Rick Clarke
A St James education is one that is open hearted and one that sees the unlimited potential in all of the young people who join us. We aim to produce young men of character, who know their own mind, who are confident academically and who possess a desire to make a difference to the world around them.
We believe that behind the apparent differences of each individual there is a conscious, intelligent, and loving spirit which we all share. The sense of Oneness unites the whole human family. 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.
Selection to St James is not based purely on academic ability; we are interested in the character of the boys who come here, and in their future potential. We take great pride in providing an environment where this potential can be unleashed, through the caring and dedicated tutelage of our staff. Our open-hearted approach to pastoral care, rightly recognised by our recent ISI Inspection as a strength of the school, is one that helps our young men to make a smooth transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Do please come and visit us. We believe that our purposeful, calm and happy school is an ideal environment for all young men to flourish.
Rick Clarke
Head
Mr Clarke’s teaching career has included posts at Cheltenham College, Brighton College, Wellington College in Berkshire and as Deputy Head at Warminster School, before becoming Head of Frensham Heights School in Farnham, Surrey. There, he implemented a new vision and mission for the school, grew pupil numbers, improved academic results and oversaw Frensham Height’s most successful ISI educational quality inspection to date. Mr Clarke then enjoyed a brief spell back in frontline teaching at Kingswood School in Bath before determining that his extensive leadership experience – together with his ambitious, collegial and joyful approach to learning – would be well-aligned with the distinctive nature of St James.