St James Senior Girls' School
Earsby Street, London, W14 8SH
Pupils
264
Ages
11 - 18
Gender
Girls
Type
Secondary
Head Teacher
Ms Emma Bell
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£7,510
ISC Associations
GSA, AGBIS, ISBA, ISA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About St James Senior Girls' School
St James Senior Girls’ School, located in the heart of London, offers a unique educational experience for girls aged 11 to 18. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and personal development, the school has established itself as a distinctive choice among the city’s private schools.
The school is part of the London 11+ Consortium, which assesses applicants on cognitive reasoning, English comprehension, maths, problem-solving, and synthesis skills. With 170 applicants vying for just 30 places, competition is fierce. The remaining 18 places are typically filled by girls from the prep school, with around half of these students transferring directly to the senior school. External applicants come from a diverse mix of prep and state primary schools, including notable institutions such as Bute House, Chiswick and Bedford Park, and Fulham Prep.
Academically, the school achieves commendable results. In 2023, 58% of GCSE grades were between 9-7, and 40% of A-level results were A*/A. The school offers a broad curriculum, with subjects ranging from the sciences to the arts. The classics department is particularly noteworthy, offering Greek, Latin, and classical civilisation, as well as Sanskrit, which is available at GCSE level. This focus on classical education is complemented by a strong emphasis on philosophy and spirituality, with students encouraged to engage in ethical discussions and explore different philosophical systems.
The school provides robust support for students with learning difficulties, with around a quarter of the girls receiving assistance. The small class sizes and high staff-pupil ratio ensure that each student receives the attention they need to thrive. The school also offers a range of extra-curricular activities, from art and drama to sports and music. The arts are particularly popular, with students producing accomplished work in the art department and participating in annual musicals and concerts.
Despite its urban location, the school excels in sports, with an outstanding lacrosse team and strong performances in netball, cross country, and football. The PE department works hard to cater to sporty girls, offering a range of activities including self-defence, karate, kickboxing, yoga, and dance. The school also benefits from visits by professional sportswomen, who inspire the students with their achievements.
The school’s ethos is rooted in its history, with a focus on exploring the world’s great religions and philosophies. This is reflected in the school’s vegetarian meals, which are simple and nourishing. The school is particularly strong on mental health, with a network of professional support and a focus on the emotional wellbeing of its students. The Girls on Board scheme helps students navigate the complexities of friendships, and the school’s mantra of Is it true, is it necessary, is it kind? encourages a supportive and caring environment.
The student body is diverse, with over 40 languages spoken at the school. This diversity is reflected in the parent body, which includes a mix of professionals from various fields. Parents are actively involved in the school community, with events such as the back to school evening and the Christmas Fair proving popular.
Overall, St James Senior Girls’ School offers a supportive and nurturing environment for students to excel academically and personally. With its strong focus on classical education, philosophy, and spirituality, the school provides a unique and enriching experience for its students. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please book mark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
St James Senior Girls' School is an independent day school located in London, catering for female pupils aged 11 to 18. Established in 1975, the school operates under a charitable trust managed by a single board of governors. Since 2001, it has been situated at Olympia, sharing facilities with St James Preparatory School. The school aims to provide a curriculum that fosters intellectual and emotional development, encouraging pupils to appreciate the potential of human existence and to lead fulfilling lives. The student body is diverse, with families from various professional backgrounds and cultures, primarily residing in central London. The school reports that its pupils generally possess above-average abilities, with a significant number receiving additional support for special educational needs and disabilities.
The recent regulatory compliance inspection confirmed that St James Senior Girls' School meets all standards set by the Department for Education. The inspection highlighted the school's commitment to safeguarding, promoting good behavior, and ensuring health and safety. The school has made significant improvements since the last inspection, including refurbishing facilities and enhancing its curriculum. The quality of education provided is commendable, with pupils achieving well above the national average in both GCSE and A-level examinations. The curriculum is well-structured, allowing for effective teaching and learning, and is supported by appropriate resources and assessment frameworks.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, with the school fostering responsible citizenship and tolerance. The school environment encourages pupils to engage in reflective practices, enhancing their personal development. The welfare and safety of pupils are prioritized, with effective measures in place to prevent bullying and ensure proper supervision. The school maintains accurate attendance records and has a strategic approach to risk assessment, demonstrating a commitment to pupil well-being.
The inspection also evaluated the suitability of staff, confirming that appropriate checks are conducted to ensure that all staff members are fit to work with children. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical needs and physical education. The school has a comprehensive approach to providing information to parents, ensuring transparency regarding its ethos, curriculum, and policies.
In terms of leadership and management, the school demonstrates effective governance, with leaders fulfilling their responsibilities and promoting the well-being of pupils. The quality of leadership is reflected in the positive school culture and the high standards of education provided. The school has established a robust framework for handling complaints, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed effectively.
The educational quality inspection revealed that the academic achievements of pupils are excellent, with a significant number attaining top grades at both GCSE and A-level. The school has a strong track record of preparing pupils for higher education, with many gaining admission to prestigious universities. Pupils exhibit high levels of motivation and engagement in their learning, reflecting the school's values and commitment to academic excellence.
Pupils' personal development is also noteworthy, with a strong emphasis on self-awareness and empathy. The school encourages pupils to reflect on their experiences and develop leadership skills through various opportunities, including participation in school councils and community service initiatives. The spiritual development of pupils is enhanced through religious studies and meditation practices, fostering a deep respect for diversity and the importance of different perspectives.
Overall, St James Senior Girls' School provides a nurturing and challenging environment that promotes both academic success and personal growth. The school's commitment to high standards of education, combined with its focus on the holistic development of pupils, positions it as a leading institution for girls' education in London. The positive feedback from parents, staff, and pupils underscores the effectiveness of the school's approach to education and its dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024