St James was founded in 1975 by philosophically inclined parents and teachers. This new school, established by Leon Maclaren in 1937, aimed to explore the concepts of truth and justice, drawing on the ideas of Henry George, Plato, and Ouspensky’s mindfulness practices. Maclaren’s 30-year collaboration with Shri Shantananda Saraswati, a philosophy master, who deeply understood the ancient philosophy of Advaita – non duality, shaped much of the school’s ethos.
Initially, St James opened with 53 pupils aged 5 to 8 in South Kensington. Teachers often worked voluntarily, including the first heads, Sheila Caldwell and Nicholas Debenham. Over time, the school expanded, moving to larger premises in Notting Hill in 1983 and establishing affiliate schools globally.
This year, St James celebrates its 50th birthday with over 900 students in West Kensington and Ashford, Surrey and is recognised globally for its teaching of Sanskrit and its pioneering use of mindfulness. Its unique educational approach blends Eastern and Western philosophies, fostering students’ self-discovery. The school will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025.
As a group of schools, we remain dedicated to keep on learning. To always look forward, embracing new ideas and technologies to enhance learning experiences. Our unique educational offering, which promotes stillness, meditative practices and celebrates the whole human, stays at the heart of all we do.
As we mark this golden jubilee, we are reminded of the bright future that lies ahead.
Thank you for being a part of our story. Here’s to the next 50 years of learning diligently, growing holistically, and achieving together!