History

St James Schools were founded in 1975 by Leon MacLaren (1910-1994), a London barrister with a strong interest in philosophy and economics. He was also the founder of The School of Economic Science where philosophy, economics and related topics are studied by adults in evening classes in London and throughout the UK.

The vision for these schools was that education from four and a half to eighteen would nourish the whole being spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and physically.

The foundation of the St James Schools was based on sound principles which provided the best in traditional British education, and yet were innovative with regard to spiritual education, being non-denominational and for the benefit of children from all races and backgrounds.

Our pupils come from families associated with all the major faiths and none. They are attracted by the ethos, high academic standards and application of the philosophical principles in practice.

St James Junior School moved to the present site in Olympia in September 2000 and was joined a year later by the Senior Girls'School. This is when the Senior Boys' School moved to their site at Pope's Villa,Twickenham and then in September 2010
St James Senior Boys moved to their expansive site in Ashford Surrey.

The success of the St James Schools in London has inspired similar schools to spring up around the world. There are junior schools in Manchester, Dublin, New York, Trinidad, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. A senior school for boys and girls operates in Dublin.

St James Junior School is a member of the Independent Schools Association - ISA.

More details about the school can be found on the school's page on the Independent Schools Council website - ISC.