthusiastic about.
We learnt about an abundance of interesting and varied things, such as life in East Germany during the Cold War, the state of African energy, finance and how to invest, how neuro feedback and hypnotherapy work, and about how an artist can get inspiration to create abstract work! These talks are chosen to appeal to all sorts of interests, hopefully they will appeal to yours.
Usually, the talks are on completely new subjects so, before the talks, we prepare ourselves by reading a variety of literature from our wonderful library and, afterwards, we discuss what we learned and how it impacted us to create a short write up of the discussion.
This exercise definitely helped us improve our time management and collaborative skills and, as we progressed through the year, we were able to write them together faster, and within the time frame.
Overall, this year of Minerva Talks has taught us so much about not only the more intense academic side of certain subjects, but also how we can interpret our passion for different subjects into a clear road for the future. We love being scholars!
Madu Lara
COMMUNITY Action
The Community Action team meets fortnightly, and informally on numerous occasions, to develop and organise charity and community events that foster the empathy and compassion of our pupils to each other and others.
This year, we were delighted to partner up with Under One Sky (UOS) as our chosen charity. We began the Autumn Term with a Harvest collection, donating blankets, clothes, and food. For Christmas, we were asked by Mikkel Juel Iversen, founder of UOS, to create 500 hand-made Christmas Cards for our homeless friends. We were delighted to exceed our target with the Senior Girls making over 300 cards, and the Prep School making over 200!
Our soup donation drive, organised through our 50th Birthday social media project, enabled 1200 soup meals to be distributed, an initiative we intend to continue.
All donations through the various events run amounted to £1710 to UOS! Thank you all for your generosity and kindness.
View Reel Here
Being the Year 11 Community Action Prefect taught me how powerful small acts of kindness can be when a community comes together. I loved seeing how something as simple as a school fundraiser could reach beyond our gates and genuinely help people who needed it most. It felt meaningful to encourage a spirit of generosity throughout the school, and to be part of something where fun, teamwork, and real impact went hand in hand. When everyone came together on World Book Day, Friendship Day, Christmas Jumper Day, Culture Week or other events, I realised just how strong our school’s sense of community really is and how important it is to look beyond ourselves and give back.
Ahniia
Can you tell us about what you do?
I am a social anthropologist. I’m currently a postdoctoral research associate working on a three-year ESRC-funded project based in the Mongolia and Inner Asia Studies Unit at the University of Cambridge. I split my time between researching, reading, and writing, and my current focus is on the social impact of changes to Mongolia’s meat production and circulation systems.
I think I was drawn to anthropology because of its interdisciplinarity; it combines science, philosophy, language, history, literature, and geography in ways that I find intellectually exciting. Also, growing up in the diverse cities of London and New York with parents from different backgrounds, I was always fascinated by culture and society, and questions of identity and belonging.
What do you love most about it?
The thing I love most about my work is getting to meet people from vastly different walks of life, hearing their stories, and spending time with them as they go about their daily lives. This summer, for example, a wholesale meat trader took me under her wing in Ulaanbaatar and introduced me to life in the largest meat market in the city.
My focus on Mongolia began with a brief research trip in 2012 when I fell in love with the capital city, Ulaanbaatar.
Did you time at St James help you in your work lor life?
My time at St James definitely helped my work. I’m so grateful that I was taught to pause and meditate – these are life skills that I still use every day. The education at St James encouraged me to look at things with an open mind and to try to see things from different angles.
What is your fondest memory of St James?
My fondest memories come from all the wonderful plays and concerts I had the chance to take part in at St James.
Interview with Dr Elizabeth MachlayDessberg, née Fox (2008)
Interview with Indiana Jeffreys & Edward Hampshire (2014)
Indiana and her partner, Alumnus Edward Hampshire (2014), started Hampshire Jeffreys, a digital marketing agency specialising in premium brands.
Can you tell us about what you do?
We run a digital marketing agency that is redefining how luxury and premium brands market and thrive in the digital-first world. We grow premium businesses fast and sustainably with a triple threat of services: strategy, content, and paid media, while many competitors just service one of these areas.
We have both always been obsessed with the world of advertising, from a psychological perspective as well as a creative and data-led perspective. We saw that large, premium and luxury heritage brands weren’t keeping up with tech and social media changes, and were both inspired by the opportunity that presented.
What do you love most about it?
The most incredible thing has been building a team of people who create stand out work. Creating a place where people can come to work and be inspired to create impact has been so fun.
In 2024 we signed several large global clients as their creative and digital agency.
We also produced long term content assets for brands such as Aston Martin, Marriott Group, Ennismore and Rolls Royce.
What have you found most challenging?
The biggest challenge has been accommodating growth. As companies grow, problems can get magnified.
Right now, we are planning an expansion which will involve setting up our first foreign office, this will be in either New York or Dubai.
Entrepreneurship looks very glamorous and exciting. Now in our 4th year, a lot involves being able to tolerate the hard times.
Year
7
Iris and Sofia on Year 7:
Year 7, what an incredible year group! You have lived the school motto through the year by speaking the truth, living generously and aiming for the best.
You are great ambassadors for St James. From our trip to Waterperry and St James Senior Boys’ School, to our pizza and movie night, and residential trip to Nanpantan Hall, we have had a lot of fun and grown personally and as a whole year community. We are very proud of you all. Enjoy a fabulous summer and we look forward to Year 8!
The Year 7 pastoral team: Mr James, Ms Ford and Ms Riley
What has made our group special?
We like our morning form time because the activities we do brighten us up for the rest of the day! It’s interactive and inclusive because we get to work as a team!
Favourite memory?
We remember how funny it was when we watched slime ASMR before quiet time and half the group loved it, but the others thought it was gross, particularly Mr James!
NANPANTAN HALL Trip to
Year 7 had a magical experience of selfdiscovery during Activity Week in the woods and hills of Leicestershire. They learned the survival skills of shelter building and fire lighting, and went on an intrepid 4-mile expedition to Beacon Hill, which has spectacular views as well as some of the oldest rocks in the world.
During the walk they talked in pairs about questions inspired by the landscape - what inspires us (such as a spring) or what do we do when things are tough (such as climbing a hill).
One evening, we were led to a tranquil dell in the woods for a ‘solo sit spot’. For over 20 minutes we all sat silently, quietly feeling a growing connection to our surroundings and each other.
Another highlight of the trip were the friendly animals, especially the resident pigs, Harry and Melanie, plus the apple-loving Shetland ponies and the rather friendly Billy goat on the neighbouring organic farm, where we were also shown how wool is processed from fleece to thread.
On the final night we all toasted marshmallows on a campfire and shared stories and songs. A truly memorable trip!
Year
8
Year 8, what a year you have had! You have settled into your second year with grace and maturity. You have looked after one another with empathy and understanding, creating a supportive environment for all. It has been a pleasure to get to know you all on a deeper level and the Year 8 team looks forward to having you again in Year 9!
Miss Berridge and the Year 8 team
Trip to
BUDDENS ACTIVITY CENTRE
Year 8 had a fantastic time on their year group trip to Buddens in Dorset, enjoying activities such as fire lighting, climbing, stand up paddle boarding and raft building.
On Thursday, they went to the local water park where they took part in the mud run and the water obstacle course. They had great fun pushing Mr Fisher, Miss Cutts and Ms Chorley into the water! They came home on Friday feeling very tired but full of fantastic memories.
9 Year
Year 9. I took this year group when they were in Year 8 and I was impressed with them so much I begged the powers that be to let me stay with them in Year 9. They are kind, fun and an absolute credit to the school. From improvised performances to test me out (you know what I am talking about LF), to wonderful generosity to their peers. I wish you well in Year 10!
Mr Herriman
Year 9, it has been a pleasure to see you all grow as individuals and as a cohort. You are kind, caring, respectful and you have been a joy to look after. We look forward to seeing where your journeys take you and we wish you the best of luck for your GCSE years!
Miss Berridge
NORMANDY Trip to
Year 9 had a chance to explore the cultural, historical and culinary delights of northern France in Activities Week, with a visit to Normandy, staying in Port-en Bessin, in Calvados country. This historic little port, which played a key role in D-Day itself, was the base for exploring the nearby historic sites of Omaha Beach, Pegasus Bridge, as well as Bayeux.
The pupils got a chance to inspect Bayeux Abbey and then onto the glorious Tapestry. They were lucky because the Tapestry was due to disappear from public view for restoration lasting over two years! The pupils were challenged to spot to some of the hidden and mysterious features in the artwork: Turold the Dwarf holding the reins of two horses in early panels, as well as dogs mourning the death of Edward the Confessor, alongside subversive allegorical allusions to Aesop's Fables, that may be a coded message from the English nuns, who created the actual piece in the 1070s, about where their true loyalties lay.
An apple and cider farm, as well as a goat farm, were much enjoyed with everyone hearing about the ancient methods still used to produce Calvados, Pommeau and cider, alongside a beautiful tasting board of local goat's cheeses. Year 9s can now identify a Sherman tank, as well knowing the difference between a 'Petit Billy' fromage and a 'Chabichou'...
The year group has grown exponentially this year in terms of maturity and engagement with the school community. Pupils are coaching sports teams in younger year groups, running drama clubs for Year 7s, managing the library, playing in orchestra and bands, attending politics and eco club meetings, reading for book clubs, going on DofE and geography field trips, and so much more. The Liverpool trip brought out some joyous laughter, thoughtful learning and well-earned freedom to explore. I look forward to seeing this year group continue to blossom and thrive and I have enjoyed every moment of getting to know them. Mrs Childs
Year
10
LIVERPOOL Trip to
Music was a running theme throughout our trip, whether it was sing-alongs on the coach ride or getting the chance to visit fascinating museums. One of these was the British Music Experience, which was really enjoyable and engaging. We were greeted by a digital concert by Boy George, which definitely boosted everyone’s excitement. Looking around, we saw loads of iconic costumes from the past: Amy Winehouse, The Spice Girls, Freddie Mercury… just to name a few!
The exhibition at The Beatles Museum was lively and realistically re-created places famously linked to The Beatles, giving us an insight into the band’s journey. Clearly, everyone enjoyed it. The amount of gift shop bags, fake John Lennon glasses, posters and socks that made their way back onto the coach said it all. The experience left us with a better appreciation for their music and story.
Lucy
One of the best parts of our trip to Liverpool was visiting the galleries. We went to the Museum of Liverpool, which showed how the city’s history connects with art and music. It was interesting and fun to explore. The Walker Art Gallery was my favourite gallery – it had loads of amazing paintings, from old ones to modern art. I especially liked the landscape paintings from the 1800s, they were detailed and colourful. Some of the portraits even looked like photos!
Eloise
Year
11
This year group has had such a clear sense of self and identity since Year 7.
There are pupils who thrive on academic challenges, and others who enjoy the sports field, drama studio, science laboratory and art room. The calibre of music is wonderful, and this was highlighted in the Summer Concert.
These pupils have revised tirelessly and with a clarity of focus, attending clinics
and asking for support, and I am sure there will be some wonderful results in GCSEs because of this.
The celebration in the Sixth Form Centre saw them enjoying table tennis, Guess The Baby, games and, most importantly, each other's company before the exams began. I look forward to seeing many of them returning for Sixth Form next year. It has been such a privilege to get to know them all over the past two years and beyond, and I value everything they have given to the school this year and what they have taught me. What a wonderful year group.
Mrs Childs
MALTA Trip to
Year 11 Sanskrit pupils attended a study holiday in Malta during half-term.
In the mornings, pupils each received Sanskrit tuition and supervised study of subjects of their own choice. In the afternoons, there were trips focussing on the ancient temples of Malta, which predate the pyramids of Egypt.
These Maltese temples are perhaps contemporaneous with the sacrificial culture spoken of in the most ancient Sanskrit texts, the Vedas. Many of the features of these temples reminded us of the Vedic world. In the evenings, there were seminars relating to Sanskrit literature and possible connections to the temple culture of Malta, two of which were given by visiting speakers from Malta University. We were also shown a film on this topic which our visiting speakers had made.
The overall theme for the trip, chosen by one of the pupils, was a philosophically challenging verse from the Bhagavad Gita IGCSE set text (Chapter 12 verse 12), which can be translated as ‘Better indeed is knowledge than practice; better than knowledge is meditation; better than meditation is surrender of the fruit of action; peace immediately follows this surrender.’ Pupils practised reciting the verse in
Sanskrit and analysed the grammar of the verse and the etymology of the Sanskrit words, all of which were found to be key to understanding.
Pupils then explored in their own experience what this verse might mean, and one of our speakers, Dr Michael Zammit, recently retired Professor of Philosophy who has translated the Bhagavad Gita from Sanskrit into Maltese, further helped pupils with its meaning.
One evening Mrs Jessup also led a compelling seminar based on the A Level Hinduism syllabus, dealing with the topic of Ganesha, the deity that is said to preside over obstacles. After looking in detail at the traditional iconography of the deity, we discussed what obstacles we face in life, and how they may be overcome.
Pupils enjoyed the trip and found it had both broadened and deepened their understanding of Sanskrit literature, and in particular its philosophical content.
12 Year 13 &
Year 12, you have flourished beyond recognition this year! I have loved our Philosophy lessons, you never cease to amaze me with your insights and I love that you carry on debating long after the session has finished! I loved spending time with you during our UCAS Week, I watched you visibly transform as you began to look ahead to your future. You grew so much in confidence and skills and you truly impressed me with your quick thinking, your collaborative problem-solving and your creative purpose-driven brands in the social enterprise workshop – like ‘PURA diamonds,’ ‘Stoma Sense’ and the winning pitch ‘Routes and Roots.’ You are such an intelligent, open-minded, passionate, sincere, hardworking, generous and creative bunch! You are already making a real difference leading your school with purpose and I know that you will go on to shape the world you live in.
Year 13, your sincerity, focus and resilience have been a constant source of inspiration to me. You have genuinely made my day –every single day! I get so much strength from watching you grow.
You have supported our open events, you have served the wider community and you have led the school by your example. You have worked consistently hard, you have wowed me with your EPQ presentations, you have led school assemblies and subject clinics, you have organised a fabulous MUN and a very successful Silent Auction.
Above all, you have built friendships for life and have had so much fun in the common room! You are awesome people – you have integrity, generosity of spirit and a clear sense of who you are and what matters.
Mrs Saunders
AUSCHWITZ Trip to
The Sixth Form visited Auschwitz to learn firsthand about the dangers of prejudice and discrimination.
We took a walking tour of the former Jewish district Kazimierz and the wartime ghetto Podgorze. The main event was the site of the Auschwitz concentration camp, a moving memorial to the over 1.5 million Jews who died there during WWII.
We saw some of the surviving prison blocks, gas chamber and crematorium and we attended a talk by a Holocaust survivor at the Galicia Museum of Jewish life and culture in Krakow. To offer some light relief from this important visit, we visited Wieliczka, one of the oldest salt mines in Europe, which has been working for over 700 years, and saw figures, monuments and an entire royal chamber carved of salt!
The trip ended with some shopping therapy in the exquisite medieval town of Krakow.
LEAVERS’ POEM
As is our tradition, Year 13 were treated to a special poem on their Leavers’ Breakfast:
Your Ithaka
As you set out for Ithaka, hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery.
You will walk with Zelda, shaping meaning through literature, Sophia, uncovering forgotten histories, Anjali, inspiring with ancient wisdom, Charlotte, explaining the patterns of life, Moon, revealing the secrets of animals, Sarah, finding beauty in numbers, Manon, questioning political theories, Dahlia, bridging worlds through diplomacy.
You’ll walk beside Skyla, mapping new journeys, Olha, crossing boundaries between nations, Rosalind, balancing power with ethics, Vasylysa, exploring the laws of nature, Lilliana, giving justice with mercy, Shreya, reshaping societies, Naomi, where humanity meets healing, Anjali, opening minds with liberal feeling.
Keep Ithaka always in your mind, but don’t hurry the journey at all. Rich with the lessons you’ve learned and the people you meet, you’ll understand, by then, what these Ithakas mean.
Inspired by the Odyssey and C.P. Cavafy, bard of an age still to come
Leavers’ Ball
Sanskrit
Alumna Anjali (2025), who studied Hinduism, Geography and History at A Level, shares why she chose to study Sanskrit at Oxford University.
“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.
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.”
FOOD PREP & NUTRITION
It’s been another exciting and action-packed year in the Food and Nutrition department, building on the momentum of last summer’s outstanding first set of exam results.
As well as adding the fantastic Leiths qualification, the students at KS4 continue to impress.
Our Year 10 students have embraced their GCSE studies with enthusiasm and dedication. Their practical work has been nothing short of impressive, with pupils regularly producing restaurant-quality dishes that showcase both creativity and technical skill. Their passion for food has extended well beyond the classroom, with many volunteering their time to support wider school events; most notably, the GCSE Art Show, where their culinary contributions added a delicious finishing touch.
Meanwhile, our Year 11 students have risen to the challenge of completing their Non-Exam Assessments (NEAs) with exceptional results. The standard of work produced has been remarkable, featuring an array of sophisticated dishes from delicate pastéis de nata to intricate croquembouche, alongside an abundance of beautifully handcrafted ravioli and tortellini. The variety and quality of both sweet and savoury products were truly breathtaking and a testament to the students’ creativity, resilience, and sheer hard work.
We are incredibly proud of what our pupils have achieved this year and can’t wait to see what culinary delights the next academic year will bring!
A STEAM Roundup
by Mrs Mehta
Teaching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in a girls’ school is essential for addressing gender imbalances in traditionally male-dominated fields. In a single-sex environment, our girls often feel more confident to engage in STEAM subjects without the pressures or stereotypes that may arise in co-educational settings. We have found that they are more likely to take intellectual risks, ask questions, and pursue leadership roles in the classroom and beyond. The supportive atmosphere at St James nurtures curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking which are vital skills for success in STEAM fields.
At St James, we have been able to tailor our teaching methods and curricula to reflect female perspectives, integrate realworld applications, and offer female role models, helping pupils visualise themselves in STEAM careers. Our school creates a culture that celebrates academic ambition and innovation, fostering a mindset that intelligence is not gendered.
As part of our ongoing initiative to integrate STEAM within our curriculum, we have carried out a range of group and project work throughout the year.
For British Science Week, we took our Year 8 and 9 pupils off timetable for a week and focused solely on building a project based upon sustainability. Not only is this immensely relevant for their future, but the project encouraged hands-on, inquiry-based learning and enabled pupils to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
The projects and ideas submitted were truly outstanding, ranging from models of fully sustainable cities, designing energy collection sensors, plant seed illumination dispensers, and 3D models being designed and built using our 3D printer.
As an end-of-year project, Year 8 pupils designed and created their own coding games. The project has promoted cross-curricula learning and problemsolving by requiring them to creatively apply maths, art and scientific coding skills in a fun way.
Ms Amador has facilitated a lively and joyful space through the Zoology Club, nurturing curiosity and knowledge about animals, ecosystems, and conservation whilst helping pupils develop environmental awareness and exposing them to careers in wildlife and biology. The club also builds teamwork and communication skills as the pupils take charge of caring for, cleaning and feeding our pet snake, tarantula, dwarf hamster and stick insects!
Mr Dawson’s hugely enjoyable weekly Advanced Chemistry Club has deepened pupils’ understanding of complex chemical concepts through carrying out A Level experiments and problem-solving beyond the standard curriculum. The club is preparing pupils for advanced studies and careers in science, in addition to potentially early completion of qualifications.
Ultimately, teaching STEAM in a girls’ school transforms education into a launchpad for equality and opportunity in rapidly evolving global industries. We are so fortunate to be able to provide all these opportunities for the girls here at St James!
Art
Well done to all our GCSE Art pupils on some incredible work displayed at our GCSE Art Show! It was lovely to welcome families and pupils to this exhibition, held in our beautiful new courtyard café. The quality of the art was outstanding, as were the delicious canapés prepared by the Year 10 Food and Nutrition pupils.
History of Art
In January, A Level History of Art students enjoyed a fantastic and enriching day at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Gallery. At the V&A, they marvelled at the breathtaking scale of Trajan's Column in the Cast Gallery. Studying its spiraling frieze first-hand was essential in understanding Roman engineering and propaganda through sculptural mastery.
Rodin’s sculptures offered valuable insight into materials and techniques - students explored the hollow nature, tensile strength, and reflective quality of bronze, compared to marble’s dense, friable texture and flesh-like finish.
At the National Gallery, viewing works by van Eyck, Holbein, Raphael, Stubbs, and Turner deepened students' appreciation for oil painting’s lustre and academic brushwork. Turner’s dramatic impasto and his representation of the Sublime could only be fully appreciated in person. A shared pizza lunch between galleries allowed for lively discussion and bonding across year groups.
Year 13 students, having completed their exams, showed exemplary dedication, enthusiasm, and belief in their potential. Their growth mindset and strong camaraderie have embodied the St James motto, ‘aiming for the best’.
Year 7 and 8 pupils also enjoyed a year of weekly introductory History of Art sessions with topics ranging from ancient Greece to the 20th century. Content was purposely chosen to complement other subjects to enable cross-curricular enrichment. While studying Holbein’s The Ambassadors, they examined Renaissance symbolism, including the anamorphic skull, and analysed contrasts between celestial and earthly objects to understand religious division during the Reformation.
In another session, they explored propaganda in David’s Napoleon Crossing the Alps, learning how artistic licence elevated Napoleon’s image - from riding a white stallion to leading his troops (neither of which was historically accurate). Pupils discussed symbolism in the painting and how it shaped public perception. Their visual literacy and analytical skills were outstanding throughout.
Geography
What an amazing year in Geography! Year 7 focused on honing key skills, with an emphasis on Ordnance Survey map skills.
These were put into practice during a hike in Richmond Park in which the pupils were tasked to work in teams to find their way to Pen Ponds. Year 8 explored the historical geography of our local area, expertly led by Dr Craven, and Year 9 examined the importance of the Thames Barrier in managing flooding in London.
Our GCSE and A Level students have worked extremely hard to prepare for their exams. We have travelled to Epping Forest to investigate the water and carbon cycle, High Wycombe to examine space and place, the River Tillingbourne to collect data on downstream river change, and finally Amersham and Brockham to contrast the impacts of counter-urbanisation.
We love taking geography out of the classroom and testing theory in our real world!
Our Year 12 students showed real courage and determination as they trekked through the Brecon Beacons to complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The practice expedition was a steep learning curve as the students were pushed beyond their comfort zone to navigate through the mountains, often in full cloud cover, and then camp overnight in very cold temperatures. They made great reflections so that the assessed expedition was much more enjoyable. Familiar with the practicalities of expedition, the students truly enjoyed the peace of being in wild country.
Our Year 10 students also worked really well in their teams and demonstrated excellent camp cooking skills. We are so proud of all our students - what an action-packed year!
Take a look at Tia’s recap video of the trip:
Maths
In Maths, a core part of the school curriculum, we always seek opportunities to enrich learning and build confident young mathematicians.
All of Year 7 to 11, as well as all Sixth Form A Level Maths students, took part to the UK Maths Trust challenges; they had the opportunity to explore a variety of maths questions, and hone their problemsolving skills. Pupils earned many certificates from bronze to gold, and we could not have been prouder! Congratulations to all the pupils who participated, sometimes even trying out something outside their comfort zone.
The Sixth Form took on assisting younger pupils, either as part of the maths support time, or 1:1 sessions when needed. We thank them for their
volunteering and giving up their time generously to contribute towards building a more mathematically confident pupil body.
Year 12 also took over assembly to talk about Hypatia, an inspiring mathematician from Alexandria, who taught at higher level long before it was common for women to have professions. In our other maths-themed assemblies, we explored what year it will be after one trillion seconds would have passed, exciting NRich maths problems presented by our Maths Prefect, and even created tessellating artwork like MC Escher.
Classics
It has been an exciting year in Classics, with the highlight being our wonderful tour of Greece (more on p.28).
Closer to home, there were trips to Bath and Verulamium (St Albans), plus a time travelling Roman soldier who came to visit Year 7 at school.
Creativity in lessons included Year 11 acting out the myth of Philemon and Baucis which they have studied in the original Latin, and Year 7 illustrating Latin adjectives using their photogenic pets!
Kendall et Chloe pulchriores sunt quam bonnie.
Sports
Each year, our Sports Week allows pupils to try their hand at sports that aren’t part of the PE curriculum - and hopefully helps them find an activity they will enjoy doing in their spare time.
Sports Week 2025 saw Year 7s and 9s in specialised tennis lessons. Year 10s tried their hand at golf with instructors helping their form, while Year 8s had a bounce at Pheonix Flyers Trampoline. This was particularly important as it gave pupils a taste of GCSE PE before their options choices in Year 9.
This year, a reformatted House Sports calendar saw pupils compete in three sports across the year; netball, football and lacrosse. The new format allowed students to compete against those in the year directly below or above them for the first time. It was the first year we’ve also run a specialised House Lacrosse event, inviting all students from Year 8 and above that are involved in lacrosse clubs to compete in the house tournament.
Intense heat meant Sports Day was rescheduled to September: it’s all still to play for!
Library
What stands out most looking back on a year in the library is the accumulation of small moments that make it a special place for pupils and staff alike.
The new Board Game Club playing boisterous games of Uno, munching biscuits and learning the art of friendly competition; the regular visitors who come for some much needed quiet time with a good book, so absorbed they need to be reminded to leave; the spine-tingling performances of poetry in Year 7 Library lessons, and the quiet camaraderie of reading together with Year 8.
A poem from Bryony which sums up the club:
Creative Writing Club
Hands reaching out mouths munching biscuits
Crumbs flying everywhere chocolate smears over the paper
Chewed pencils, thoughtful faces
Pondering what words to use where, what literary devices to employ
Pencils dancing on paper, scribbles everywhere
Silence except the rustling whisper of pencils
The scraping of chairs as people stand up
To share their poem with the rest of the club
Welcome to the Creative Writing Club
We also appreciate big moments like World Book Day, a joyful celebration of books and reading where staff and pupils quizzed each other on the literary meaning of their outfits, dropping everything to read throughout the day in lessons.
Our three book clubs have provided inspiration to their members to read more and try new things, and the Creative Writing Club is a nurturing incubation space for pupils to be brave with their creativity and know they will be taken seriously (and eat biscuits, of course).
World Book Day
Speech Day
Celebrating another year of "speaking the truth, living generously, and aiming for our best" together at our Speech & Prize-Giving Day! It was lovely to welcome back Alumna Bella Wright (2014) as our guest speaker, who spoke so brilliantly about what resilience can look like. Congratulations to all our speakers and prize winners, and thank you to those who joined us on this last day of the 2024/2025 academic year.
