St James Senior Boys' School

Founded in 1975, the school’s ethos is built on the belief that a conscious, intelligent, and loving spirit is shared by all, fostering a sense of Oneness. This is supported by daily "Quiet Time," where pupils meditate, pray, or contemplate in silence for ten minutes in the morning and afternoon. All pupils study Philosophy to explore ideas in an inclusive way, and the school maintains a vegetarian diet to promote holistic growth and kindness to the environment.

The school offers a broad academic curriculum for pupils aged 11-18, leading to GCSE and A Level qualifications. The educational approach integrates academic study with the development of essential life skills and mindfulness. Starting in September 2027, the school will begin a phased transition to co-education, becoming fully co-educational by the 2031/32 academic year.

The school employs a dedicated SENDCo and a team of learning support staff to assist pupils. Pastoral care is a central focus, with an open-hearted approach designed to support the whole child and facilitate the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

St James Senior Boys’ School is an independent day school for boys aged 11-18. The admissions process varies by entry point: Year 7 applicants sit the 11+ test and an interview, while those entering in Years 8-11 complete online tests in Maths, English, and Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning alongside an interview. Sixth Form entry (Years 12-13) requires the submission of predicted GCSE grades or equivalent and an interview. The school is a licensed sponsor for Child Student Visas and is a member of AEGIS, the Association of Educational Guardians for International Pupils.

The school operates on a three-term academic year. The Autumn Term typically runs from early September to mid-December, the Spring Term from early January to late March, and the Summer Term from mid-April to early July. Each term includes a half-term break, and the school observes the May Bank Holiday.

The school is situated on a 32-acre site in Ashford, Surrey, which includes a lake for open water swimming and water activities. Sports facilities feature indoor cricket nets, badminton courts, a volleyball court, and a floodlit 5-a-side 3G pitch. The grounds also provide outdoor cricket nets, tennis courts, and fields marked for football, rugby, cricket, athletics, and baseball, supported by a pavilion with a kitchenette.

Pupils participate in a wide range of activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) and the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). The school organises extensive educational trips and expeditions to destinations such as Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the USA. Additional opportunities include music, drama, and various clubs, such as media literacy and chess.