“A St James education is one of purpose, compassion and service”
Welcome from The Head
St James Senior Boys’ School is a school committed to genuine holistic education coupled with academic rigour and aspiration. Aristotle’s maxim that ‘educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all’ is an approach to education that has steered my career of more than 25 years. It is also what guided me to leading this wonderful school: I see it as an enormous privilege to be Head of a school that is so closely focused on allowing young men to flourish and thrive as whole human beings, combining both head and heart in equal measure.
Our unique educational approach, combining ancient traditions and cuttingedge technology, allows every child to be the best version of themselves.
A St James education is one of purpose, compassion and service. Our commitment to meditation and the teaching of philosophy ensures that the young men in our care grow both spiritually and intellectually, with a clear awareness of their place in the world and how they can make a difference to the lives of others.
Do please come and visit to see how our combination of academic aspiration and spiritual growth, together with vibrant co-curricular provision and outstanding pastoral care, can help your son to flourish.
Rick Clarke Head
The
school
We are an independent day school for boys aged 11-18. Located within 30 acres of sprawling grounds in Ashford, Surrey, the school is easily accessible via both public transport routes and our own private coach service.
Our aim is to offer a fully holistic education to each boy, allowing him to achieve more than he thinks is possible whilst simultaneously evolving his character.
Discover more about what makes St James so special.
We are a three-form entry school, welcoming pupils into Year 7, Year 9 and our Sixth Form. Many boys will join our school in Year 7 following the 11+ process.
At St James, we firmly believe in the power of strong relationships between our dedicated teachers and pupils. These relationships are not only fundamental to fostering inclusion but also to cultivating a culture of respect that permeates throughout the school community. We are proud of the environment we’ve created where every individual feels valued and supported.
curriculum The
Our curriculum is carefully planned to ensure our pupils experience a broad range of subjects, developing a true love of learning and having the opportunity to find their true passions.
Science
Each of our science disciplines – Biology, Chemistry and Physics – is taught by specialised teachers who possess deep knowledge and expertise in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive comprehensive and tailored instruction.
Our school is equipped with six state-of-the-art laboratories, specifically designed to facilitate hands-on learning and experimentation.
Modern Foreign Languages
Learning a second language is priceless. With the world becoming ever more international, those who can speak more than one language can have enormous advantage in the business world. However, the benefits extend beyond this; knowing a second language can create richer travel experiences, build relationships, and make you a better communicator.
All pupils in Year 7 will have the opportunity to learn French and in Year 8 will expand their language repertoire by beginning their exploration of Spanish.
The Arts
The spiritual nourishment that can be found in The Arts is at the centre of our artistic ethos. All pupils will study Art, Drama and Music from Years 7-9 and will be able to continue to study at GCSE and A Level. Pupils can also benefit from a wide range of opportunities such as starring in the school productions, joining the school orchestra or choir or experiencing the many artistic clubs that are on offer.
The Arts not only develop the artistic talents within our pupils, but also help them develop skills that will help them later in life such as presentation skills, public speaking and improvisational skills.
curriculum
Careers
Our key careers content areas include understanding work-life balance, creating opportunities, defining success, exploring career pathways, continuous personal growth, understanding learning pathways, managing a career and gaining a broader perspective on life.
To ensure pupils engage deeply with these topics, we employ a variety of interactive and immersive learning experiences. These include PSHE lessons, inspiring assemblies and thought-provoking talks from both internal and external speakers.
Beyond the Classroom
In addition to our curriculum-based learning, we offer our pupils an extensive range of extra-curricular activities to enrich our pupils learning beyond the classroom. From our wide variety of sports to cadets, orchestra, choir, eco committee and Duke of Edinburgh Awards, pupils have ample opportunity to develop their leadership and teamwork skills and to grow as an individual.
School Visits and Trips
At St James, we pride ourselves on offering a truly distinctive educational experience, and our Activities Week is no exception. Pupils in Years 7-10 take part in an international travel programme. From immersing themselves in the wonders of the ancient world in Greece to walking the historic Camino de Santiago (the way of St James) in Spain, each trip offers a unique and individual experience for our pupils. These journeys not only broaden their cultural horizons but also provide personal growth and learning in ways that traditional classroom settings cannot replicate. Our Activities Week is a testament to our commitment to providing a holistic education that prepares students to become globally aware and empathetic individuals, ready to make a positive impact on the world.
In addition to our Activities Week, pupils have the opportunity to experience many residential and non-residential trips. Whether exploring the depths of history in a museum, engaging with thoughtprovoking discussions on culture, or embracing the latest advancements in technology, our pupils are continuously encouraged to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
development Spiritual
St James is a non-dominational school, however we welcome pupils from all faiths. But while there is certainly no requirement to adopt a particular religious belief, we wholeheartedly believe in the importance of spiritual enrichment, and the fundamental role it plays in pupils’ development.
“Leaders successfully foster pupils’ spiritual and emotional awareness alongside their academic and physical development. As a result of the school’s philosophy, pupils are reflective and aware of their own strengths. They are tolerant and respectful to each other.”
ISI Report 2023
“The upshot is a thoroughly modern approach to learning that’s particularly ahead of the game when it comes to mindfulness, philosophy and emotional intelligence – the on-trend aspects of character development that other schools are just catching up with.”
The Good Schools Guide
Mindfulness
Drawing on the traditions of meditative practice, mindfulness has always been deeply integrated into our school life as a valuable and effective way to instil calm and bring focus.
Pupils at St James are familiar with a daily meditative practice – ‘The Pause’ – a short period of quiet reflection and stillness taking place at the beginning and end of each lesson, at assemblies and lunchtime.
This allows all pupils to join the present moment, refocus and digest the fruits of their learning. St James believes that quality of attention and power of concentration are essential to an effective and happy way of life. We encourage pupils and staff to appreciate the importance of the present moment, to be inwardly free and deeply at ease with themselves amidst the fast pace of everyday life.
Discover more about what makes St James so special.
development Emotional
At St James, we don’t see pupils who are here to learn, we see people who are here to thrive.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is overseen by our Heads of Year and the Assistant Headmaster Pastoral, all of whom are trained Mental Health First Aiders. Supporting this system, we also have ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) along with an in-school counsellor. This tiered approach provides tailored support for each individual pupil that may require it.
We are also extremely fortunate that our timetable allows for each student to receive PSHE as a structured lesson each week. This ensures that important topics such as drugs and alcohol, grief and loss, sex and relationships are all covered with the depth and care that they deserve, and the student voice can play an important part of this subject. As part of the PSHE programme, we invite specialist external speakers to talk on many of these topics.
As well as teacher support, we also have a well-established peer buddying and mentoring programme. In this, our new Year 7 pupils are buddied with both a Year 8 pupil and a member of our Sixth Form, allowing them to receive guidance from older pupils. This gives the younger students valuable insight as to how to thrive and adjust to new modes of study and schooling.
“The PSHE topics evolve so that at each stage pupils are well prepared for their next steps. As a result, pupils show awareness of themselves and others and develop confidence and independence. Many start to develop a spiritual awareness. The perspective, balance and good sense exhibited by pupils is a result of leaders’ well-conceived weave of ethos, example and curriculum content.”
ISI Report 2023
development Intellectual
Our academic and extra-curricular provision is designed to allow the steady growth of a pupil to develop physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
At St James we offer a broad range of subjects combining the traditional subjects like Mathematics, Science and Humanities with more creative and practical subjects such as Languages, Art, Music, DT and Drama. There is a unique opportunity to learn subjects such as Sanskrit and Greek which we believe is at the core of the finest materials the boys can be exposed to.
Our continuing high levels of academic success, as measured by A Level and GCSE examinations, from our mixed ability intake, is further evidence that we achieve this aim.
Setting by ability
Pupils learn in sets for Mathematics from Year 7 and for English from Year 9. Aligning the pace of learning at these points ensures pupils are challenged appropriately and given the individual attention required. Progress is reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Academic Enrichment
Enrichment opportunities are offered to all pupils who demonstrate exceptional interest and ability in academic work, Art, Drama or sport. Pupils are given many opportunities to maximise their potential in each year group.
Each year our pupils enter school and national competitions such as the UK Maths Trust Challenge, Science Olympiads, Modern Foreign Languages Oxford University Writing Fiction competition and ISI Writing and Speech competitions.
We are an affiliated ‘Arkwright Scholarship School’, which is a programme aimed at boys in set one in GCSE/A Level Maths that also study a STEM subject.
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 our 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, in order for the pupils to reach their full potential.
“Overall, at every level, St James fosters a love of learning.”
ISI Report
2023
education Physical
The sporting philosophy at St James is a simple one – we firmly believe that everyone is a sportsman, they just need to be given the tools and the opportunity to find one that they fall in love with and which they continue to take part in years after leaving us.
To honour this philosophy, we have developed a unique programme of sports and activities which fuses the best of a traditional independent school programme with a modern and dynamic approach to participation and life-long learning.
At the core of the programme are traditional sports that allow pupils to specialise and excel, but also to develop fitness and physical literacy while growing leadership and social skills. The autumn term concentrates on rugby and the spring term focuses on football, with hockey being available to our older students. The summer sees a blend of cricket and tennis with cross country and athletics featuring too.
To complement the traditional programme, we offer a completely unique one of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities designed to ignite the imaginations of our pupils and to ensure that they see sport as an integral part of their lives.
We believe that our pupils are capable of more than they could ever imagine in the sporting context and this is not just in terms of trophies won and accolades gained. We are constantly looking for ways to extend and inspire our pupils in this context and use the co-curricular programme as the starting point for a series of unique events. Our climbers have the opportunity to take part in the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ or attempt the bi-annual Alpine Expedition which attempts 4000m peaks in Switzerland.
Timetable
Pupils in the Lower School take part in Physical Education three times a week. One morning double period, one afternoon double period, when competitive matches are played, and a single period on Friday afternoons.
Pupils in the Upper School take part in Physical Education three times a week. One afternoon double period, when competitive matches are played, an after school training session and a double period on a Friday for Friday Options.
Facilities
Our impressive 30-acre campus provides ample space for a diverse range of sporting activities without needing to leave our front gate. From kayaking on our lake to cricket on the front lawn, our grounds offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor sports. Our dedicated sports fields accommodate football and rugby matches, while our tennis courts provide a perfect setting for racket sports enthusiasts. Our state-of-the-art Sports Hall features a climbing wall, basketball court and indoor cricket nets. Additionally, our gymnasium suite offers facilities for strength and conditioning training, ensuring that our pupils have access to everything they need to pursue their athletic goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
development Character
At St James, we believe that true education extends beyond academics, shaping students into well-rounded individuals ready to face the world with confidence and integrity. Our approach to character development is deeply embedded in our activities and traditions, designed to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and leadership through a variety of enriching experiences.
Duke of Edinburgh
Duke of Edinburgh is designed to challenge young people and push them outside the classroom and their own comfort zone. It is a programme that we start in Year 9 and consists of four components: Volunteering, Skills, Physical and Expedition.
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards help introduce our pupils to volunteering. Through this programme, many of our pupils discover the deeply rewarding and fulfilling nature of giving back to their communities. Engaging in volunteer work not only benefits those in need but also fosters personal growth, empathy, and a sense of responsibility among our students.
We offer our pupils the opportunity to achieve both the Bronze and Silver Awards.
Cadets
St James has run a thriving and successful cadet unit for over 30 years, with the aim of developing self-discipline, teamwork and leadership.
The camaraderie, resilience and perseverance that is required in the cadets helps shape an individual’s character, not only for their time in the cadets but also in preparing them for success in their future endeavours and contributions to society.
form Sixth
St James Senior Boys’ School is committed to providing personalised support for each student, recognising and nurturing their unique abilities to help them reach their full potential.
We offer a diverse range of subjects for Year 12 students, allowing them to choose three that align with their passions. This approach enables them to tailor their studies according to their interests and capabilities, ensuring a personalised and engaging academic experience.
Small class sizes provide individual attention and build strong teacher-student relationships. Many students stay with us to remain in this supportive community, benefiting from familiar staff and the chance to mentor younger peers through leadership roles.
Education is more than just progression in academic subjects. Members of the Sixth Form have many opportunities to develop themselves further through clubs, societies, additional subjects and extra educational opportunities.
Enrichment
Sixth Form students benefit from a comprehensive enrichment programme with clubs and societies in sports and academics, where they are encouraged to both participate and take on leadership roles.
• Sixth Form dinners provide the opportunity to hear distinguished speakers and practice formal dining etiquette at the annual Head’s symposium
• Our leadership and interpersonal development programme builds passion and confidence, motivating students to actively contribute to the school’s growth
There are plenty of opportunities for Sixth Formers to further showcase these qualities by serving as senior prefects, school captains, or by mentoring peers in meditation and academic subjects.
“At the heart of our ethos is the spirit of service and the majority of our pupils take part in either the academic mentoring programme or act as a buddy to a new pupil.”
Mr Lempriere Head of Sixth Form
Physical Education & Sport
Sixth Formers have one full afternoon of sport a week and an optional session on Friday afternoons, which most Sixth Formers take advantage of.
The Sixth Form also have priority access to the school’s state-of-the-art Strength and Conditioning suite which they can arrange around their other commitments.
Careers
The focus of Careers Education in the Sixth Form is on providing opportunities for the young men to develop the transferable skills which are needed for employment and/or Further Education. These skills include time management, teamwork, organisation and taking initiative.
These skills are incorporated into the daily life of a Sixth Former, but are targeted through a couple of specific activities:
• Exposure to a range of speakers from different backgrounds and philosophies during their two years in the Sixth Form
• Skills training in interview and presentation techniques
• A one-week work experience placement in the first week of September of Year 13. The placement can be organised through the Richmond Education Business Partnership and would be chosen from the list of placements which are available. Many boys prefer to source their own placements
In all these activities, the focus is on self-awareness and individual choice while keeping in mind that each person is also part of a local community and bigger world.
community Our
Collaboration
At St James Schools, we foster a strong sense of community that enriches the educational journey for pupils, staff, and parents.
Our three closely-knit schools create a warm, collaborative environment that enhances the educational experience for pupils, staff, and parents alike. Whether we’re gathering to celebrate student achievements, supporting local charities or engaging in social events, there’s a shared spirit that unites us all.
Our collaboration with St James Senior Girls’ School and the Prep School deepens these connections, offering a variety of joint activities throughout the year. Together, we enjoy musical productions, lectures, debates and social gatherings, all fostering a strong sense of unity across the schools.
Alumni and parental involvement
At St James, our pupils are always part of our family. Upon graduation, they join the Seventh Form, our cherished alumni community. St James Old Boys generously share their knowledge and expertise with current students and recent graduates, giving back to the school and supporting the next generation. They often return to reconnect with former classmates and teachers, participating in various alumni events and remaining an integral part of the St James community.
“St James’ untraditional, yet rounded education taught me many things: to be interested in less mainstream ideas which is absolutely key for finding new and interesting projects. (...) St James taught me to pause, take a breath and refocus. St James also showed me how to connect with people from all different cultures and how to accept things for what they are as well as teaching me the value of listening to other people because everyone’s got something to teach you.”
