St James Senior Boys' School

Word From The Head

David Brazier

The success of the education we offer at St James rests firmly upon the pupils we produce. A St James pupil should be a well balanced individual who is: open hearted, mature, independent of thought, a confident learner and has a natural desire to make a difference to the world.

The world certainly needs such ‘Renaissance Men’ who are imbued with the strength, courage and sensitivity to make things happen for the benefit of all.

At St James we offer a distinctive education, uniting a philosophical approach to the development of essential life skills with an emphasis upon academic excellence. Our aim is to allow a boy to grow gracefully into a man of strength and good character, achieving at the academic level more than he thinks is possible.

We believe that behind the apparent differences of each individual there is a conscious, intelligent and loving spirit which we all share. This sense of Oneness unites the whole human family. This Unity is most easily met and enjoyed in the space of silence, which is why we spend ten minutes of the morning and afternoon in Quiet Time. During this time boys can meditate, pray, contemplate or simply sit quietly and enjoy their own peace. Experience tells us that this ‘mindfulness’ makes an enormous difference to pupil development and academic achievement.

Our approach to academic study begins with the understanding that within every boy there is a brilliance and perfection waiting to be uncovered. Pupils at St James are not selected solely on their academic ability, strength of character and future potential are also of equal significance. Over the past five years we have achieved a 100% pass rate in both GCSE and A Level examinations with more than 90% of pupils achieving the top grades. The Universities our senior boys join makes for impressive reading.

Stepping from boyhood to manhood requires the provision of the finest material, this brings clarity to the mind and an openness of heart that is proudly enabling. At St James opportunities are provided to learn Shakespeare by heart, sing the finest music, debate philosophical and ethical issues and to discuss matters of social and spiritual import. From this happy capital the pupil will grow spiritually, emotionally and physically and this will show in the fruits of his actions.

Sport is important for the development of boys and this takes place three times a week on our beautiful 32 acre site at Ashford, Surrey. This provides the physical space to pursue the school’s excellence in art, drama, music and sport. It also allows our extensive extra-curricular activities to take place, these include: Cadets, The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Sailing Club, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Kayaking, and more, to flourish. An extensive range of educational trips and expeditions to Greece, France, Italy, Northern Spain and South Africa also extend learning out into the wider world.

Transport services to the site are excellent. The railway station is just two minutes’ walk away and the school bus routes easily bring pupils from Hammersmith, Chiswick, Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton, Kingston, Malden, Ealing and Barnes.

At St James, true education, which aims to release the brilliance of all pupils, requires dedicated staff with an open hearted approach to pastoral care that encompasses the whole child and accepts no limits. Such total care ensures that boys develop self knowledge and inner confidence which leads to a smooth transition from adolescence to manhood. This is an educational approach that marries the best of a traditionally classical education with the latest research into mindfulness and effective teaching and learning.

St James Senior Boys’ School is one of the top boys secondary schools in the country, where stillness, calm reflection and happiness create a remarkable atmosphere for learning and living.

Please come and see us. You will be most welcome.

David Brazier