Annual Information Booklet
2024/2025
• School Ethos
• St James Schools Worldwide
• School Governors And Trustees
• General Information
• Admissions
• Curriculum
• Co-Curricular Activities
• Examination Results
• Leavers’ Destination
• Fees
‘Uniquely
St James’
St James School was founded in January 1975. It was inspired by the desire of parents who wanted to offer their own children and the children of future generations a different education to that available at the time.
These parents were philosophically-inclined: through their own studies, they had come to value the importance of an education which provided spiritual enrichment as well as what could be described as the best of a traditional British education; a rigorous education steeped in classical tradition and offering the best of artistic and academic culture.
Our three St James Schools are based in London and Surrey. Together, these independent day schools offer a distinctive approach to education which provides for the intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of every child; they provide an environment in which a pupil can discover all that is best within his or her own nature.
St James Schools Worldwide
The inspiration of St James Schools in London has led to the foundation of a number of schools across the world from Auckland, New Zealand to San Fernando, Trinidad.
Forming a global family of Philosophy schools, these institutions are unified around a core theme: that behind the apparent differences of every child, there is a conscious, intelligent and loving power, waiting to be discovered. Simple practices of selfawareness are part of the daily routine of school life. These allow both teachers and pupils to find a natural peace and stillness which is beyond all the usual movement and agitations. By focusing firmly in the present, pupils can discover and utilise their talents and limitless potential. The philosophic approach supports academic excellence as well as artistic, physical and emotional development.
School Ethos
We offer an education which nurtures and enriches the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of our pupils. Our happy, united atmosphere provides the ideal environment for every pupil to discover her own unique combination of strengths and talents and to ‘be the best she can’.
St James pupils are industrious, open-hearted and courageous; they work together, enjoying others’ successes as well as their own. They achieve the highest academic standards and are also encouraged to develop strength through self-discipline and an ability to live according to an intelligent understanding of what is wise and true. Regular opportunities for stillness and quiet enable pupils to learn to be at ease with themselves, to appreciate the value of being fully present and to develop their ability to concentrate.
Our teachers have excellent subject knowledge and give their time generously to support the well-being and development of their pupils. Relationships throughout the school are extremely positive and are characterised by a spirit of love, trust and mutual respect.
AIMS
– To provide a curriculum which enriches, enhances and refines intellectual and emotional development, giving rise to expansion in understanding, wisdom and creative potential
– To provide an environment in which each individual may develop:
– a deep and extensive appreciation of the potential of human existence
– an awareness of the spiritual, emotional and intellectual dimensions of life
– an understanding of how to live in a manner which is conducive to the happiness, wellbeing and dignity of herself and others
– the strength and wisdom to do so
– an awareness and consideration of the needs of others
– confidence in the various talents with which she has been endowed –a desire to offer those talents in a spirit of generosity for the benefi t of humanity
School Governors and Trustees
BOARD OF GOVERNORS, OLYMPIA
St James Senior Girls’ School and St James Preparatory School share a single governing body which meets as the Board of Governors, Olympia. The Board’s role is to ensure that the schools provide their pupils with the very best education and opportunities, oversee developments at the school and generally support the Heads and the school. The Board of Governors sets the school’s plans and policies.
Chair of Governors, Olympia
St James Senior Boys’
Mrs Annabel Lubikowski BA Hons MPhil PGCE
If you would like to contact Mrs Lubikowski, please address your letter to her at: St James Schools, Earsby Street, London W14 8SH.
Governors
Mrs Angela Bowman, BA (Hons), MPhil, PGCE
Mr Raghu Nandakumara, MA (Cantab), MSc
Miss Mary Sansom (also Designated Safeguarding Governor), MA (Hons), PGCE
Mr Martin Kettle, MA, BA (Hons)
Mrs Karen Pickles, NPQH, BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre and Performance and BEd (Education)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Boards of Governors operate under the Board of Trustees which meets as the Independent Educational Association Limited, a registered charity established in 1975. The Board of Trustees has an overarching role looking after all three St James Schools: the Senior Girls’ and Prep Schools in Olympia and Senior Boys’ School in Ashford. This includes setting the strategic direction for the schools and taking corporate decisions in relation to their statutory functions.
Chair of Trustees
Mr Jeremy Sinclair CBE Trustees
Mr Aatif Hassan, BSc (Hons) CA
Mrs Annabel Lubikowski, BA (Hons) MPhil PGCE (Chair of Olympia Governing Body)
Mr Hugh Venables, BSc MBA (Vice-Chair of Olympia Governing Body), BSc (Hons), MSc, Master of Business Administration, Post Graduate Diploma in Estate Management
Mrs Helen de Mattos (Chair of Ashford Governing Body), BA (Hons)
Chief Operating Officer and Clerk to the Trustees
Mr William Wyatt
General Information
SCHOOL POLICIES
The following policies are available to download from the school website (www.stjamesgirls.co.uk)
Anti-Bullying
Attendance
First Aid
Health & Safety
Fire Safety
Mental Health
Missing Pupil
PSHE and SMSC
Relationships and Sex Education Safeguarding and Child Protection Smoking, Alcohol and the Misuse of Drugs and Substances Accessibility
Curriculum
English as an Additional Language Able, Interested and Motivated (AIM)
Please contact the School Secretary if you wish to receive them by post.
SCHOOL HOURS
Years 7 - 13 8.30am – 4.10pm
ATTENDANCE
Acceptable Use Policy for Pupils Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Behaviour, Rewards & Discipline Complaints (number of formal complaints 2023-2024: 0)
Fundraising and Development Privacy Notice
If a pupil is ill, her parent/guardian should inform the School Secretary of her absence prior to 8.45am either via email to Office - office@stjamesgirls.co.uk or by phone on 020 7348 1777
If a pupil is absent for a reason other than illness, (e.g. hospital/ dental appointment), then a letter or email should be sent into school beforehand informing the Form Teacher. It is clearly in the best interest of the pupil that school time is not missed for routine appointments unless absolutely unavoidable. In the case of a proposed longer absence, then permission must be sought in writing or by email from the Headmistress in advance, in sufficient time in order to receive the appropriate reply Family holidays should not take place during term time. Absence without such permission will be noted as ‘Unauthorised’ on the pupil’s record. At the end of the school day all pupils should have left the premises by 4.30pm at the latest, unless attending an activity/club, in which case they should ensure they are registered for it.
DISCIPLINE (SEE ALSO SCHOOL RULES)
The admission of a pupil is conditional on acceptance of the Standard Terms and Conditions. In the event of a serious breach of School Rules, parents will be informed. It must be accepted that the Headteacher has complete discretion in the imposition of sanctions, including expulsion or required removal. Where parents consider that a particular sanction is unjustified they should make any representations to the Headteacher in writing in the first instance with full details, all relevant documents and full contact details. If they continue to be in dispute they are entitled to write to the Chair of Governors who may appoint a Governor or a sub-committee of the Governing Body to review the decision (see Complaints Policy).
HOMEWORK
Homework is compulsory for all pupils.
7 2 x 25-35 minutes (+ up to 20 minutes Reviewing / Researching/Reading)
x 25-35 minutes (+ up to 30 minutes Reviewing/ Researching/Reading)
8 3 x 20-30 minutes and 1 x 20 minutes 4 x 20-30 minutes and 1 x 15 minutes
9 3 x 30 minutes and 1 x 20 minutes 5 x 30 minutes and 1 x 20 minutes
10 3 x 40 minutes 5 x 40
LEARNING DEVELOPMENT
We aim to identify any learning differences as soon as possible when a pupil joins our school so that intervention, support, and exam access arrangements can be put in place. As with all pupils, those with SEND or EAL are very well supported by all teachers to attain the best possible results in formal examinations. Pupils are encouraged to be resilient and to be aware of their own uniqueness and personal strengths.
Academic support is available within resources available to the school at the time. We also work with tutors, educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, art therapists, CAMHS, psychiatrists and other medical professionals and social workers where appropriate.
All staff are trained in SEND, especially in supporting pupils with specific learning differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia or other conditions such as Autistic Spectrum Condition. We also support pupils with a physical disability or social, emotional, and mental health needs such as ADHD.
The SENDCO delivers staff training to ensure teachers have accurate information, resources and strategies to support our pupils.
The SENDCO meets regularly with each Head of Section to monitor progress and implement additional interventions, resources or strategies where necessary. The SENDCO attends all parent teacher interviews to ensure regular communication on progress.
TRAVEL/TRANSPORT
The school actively encourages the use of public transport for its pupils. Information on bus, underground and rail provision is available from the Registrar We also offer school bus routes serving west and south west London.
FOOD
Lunch is provided for all pupils by our Holroyd Howe catering team and is included within our fees. Pupils eat with staff in our refectory, where they are served fresh, hot vegetarian food.
As good nutrition is essential to health and well-being, our school meals are prepared on the premises using top quality, wholesome ingredients. A menu is available on our website. Pupils may choose to bring a packed lunch to school to eat at lunchtime. A completed form needs to be submitted to the School Office on the first day of term confirming that a vegetarian, nut-free packed lunch will be provided each day for the duration of that term.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
PE is compulsory and pupils are only excused if a written request is received from parents. Mouthguards are compulsory for lacrosse and for any activity deemed by the Director of Sport to require one.
Pupils must not use equipment in the gym without proper supervision.
All PE kit must be as per the school uniform list.
If pupils have a PE lesson/sports club they may wear their PE kit for the full day.
INSURANCE
The Independent Educational Association Ltd. is insured for public liability. This insurance only covers any possible occurrence where it could be proved that the school had been negligent.
The School provides, at no additional cost, Personal Accident insurance for all pupils and staff in respect of an accident resulting in death, permanent bodily injury and dental injury. Parents need to note that, where applicable, a claim must be made to the insurance company within one month of the accident on the appropriate form.
Parents are responsible for insuring the pupil’s personal property whilst at school or on the way to and from school or on any school-sponsored activity away from school premises. Musical instruments should not be left on the school premises overnight.
DATA PROTECTION
We may use personal data about parents and their child in order to provide further information about life at St James (for example so that we can register your attendance at a school event). Further information about how St James uses your personal data can be found in our privacy notice which can be found on the school website (www.stjamesgirls. co.uk). If you would like a printed copy of our privacy notice please contact the Bursar on 020 7348 1700.
Admissions
Some pupils begin in the Preparatory School and proceed to the Senior School at 11 years of age. Applicants for places other than Year 7 and Sixth Form are required to sit online entrance tests in English, Mathematics and verbal reasoning, attend an interview and provide past school reports.
11+ EXAMINATION
Candidates for Year 7 entry are required to sit the London 11+ Consortium Entrance Examination, attend an interview and provide past school reports.
Art Cookery
Drama
English
French
General Science
Geography
History
History of Art
Digital literacy
Latin
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Character Education (PSHE)
Religious Studies
Sanskrit†
Textiles
Physical Education
Athletics Cricket Gymnastics
Handball
Health Related Fitness
Lacrosse
Netball Rounders
Volleyball
Extra Sporting Activities for
Years 7 - 11
Cricket Football Handball
Team Building (Year 7 only)
ENTRY AT 16 FOR SIXTH FORM
5 GCSEs at grade 5 are the minimum requirement. It is necessary to have attained a 7/6 grade at GCSE in the subjects (or equivalent) which a student wishes to study at A Level (more information in our Sixth Form Prospectus).
Applicants are required to submit the Sixth Form Application form and a completed reference form with their registration documentation.
Co-Curricular Activities
St James offers a wide range of enrichment and co-curricular activities. Pupils sign up for clubs at the beginning of each term and are expected to attend regularly. Clubs offered have included:
Art, AI Chat Club, Book Club, Bookworms, Choir, Cookery, Creative Writing, Cricket, Debating, Drama, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Eco Club, ED&I Club, , Fencing, Football, Guitar, Gymnastics, Homework Club, Horizons, Karate, Lacrosse, Lacrosse Stick Skills, LAMDA, Lego, Netball, Politics, Skittles Club, Volleyball, Yoga, Zoology, Orchestra, Boardgames, Year group Bands.
* Some of these subjects are set against each other.
** Subjects availability may vary each year
GCSE Subjects
Art
Biology
Chemistry
Classical Greek (by selection)
Computer Science or Digital
literacy
Drama
English Language
English Literature
Food Nutrition & Preparation (Year 10/11 option)
French
Geography
History
Latin
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Physics
Religious Studies
Sanskrit
Spanish
Non-examination
Subjects
Cookery (Year 7 & 8 only)
Philosophy
Character Education (PSHE)
Physical Education
Athletics
Benchball
Health Related Fitness
Kickboxing (Years 10 & 11)
Lacrosse
Netball
Rounders
Use of F45 Studio (Year 11) YEARS *8-11
A Level Subjects**
Art
Biology
Chemistry
Classical Greek
Computer Science
Drama and Theatre
Economics
English Literature
French
Geography
Hinduism
History
History of Art
Latin
Leiths Level 3 Qualification in
Professional Cookery
Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Music
Physics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Spanish
The Extended Project Qualification
Non-examination
Subjects
Careers Guidance
Citizenship
Debating
Drama (occasional productions)
Philosophy
Wider Prospectives (PSHE)
Physical Education
Athletics
Kickboxing
Lacrosse
Netball
Rounders
Use of F45 Studio SIXTH FORM
Examination Results 2024
Our Public Examination results reflect the school’s policy that each pupil should achieve their personal best. St James Preparatory School pupils proceed to the Senior School subject to satisfactory academic progress. Although candidates from other junior schools sit an 11+ examination, they are not accepted solely on the basis of their academic results.
Art&Design-2542-1-Biology77105541-Chemistry34755-1-ClassicalGreek-1------ComputerScience--1-312-Drama--622---EnglishLanguage26718821-EnglishLiterature1113126----French713-32--Geography4438----History59772431Latin31-----Mathematics65141225--PhysicalEducation--1121--Physics546621--ReligiousStudies331331---Spanish53344411TOTAL 6162998141241020
Chemistry-3--2-Economics---12-EnglishLiterature-112--Geography1112--History11141-HistoryofArt132---Latin--1---Mathematics223--1Music---1--Physics-2--1-Psychology1111--ReligiousStudies-11---Spanish--1----
Leavers’ Destinations 2024
Institutions (in alplabetical order) Courses (in alplabetical order)
Concordia University, Canada Art History
Glasgow School of Art Classical Studies
Humanitas University, Italy Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
King's College, London Criminology and Sociology
London School of Economics Economics with Industrial Experience
Royal Holloway, University of London Engineering
Tufts University, USA European Studies: French with a Year Abroad
University College, London Fine Art
University of Edinburgh History
University of Exeter International Business, Finance and Economics with Industrial Experience
University of Liverpool Liberal Arts
University of Manchester Mathematics
University of Nottingham Media Communication
University of St Andrews Medicine
University of the Arts London Pharmaceutical Sciences
Social Anthropology and Politics
This is not a comprehensive list of our Leavers as some students are currently on a gap year and will apply in 2025. All information is correct at the time of print.
Leavers’ Destinations 2023
Institutions (in alplabetical order) Courses (in alplabetical order)
Balliol College, University of Oxford Arts and Sciences
Courtauld Institute of Art, University of LondonEngineering
Falmouth University Fashion Management
Imperial College London Geography
King's College London, University of LondonHispanic Studies
Northwestern University, USA History
Nottingham Trent University History of Art
Oxford Brookes University International Business
Royal Holloway, University of London Liberal Arts
SOAS University of London LLB Law
UCL (University College London) Marine Biology
University of Exeter Materials Science and Engineering
University of Nottingham Medicine
University of Plymouth Musical Theatre
University of Sheffield Nutritional Sciences
University of Warwick Sanskrit
University of Westminster, London Sociology
University of Zagreb, Croatia Zoology
School Rules
START AND END OF THE DAY
Pupils must be in classrooms for Registration by 8.40am. Pupils attending early morning lessons or clubs should sign in on Inventry Two late arrivals in one week will result in an after-school detention – this includes early morning lessons. (Genuine travel problems are always taken into consideration).
If a pupil arrives at any time after Registration (morning or afternoon), it is her responsibility to report to reception where she should sign in and then register in the Pastoral Hub to hand in their mobile phone. Failure to register without good cause will result in a detention.
At the end of the normal school day, pupils should not stay in classrooms once the teacher has left the room; they should leave the premises promptly. If a pupil is staying in school, it is essential that she signs in on the after-school register. In the courtyard before being allowed back onto the school premises. On completion of the activity, pupils should leave the premises promptly. If, in case of emergency, a pupil needs to wait for a parent who is late arriving, she should give her name to the receptionist, explain the problem and wait beside the receptionist until her parent arrives.
UNIFORM AND GENERAL APPEARANCE
With the exception of the Sixth Form, all pupils wear uniform. Uniform is purchased from the school suppliers, Stevensons. Uniform lists may be obtained from the Registrar All clothes worn at school should be marked with sewn in name tapes or a plastic tag e.g. ‘Attach-a-Tag’.
Years 7 - 11
Hair
• May be worn in any style
• If dyed or highlighted must be of a natural colour
• Must be tied up for safety reasons for Sport and Science and whenever else requested by a staff member Jewellery
• It is not appropriate or necessary to wear a lot of jewellery to school
• One necklace is permitted. This must be removed for sport
• Piercings are only permitted in the ear. Pupils may request permission from the Headteacher to wear a piercing in the nose for cultural or religious reasons.
• Earrings must be studs – no hoops of any kind are permitted
• No more than two earrings in each ear – this is for practical reasons as earrings need to be removed for sport Tights/socks
• Socks must be blue, black or white
• Tights must be blue or black
• If worn together, tights and socks must be of the same colour i.e. blue socks with blue tights
• Tights with large holes in are not acceptable. Replacement tights will be issued as necessary by school with the cost added to fees.
Shoes
• Must be blue or black
• When wearing school uniform, pupils must wear shoes not trainers or boots. Nike Airforce or equivalent are not permitted.
• When wearing Sports Kit, pupils must be suitable sports trainers not fashion trainers. Nike Airforce or equivalent are not permitted. Coats
• It is recommended that pupils have a waterproof coat
• Coats must be plain
• Coats can be any colour, but black or blue are preferred Uniform
• Pupils must wear EITHER sports kit OR school uniform. It is not permitted to combine elements of both. E.g. Sports hoodie and school skirt.
• Uniform must be appropriate for a mixed working environment and if worn, skirts must be of an appropriate length and not rolled up
• Blazers must be worn for formal occasions as directed by the school
• Pupils are very welcome to wear a headscarf Pupils are expected to take pride in their appearance and always keep their uniform in excellent condition. All items of uniform must be named, and pupils’ personal property must be kept in their locked lockers when not in use.
The Sixth Form may wear ordinary clothes but must dress smartly and appropriately in accordance with the Sixth Form Dress Code. Hair may be down and may be dyed or highlighted . Piercings must be in the ears only. On entry to Sixth Form, students are required to purchase a suit (skirt/trousers & jacket of same colour) for use on formal occasions. Sixth Form must wear regulation sports kit for all sporting activities.
NON-UNIFORM
From time to time, pupils in Years 7 - 11 are permitted to wear non uniform. They must, however, continue to take pride in their appearance.
No shorts/leggings/or ripped jeans.
No strappy/low cut/cropped tops.
FOOD
Pupils must not chew gum.
Pupils may bring food to school to eat at morning break or when there is a need for a packed lunch or snack. We ask that these do not include chocolate, crisps, fizzy drinks, sweets, meat or fish products. We do not permit nuts in school. Permission for a pupil to have a packed lunch can be granted through emailing the School Office. Food must not be eaten in classrooms.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Pupils must not bring liquid Tipp-ex to school. Earrings will need to be removed for some activities, e.g. PE. For this reason, we ask that new piercings are only done at the beginning of the summer holiday.
EMBRACING OUR MOTTO
Pupils are encouraged to “Speak the Truth”
When communicating with others consider the three gates: is it kind; is it necessary, is it true? If you make a mistake, own it; learn from it. Follow your own path; acknowledge the paths of others. Seek the Truth in all that you do.
“Live Generously”
Treat others as you would like others to treat you by showing respect, kindness and politeness to ALL in our school community - including fellow pupils, teachers, staff, visitors, and parents.
Treat our school environment with respect; including the classrooms, the resources, the uniform, the food, your own equipment and the equipment of others; don’t be wasteful and look after the building and the people in it.
“Aim for the Best”
Give of your best by aiming to be the best you can be each day. Be generous. Seek the opportunities that each day offerswhat you put in, will be what comes back to you.
Come to school and be ready to learn by being open: both open-minded and open-hearted. Generosity, honesty and integrity will serve you well. Show self-respect: look professional by following the rules with regards to uniform
E-SAFETY
Pupils must familiarise themselves with the School ICT Acceptable Use Policy and must check, sign and return the Pupil/School ICT Acceptable Use Contract before access to the facilities is allowed. Pupils with iPads must also adhere to the new iPad Digital Use Policy that sits alongside the School ICT AUP.
Pupils will be held personally responsible for all material they have placed on a website and for all material that appears on a website of which they are the account holder.
A pupil must not expect to keep her place in the school if she is responsible (in the sense explained above) for material on her own or another website that would be a serious breach of school rules in any other context.
Misconduct of these kinds outside the school will be subject to school discipline if the welfare of other pupils or the culture or reputation of the school are placed at risk.
We advise against pupils travelling to school whilst listening to their equipment on the grounds of safety.
Years 7 - 11: Mobile devices, cameras and any other valuable equipment should be handed in at the beginning of each day: any such items will be returned to them at the end. If pupils need to speak to their parents during the day, they may do so via the Pastoral Hub, having sought permission from their Form Teacher or Head of Section. Messages from parents should be conveyed to the school office before 12.45pm, other than in an emergency.
Sixth Form pupils must have their phones switched off during lessons unless given permission to use them for their studies.
Pupils must not record or take photographs without it having been requested by the school for school purposes. Devices may only be used for academic purposes. Failure to comply will result in the privilege being removed.
LEAVING THE SCHOOL PREMISES DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
Years 7 - 11: Pupils will not be allowed to leave school during the day unless a written request has been received in advance from the parent/ guardian giving a reason for missing school, e.g. a medical appointment.
Sixth Form: Pupils are allowed to leave the school premises when they are not timetabled to attend a lesson. It is essential that they sign in and out at reception.
Sixth Form: Pupils are allowed to leave the school premises when they are not timetabled to attend a lesson. It is essential that they sign in and out at reception.
REWARDS, SANCTION AND ANTI-BULLYING
Rewards
The school aims to promote high standards of behaviour, self-discipline and learning through positive encouragement and reward.
Spoken Word. Any member of staff or adult in the School can give this simple reward. The immense value of a quiet or public word to compliment pupils on their behaviour or work should not be forgotten or under-estimated.
House points. Pupils may be awarded ‘House points’ for academic effort or achievement, good behaviour, service, punctuality, reliability, initiative or progress.
50 House points = Bronze certificate
100 House points = Silver certificate
150 House points = Gold certificate
300 House points = Platinum certificate
Commendations: They may be given by staff for effort in academic work, personal conduct or service to the School. These commendations are read out in Assembly by the Headteacher and pupils are congratulated by the whole school.
Commendations from the Headteacher: Where a pupil has made an exceptional effort or has achieved something particularly outstanding, a teacher may recommend that the Headteacher meet the pupil personally to be congratulated and/or present them with a Headteachers’ Commendation Certificate in Assembly. Parents are sent an email to inform them that their daughter has been commended, and it should be recorded by their form tutor in their next full report.
Prizegiving: At the end of the academic year some pupils may be awarded subject specific or form specific prizes based on their endeavours throughout the year. There are also a number of special prizes awarded for outstanding contributions to various elements of school life within the previous year.
School Colours: These are awarded to pupils for long-standing commitment and service to school spirit, ethos and school-life. They can be awarded at anytime but should be seen as a rare, once-only award and only given in exceptional circumstances. Nominations can come from any member of staff and should be given in to the Headteacher who will discuss this with the Senior Management Team. If a pupil is to be awarded school colours, these will be presented at Speech Day at the end of the academic year to recognise the magnitude of this achievement. The pupils' name and reason for their award will also be recorded on a special board in the school to encourage a culture of emulation and recognition of good character for current and future pupils
Anti-bullying: Our vision (statement written by our pupils)
A St James pupil should be considerate and possess integrity She should also be generous, not in terms of giving gifts, but in terms of support and empathy. She should accept that we are all different and she should accept her own individuality By aspiring to these qualities we will be able to build a more positive environment that supports each and every pupil.
By embracing this approach we will not only develop a greater respect for others but also a great respect for ourselves.
We are opposed to bullying
Bullying is usually defined as hurtful repetitive behaviour which can be expressed emotionally, physically, mentally or even through neglect. Sometimes it can be done via text messages, emails or messages on websites. It is often targeted at people because of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, appearance or because of who they are. Sometimes bullying might not be deliberate or could be unkindness. Unkindness and bullying, unfortunately, can happen to anyone at any time which means everyone needs to know how to deal with it.
How to deal with bullying
If you feel you are being bullied there are many people at school you can talk to. You can tell your Form Teacher or Head of Section, you can also talk to the School Nurse or Assistant Head (Pastoral). You may wish to talk to a friend or your family
If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you can discuss it with a member of the Well Beans group and they will help you to contact someone who can offer you guidance and support. It is really important that you tell someone so that we can improve the situation and stop any bullying.
Sanctions for more minor breaches of discipline
If a pupil is behaving in a manner deemed unacceptable to a member of staff:
In the first instance they will be spoken to and asked to improve their conduct/follow school rules.If a pupil continues their poor behaviour/to not follow school rules the member of staff will inform them, as discreetly as possible, that they will receive a conduct slip – details of this will be emailed home and to the Head of Year.
If after receiving notification that they will be receiving a conduct slip a pupil continues to behave in an unacceptable manner/not follow the school rules, the teacher may then upgrade the conduct slip to a detention (see details of this sanction below).
If none of these actions result in a pupil’s behaviour improving/compliance with the school rules the teacher will ask for a senior member of staff to remove the pupil from
the lesson/situation. This will result in an immediate one-day internal suspension on the following day.
Detention: a pupil will be required to undertake a community action task for the benefit of the school for 45 minutes (parents are given at least 24 hours’ notice) after school hours for any of the following reasons:
(a) receiving 3 conduct slips (as above) within an eightschool week period;
(b) arriving late to school twice in a week with no justified reason;
(c) arriving more than 5 minutes late to a lesson with no justified reason;
(d) late homework after receiving a ‘homework slip’ (a homework slip notifies parents and pupils that they have 24 hours to complete the work);
(e) some one-off scenarios may be deemed more serious than others, for example lying to a member of staff; this could result in the immediate issuing of a detention.
Extended Detention: If a pupil receives three detentions in one term, they will be required to undertake a community action task for the benefit of the school for 1h30 minutes. It is also possible that a pupil’s behaviour could be deemed more significant than in the steps outlined above and therefore a pupil may be given an immediate Extended Detection. Parents are given at least 24 hours’ notice in writing of when this will take place.
Headteacher Disciplinary Interview: if a pupil incurs two Extended Detentions within the course of one academic year, they be required to attend a disciplinary meeting with the Headteacher to which their parents will be invited.
Sanctions for serious breaches of discipline Allegations, complaints or rumours of serious breaches of discipline should be referred to the Headteacher
The main categories of misconduct which are likely to be considered serious breaches of discipline and which may therefore result in expulsion or a requirement to leave the School include but are not limited to
Supply, which means providing or sharing (whether or not for money or other consideration), facilitation of supply (which includes promotion/advertisement), possession, or use of drugs and solvents (including their paraphernalia or substances to resemble them), alcohol, vaping devices, nicotine or tobacco as prohibited by the School Policy on smoking, drugs and substances;
• actual or attempted theft, blackmail, intimidation, cyberbased bullying, prejudice-based bullying, discriminatorybased bullying or other potentially criminal offences including being an accessory or conspirator;
• physical violence and/or abuse (which may include but is not limited to hitting, kicking, shaking, biting and hair pulling);
• physical or emotional abuse or harassment (to include behaviour that may be categorised as “banter”, “just having a laugh”, or “part of growing up”);
• initiation/hazing type violence and rituals (which may include but is not limited to activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group); abuse in intimate personal relationships between peers (teenage relationship abuse);
• sexual violence, sexual harassment and up-skirting and other harmful/inappropriate sexual behaviour;
• non-consensual sharing of nudes and semi-nude images and/or videos;
• behaviour in contravention of the School’s policies on the acceptable use of technologies or online safety;
• supply or possession of pornography;
• behaviour which may constitute a criminal offence, such as: (a)possession or use of firearms, knives or other weapons; (b)vandalism, defacement and/or destruction of school property;
• persistent minor breaches of discipline or attitudes or behaviour which are inconsistent with the School’s ethos;
• other misconduct which affects the welfare of a member or members of the School Community or which brings the School into disrepute (single or repeated episodes);
• other misconduct specifically provided for in the School’s parent contract and School rules.
FEES
Registration
A fee of £150 per child is payable on registration. The fee is nonreturnable.
Acceptance Deposit
A £2,000 fee is payable on acceptance of a place, to be repaid on the final invoice, raised at the end of the final term at St James, i.e. July.
Please note that a full term’s fee is payable for overseas applicants. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions for full details.
Bursaries
There are limited funds available for Bursary assistance. Awards are discretionary and based on full financial enquiry into parents’ means. For further information please contact the Bursary Secretary on bursary-applications@stjamesschools.co.uk
Terms
Fees are payable by Direct Debit on the first day of each term. The collection dates for the year are on the last page of your invoice. Please be advised that late payment will incur interest charges at 8% above the base rate of the Bank of England accruing on a daily basis
Notice
A term’s notice is required, in writing to the Headteacher, for the withdrawal of a child, or a term’s fee will be charged in lieu of notice.
The School reserves the right to exclude pupils where fees remain unpaid without the agreement of the Bursar (please see Terms and Conditions for more details.)
The fees are fully inclusive and there are no extra charges for anything within the school curriculum with the following exceptions:
•All costs relating to external examinations.
• Class outings and holidays – costs of which will be advised by staff in advance.
• Music/LAMDA tuition, if arranged through the school.
•Club membership and activities.
• House T-Shirt; lacrosse stick and mouth-guard (compulsory); most text books, exercise books and other equipment needed for lessons are issued to pupils in Years 7 - 11 free of charge but remain the property of the school. Charges will be made for any books which are lost or damaged.
• Sixth Form pupils buy their own text books, further stationery and art materials, which remain their property
Fees include the cost of lunch.
