St James Preparatory & Nursery School Earsby Street, London W14 8SH

"‘Speak the truth, be generous and kind and be your best’. As of autumn 2022 St James Prep is under the outstanding headship of the graceful, exceptional, distinguished and accomplished Mrs Hilary Wyatt who brings a wealth of experience as headteacher at other prestigious schools, in top high-performing team building and management and senior inspectorate and teaching roles. She creates a warm and nurturing atmosphere in this delightful environment where children thrive and flourish. Her successful adult daughters are SJ alumni. St James schools continue to be pioneers in delivering the language, spirituality and philosophy of the inspiring and magnificent Sanskrit language to a wider audience under the stewardship of the Head of Sanskrit and Senior Leadership Team member, the knowledgeable scholar, Warwick Jessup and his equally learned wife, Elena. My son David has completed three full years at SJP and continues to make purposeful and excellent progress and develop academically and personally in Year 3. SJ is not just a school but a community and family and all that entails. I was introduced to St James Preparatory and Senior Schools by The Independent Schools Inspectorate Report, The Good Schools Guide, Tatler Schools Guide and parents’ forums online. I read the glowing reviews, visited on the Open Day and was delighted by the - and there’s only one word for it - “happy” children in purposeful learning. The environment was distinctively calm yet disciplined. There was an atmosphere of mindfulness and serenity. “The Pause” by staff and pupils at the beginning and end of every lesson and certain periods was a unique marvel to witness. Peace of mind is part of their ethos. This comes from surroundings where students’ thoughts are valued, they can self-determine their own accomplishments, and ideas, erudition and equanimity come together. As a mother it is important my son is part of a lively climate of belonging and concentration where he can learn to be self-assured and think outside the proverbial box. Like most parents I wish for my child to enjoy life and believe this is at the heart of what St James does. They provide a complete education which benefits the child and where scholastic achievement, original thinking and faith go hand in hand to foster a passion for studying and wellbeing which leads to success without the hothousing. Honesty, kindness, friendship, unity and contribution are inculcated. There is a buoyant atmosphere which supports, challenges and inspires children to achieve their best and develop spirituality, strong morality, resourcefulness, empathy, sympathy, talents, interests and be themselves. Academic endeavour, creative energy, curiosity and thoughtful discussion within a broad-based, stimulating, highly creative and challenging curriculum are delivered in an engaging and inspiring way during small classes. A growth mindset is encouraged so children can take risks and experiment in a safe environment without fear of failure and have the support to achieve their best in whatever field(s) they choose. The school goes well beyond the national curriculum. There is ample opportunity to support causes and charities without any pressure and the Christmas Fair is an utter delight complete with unicorns! My son is at the preparatory school. The truly lovely and conscientious staff provide detailed weekly reports of the children’s progress. The leadership, parents and pupils are equally wonderful and the food is healthy, nutritious and delicious. I would love for my child to progress to the senior site. We are proud to be a part of St James Schools' outstanding and nurturing learning environment."

"We have 3 girls at St James and they all love it. Every parent has to choose the right school for their individual children's needs, but we are very satisfied with the start to our girls education."

"St James is a school that fosters children's confidence, communication skills, and a love of learning. They do this through lot of drama, speech competitions, beautiful literature, philosophy classes, singing, and the school equivalent of positive parenting. A wonderful school that educates the whole child."

"My son is attending St James and he is enjoying to go to school. It is very welcoming school. Small classes, well behaved children, but still with freedom to be children. Teachers are skilled and supportive. Children are engaged to participate to school's activities from very beginning. By the end of the first semester your boy or girl will happily recite Shakespear's poems and sing on Latin and Sanskrit (completely willingly with smile and happiness). Parents are friendly. Competitive credo is swapped for learning and understanding. As a parent of child who is attending St James I can't say nothing but best for this school so far. He was shy boy and now he is growing into an confident, kind, very well educated and behaved young man. Regarding things from the past, I don't know how someone can judge the school nowadays on its past... (new milenium schools and parents are different and generally schools in the past weren't some pleasant places)"