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 several 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 on 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.
St James Preparatory
St James Senior Girls’ School
St James Senior Boys’ School
St James Senior Boys’ School Ethos and Aims
ETHOS
The philosophy behind the St James ethos is the Philosophy of Unity. This philosophy emphasises the practice of self-awareness and the unity of all humanity.
At St James, self-awareness is practised during pausing and Quiet Time. Boys are provided with the opportunity to connect with the peace and stillness behind all movement and encouraged to utilise this practice in their daily life.
Unity, or non-duality, is a core theme in the teaching and practice of philosophy throughout the school and in the pastoral care of all boys. The heart of the philosophy is that the individual and the universal are not essentially different.
AIMS
– To foster the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical development of boys as fully as possible.
– To develop open-hearted young men who will be able to lead full and useful lives in the service of others.
– To build good character by providing boys with moral and ethical values.
– To provide training in self-awareness, stillness and attention.
– To provide teachers who inspire the boys through the love of their subjects and the use of the finest material possible.
School Governors
Chair of Governors
Mrs Helen de Mattos
If there is a need to contact Mrs de Mattos, please do so in writing, addressing your letter to her, marked ‘Confidential’, at:
IEAL Ltd
St James Schools
Earsby Street
London W14 8SH
Chair of Trustees
Mr Jeremy Sinclair
Trustees
Mr Aastif Hassan
Mr Hugh Venables
Mr Michael Harper
Mrs Helen de Mattos
Mrs Annabel Lubikowski
Ashford Governors
Mr Jeffrey Sapiro
Mr Dominic Prendergast
Chief Operating Officer and
Clerk to Trustees
Mr William Wyatt
General Information
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Speak the truth.
Never disturb the peace of another.
Obey all instructions given by teachers and prefects promptly and fully.
Treat each other and all property with care, consideration, tolerance and respect.
Behave appropriately before, during and after school.
PERSONAL CONDUCT
Be on time.
Full School uniform must be worn, and you must look neat and tidy.
Language should be respectable.
Smoking and alcohol is strictly forbidden.
Personal devices including mobile phones, are not to be switched on or used in School.
MOBILE PHONES
Smart phones are not allowed to be used in school from Years 7-10. Year 11 may use phones in their common room only. Pupils in Year 7 & 8 must use an analogue phone. All phones being used during the school day will be confiscated and handed to reception for safe keeping.
TRAVEL
Be considerate to fellow travellers. Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing point only. Whilst travelling by School bus you must remain seated with seatbelt fastened.
SCHOOL HOURS
8.15am – 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.
UNIFORM
All boys wear a uniform purchased from the school suppliers, Stevensons in Twickenham.
SIBLING POLICIES
Priority is given to any candidate who has a brother or sister who is attending or has attended any of the St James Schools throughout the world. In addition, any candidate who has a parent who is an ex-pupil of any of these Schools will receive priority.
LEARNING SUPPORT
The Learning Support Department is committed to providing inclusive and empowering support for our pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Teaching staff in the Learning Support Department are qualified in teaching pupils with a range of additional needs and work closely with staff to ensure that reasonable adjustments are made for pupils to reach their full potential.
While it is the aim of the department that the majority of pupils’ needs are met within the classroom, through quality first teaching and – in some curriculum areas – support from Learning Support Assistants, there will be times where more tailored and focused support is required. If your son has ever been assessed for, or diagnosed with, a Special Educational Need or Disability (under the areas of need in the SEND
Code of Practice: Cognition and Learning, Communication and Interaction, Social Emotional and Mental Health or Sensory and Physical) please submit all – including historical –documentation regarding this.
This information should be submitted along with the application forms, to the Registrar; this is so we are able to understand any adjustments your son may require accessing all aspects of school life. If you would like to speak to the Learning Support Department please contact the admissions office in the first instance to arrange an appointment.
All candidates requiring access arrangements for the entrance examinations must provide evidence to confirm the need. If evidence is submitted that an access arrangement is your son’s usual way of working, this will be provided by St James following agreement between them and the school.
FOOD
Lunch is provided for all pupils. The food is vegetarian, fresh and nutritious. Staff and boys eat together, and lunch provides an opportunity for guidance in good manners and looking after each other.
INSURANCE
The Independent Educational Association Ltd. is insured or public liability. This insurance only covers any possible occurrence where it could be proved that the school had been negligent. However, like many other schools, we also insure all staff and children against simple accidents. This insurance covers sudden and unforeseen fortuitous identifiable events which cause bodily injury. The policy also covers:
• Disappearance: where the insured person disappears, and it is reasonable to believe they have died due to bodily injury
• Exposure: where death/injury to an insured person as a direct result of unavoidable exposure
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.
SCHOOL COACHES
There are School coaches and mini-buses available from different locations for transport to the school. Please check our website or prospectus pack for route details.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
A formal complaint about any matter of School policy or administration not involving a decision to expel or remove a pupil must be stated courteously in writing to the Head and, if unresolved, should be restated in writing to the Chair of Governors in accordance with the school’s published procedure, available on the website. Every reasonable complaint will receive fair and proper consideration and a timely response.
The number of formal complaints received in 2023/2024 was 2.
Admissions Procedures
Boys may enter at the ages of 11, 13 or 16 years
11+ Entrance examinations are held at the School in November for admission the following September. The examination is open to boys from all schools. It consists of online tests in English, Mathematics and Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning. All candidates are interviewed by a member of the Senior Management Team.
13+ Entry for boys at Preparatory or state schools by 13+ entrance exams. These candidates may also sit for a deferred entry place (11+ assessments when they are in Year 6). They must also satisfy the Headmaster that they are capable of undertaking studies for GCSE.
10+ pre-testing is also available for boys in Year 5. All pre-tests are held in May and the exams follow the same format as the 11+ with age-appropriate examination papers.
Scholarships are available by application in art, sport, drama and music. To apply you must be a recipient of an offer of a place and assessments are held in February.
Exceptional candidates who perform highly in the entrance assessments will be selected for consideration for an Academic Scholarship by the Head.
LOWER SCHOOL
Art
Biology
Chemistry
Computing
Design Technology
Drama
English
French
Geography
History
Latin
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physical Education
Physics
PSHE
Sanskrit
LOWER SCHOOL
Art
Biology Chemistry
Computing Design Technology
Drama
English
French
Geography
History
Latin Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physical Education
Physics
PSHE
Sanskrit
Spanish
Entry to the Sixth Form is by interview, subject to satisfactory results being obtained at GCSE: Grade 8, 7 or 6 is required in the subjects to be studied at A Level. In addition, candidates must achieve at least six level 6 grades at GCSE.
In-year entry may be possible depending on the availability of places. Please contact the Registrar on 01784 266 933 for more information.
BURSARIES
The school administers a Bursary fund which is designed to assist Parents of children who otherwise would be unable to attend the School. Bursaries may be awarded to both existing and new pupils provided financial need can be demonstrated.
Bursaries and scholarships can only be applied for the year of entry. They are not available for boys who are sitting for pretests or have a place from a previous years’ pre-test.
Applications for new pupils, accompanied by relevant financial details as required, will only be accepted for those who are registered for admission in the next entry year. Once registered with the school, Parents are invited to contact the Bursaries department to register their interest in a Bursary. This must be done before the last Friday in October for awards in respect of the next academic year.
UPPER SCHOOL
GCSE Course
Select 9 or 10 from:
Art & Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Computer Science
Design
Technology
Drama
English Language
English Literature
French
Geography
History
Latin
Mathematics
Media Studies
Music
Physical Education
Physics
Religious Studies
Sanskrit
Spanish
Non-examined Subjects
SIXTH FORM
A Level
Select 3 or 4 from:
Art & Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Computer Science
Design Technology
Drama
Economics
English Literature
French
Geography
History
Latin Mathematics
Physical Education YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9-11 YEAR 12-13
Philosophy
Physical Education
PSHE
Further Mathematics
Media Studies
Music
Psychology
Physics
Politics
Non-examined Subjects
Philosophy
Extra Curricular Activities
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
In addition to the curriculum subjects, there are many optional activities for pupils during school hours, including orchestra, choir, instrumental tuition, art club, drama workshops, creative writing and lunchtime sports clubs.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All boys in Years 7–11 have three full Physical Education sessions a week; sixth formers have two sessions. The sports hall offers an outstanding indoor sporting facility, featuring a climbing wall opened in September 2022. Other amenities include indoor cricket nets, basketball, badminton, volleyball, and a strength & conditioning fitness gym.
ASPIRANT ATHLETE ACADEMY
A programme of sports science workshops, seminars and lectures designed to give our pupils the knowledge and understanding needed to take the next step in their sporting journey. While in most schools, a programme like this would be reserved for ‘Gifted and Talented’ athletes, we are firm believers that hard work beats talent every time and that all our pupils should be given these tools needed to reach their sporting potential.
OTHER SCHOOL-BASED ACTIVITIES
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme – St James boys participate and work towards bronze, silver and gold awards. The purpose is to develop character by challenging the boys’ endurance and skills and encouraging service to others.
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) – Boys who volunteer for the CCF are challenged mentally and physically. They meet one evening a week to train for Star Awards in first aid, navigation, field craft, survival and skill at arms. The highlight of the training is the annual camp, a week adventure where boys pit themselves against the elements.
Activity Week – (Spring Term) Year 7 go on an adventure week in the United Kingdom; Year 8 to go to Greece to further their studies of Classical Civilisation; Year 9 spend a week in Spain, hiking a segment of the Pilgrimage of St James; Year 10 go to Florence to study Renaissance Art and also spend a few days in Lucca, training in leadership skills and ‘personal mastery’.
Alps Trip – Bi-annual trip to Alps for Alpine Mountaineering and Climbing for Upper School pupils.
Ski Trip - Annual Ski Trip to the French Alps in the Christmas holidays. The trip is open to all pupils.
Senior School Lectures
The Senior School Lecture is held twice a year. Speakers from all walks of life – ex prime minister to practising architect – relate their experiences to enthuse and broaden the minds of the students. Recent speakers have included the following:
2024 Rama Gheerawo Inclusive Design and Creative Leadership: Pathways to Love
2023 Jonathan Swain Sonia Soda
2022 Gary Lachmann Michelle Da Souza
2021 Derek Redmond Alannah Weston
Co-curricular
YEARS 7-8
• Reading Club (Year 7 & 8)
YEARS 9-13
• Sailing (Year 9-13)
A Day in the Life (inc introduction, challenge, top stories and social media) Women in Journalism (touching on AI)
Knowledge, Science and Philosophical thought Art Collections and how to curate them
The Basic Fundamentals’ Diversity & Inclusion Finding Purpose in business
(All Years)
• School Choir (Lower & Upper School & Whole School)
• School Orchestra
• Junior Rock Band
• Echo Schools
• Computing
• Inclusion & Diversity Club
• Photography
• Art
• Athletics
• Cricket
Fridays Options
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Climbing
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Judo
• Rugby
• Table Tennis
• Tennis
• Sailing
• Strength and Conditioning
• Squash
• Hockey
Results & Leavers Destinations 2024
GCSE RESULTS
As documented widely in the media the government have reset the examination pass rates to 2019 levels before the assessed grades used in the pandemic to counter grade inflation.
Pupils at St James Senior Boys School have achieved excellent GCSE results that exceed those of 2023. Top grades of 9-7 were 42% (compared to last years of 38%). The 9-4 rate 96% (2023 this was 92%) with the overall pass rate of 99.8%. Special mention to the following Departments who all achieved a 100% pass rate: Mathematics, French, Spanish, Chemistry and Art.
“ We are naturally delighted with these results and the clarity they bring in terms of academic performance. They come in the academic year where we had an excellent inspection report that recognised that our ‘Pupils enjoy success across the curriculum. This is a result of the high expectations of teachers, and activities which are tailored to the abilities of pupils.’ I would like to thank all the teachers who have worked so diligently to support and enable these pupils in their time at St James. I wish new Head, Mr Rick Clarke, the very best in taking over the leadership of this unique school and know he will develop the school further ”
Former Headmaster, Mr David Brazier
A LEVEL RESULTS
St James Senior Boys have achieved a pleasing set of A Level Results with an A-A* pass rate of 21% an A* - B of 42% and an A* - C pass rate of 79%. The overall pass rate was 99%.
“ Congratulations to all our students who have worked diligently for the last two years, and we wish them the very best through the next stage of their education.”
Former Headmaster, Mr David Brazier
Our Sixth Form leavers have successfully transited to university with the vast majority gaining places at their firm choice universities these include Oxford, Cardiff, Durham, Loughborough, Kings College London, Exeter, Sheffield and Southampton as well as high tariff international universities.
Examination Results
GCSE Passes
A Level Passes 2024:
Our University Destinations
United Kingdom
University of the West of England
Hartpury University
Lancaster University
Loughborough University
Nottingham Trent University
Oxford Brookes University
Royal Holloway University
Sheffield Hallam University
SOAS University of London
University of Aberdeen
University of Bath
University of Dundee
University of East Anglia UEA
University of Reading
University of Surrey
University of Sussex
Anglia Ruskin University
University of Bournemouth
Brunel University London
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Keele University
Leeds Beckett University
University of Kent
York St John University
Coventry University
Northumbria University
Aberystwyth University
Bath Spa University
University of Strathclyde
University of Stirling
Durham University
City, University of London
Around the World
California State University
Fresno Pacific University
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Fees
PER TERM FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 2024/25
Senior School (Years 7–13) £8,090 per term
Acceptance Deposit
The standard acceptance deposit is £2,000
The deposit is held against the fee for the final term of education.This is refunded once the pupil leaves the school.
Registration
A non-returnable fee of £150 per child is payable on registration.
TERMS
Terms are fully set out in the contract. The fees are fully inclusive and there are no extra charges for anything within the school curriculum with the following exceptions:
1. All costs relating to external examinations.
2. Additional Learning Support by agreement.
3. Class outings, costs of which will be advised by staff in advance.
4. Tuition for musical instruments, if arranged through the school.
5. Exceptional stationery items (especially in the Sixth Form).
6. Club activities where membership costs are incurred e.g. Climbing Club.
7. Some optional games programme.
8. Modest membership fees for the Sailing Club, etc. All textbooks, exercise books and other equipment needed for lessons are issued to pupils free of charge but remain the property of the school. Charges may be made for any books which are lost or damaged. Sixth Form pupils buy their own textbooks, which remain their property.
Note: A term’s notice is required, in writing to the Head, for the withdrawal of a child, or a term’s fee will be charged in lieu of notice.
St James Senior Boys’
Church Road, Ashford, Surrey TW15 3DZ
Headmaster Mr Rick Clarke BA (Hons) PGCE
Chair of Governors Mrs Helen de Mattos
If there is a need to contact Mrs de Mattos, please do so in writing, addressing your letter to him, marked ‘Confidential’, at the following address: St James Schools Earsby Street London W14 8SH
