About us - What people say - Ex Pupils

VISITORS : EX-PUPILS : PRESENT PUPILS : PARENTS :
CHRIS WOODHEAD : GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE 2008

There are moments almost every day where I feel a great sense of appreciation for St. James… when we talk of ancient Greece I remember the Classics teachers… and the unforgettable trip to Greece! When I'm feeling stressed and bothered I remember the pause and meditation which I've tried to keep up.

I am forever grateful for having St James in my life, and feel blessed and fortunate to have been a part of it; I hope it continues to be its unique self for a very long time so I can send my children there one day too!

Recent letter from Past Pupil: 2nd Year, Central Saint Martins, ‘Art, Design and Environment: The Artefact Pathway'

After fourteen years at St James I have now finished my final year. What I have realized is that I am not only taking away with me knowledge that I have been taught in the academic fields of Geography or Economics for example, but something far more precious, a different kind of knowledge. This knowledge includes understanding and being able to care for others, to act selflessly, to be honest, direct and straightforward, and to aim for the best always; not to fear losing but to realise that there is always a chance to get up as soon as you fall and thereby never giving up. This knowledge is what I am most grateful for. It has helped me to gain a sort of mental strength and courage allowing me to accept new challenges fearlessly and enthusiastically.

Annushka - Leaver 2006, reading Geography, Kings College, London.

Dearest Mrs Hyde,
We just wanted to let you know how grateful we are for all the love and care we received from you and St James. It's put us in such good stead for university and life in the larger sense.
Every day makes us really appreciate our education and value it so much, Lots and lots and lots and lots of Love always, xxx

Gabriella and Jayvanti - First Year, Oxford University.

Well it’s finally come! The moment that has for so long been gleaming on the horizon, we are being released into the wilderness!!
Fourteen years carry many memories with it and I just felt the urge to jot you a quick note expressing my total joy with life and thanks to the school.
I was recently contemplating life and its wonders and began to look over my school life. From doing so, I’ve established that I’ve grown a lot and learnt a lot. Though, granted I am not the most academic pupil living, at school I have grown into ME – into the friend I am to my friends, into the sister & daughter I am and have learnt truths which will shape my life now and in the future. The atmosphere of St James has allowed me, so naturally, to be myself, learning along the way to love and respect others whilst doing so – what an exciting & rich adventure!
Just looking at all the other girls, recognising the similarity in all of us, which is, without getting too profound, the essence of God & his unique love, gives me the utmost happiness. Really, really – Thank you for having me!

Clare - Starting a gap year after having just finished her A Levels.

St. James seeks to ground each individual to fulfil his or her potential - whatever it may be. If we know how to love, if we abide by principles such as generosity and speaking the truth and if we work hard, we have forged a foundation that will guide us on whatever road we choose to take.

It is certainly a different school because of this ethos. But it works. It is beautiful, alive, vibrant. There is happiness and love everywhere. And you find that the longer you spend in the school, the more you draw on these words to describe the surroundings.

Whether it be the principles or values instilled within us, or the closeness we share with friends and teachers, we have all forged a special bond with the school. Ultimately, all the school wants is to enable each child to lead a life that is full of happiness. That, for me, is the heartbeat of St. James and the most amazing thing about it.

Archana - currently working for a Non-Government Organisation called 'Saferworld' - a foreign affairs think-tank that works to control the escalation of small arms in developing countries.

When looking back on my time at St. James, I think one of the main things that stands out is the complete care and support the teachers gave me, not only with respect to my academic work, but also to me as a person.

The dedication with which the staff nurtured my education was very apparent, and the feeling that I could approach the staff at any time was immensely reassuring. The friends I made at St. James are, without doubt, friends for life.

Rebecca - about to embark on a Primary Education PGCE after completing her Classics BA at Kings College London.

As a pupil at St. James, one of the things I cherished most was being able to name almost every girl in the school and vice versa. It is comforting to walk down any corridor and see friendly, recognisable faces.

The all-round education at St. James is an admirable asset; the arts and sciences are more or less balanced according to the interests of the pupil. The musical and artistic expertise is of the highest calibre and the enthusiasm of the teachers is infectious.

I personally have discovered my passions and loves through the teachers and that is the greatest gift, because a passion for a subject never dies.

Piera - currently studying English at Kings College London.