Imagine a place where mindfulness meets demanding academics. That place is St James Senior Girls’ School. Founded in 1975 this independent day school welcomes girls aged 11 to 18. It is located in West Kensington London.
St James Senior Girls’ School isn’t just about books and exams. The school focuses on nurturing the whole person. This includes physical intellectual emotional and spiritual development. Regular pauses for quiet are practiced throughout the day. These pauses promote mindfulness and inner peace for the students.
In 1975, St James Senior Girls’ School made a bold move. It became a vegetarian school. This reflected a deep belief. Humans should be kind to themselves others and the environment. This promotes holistic growth.
The curriculum at St James Senior Girls’ School is academically demanding. It encourages intellectual enquiry. The curriculum is also tailored to suit a range of abilities. Strong pastoral care equips pupils with mindfulness techniques. This helps them stay calm under pressure.
Friendships flourish at St James Senior Girls’ School. The school’s two-form entry means every pupil is known by her teachers. Pupils value the sense of being part of a big family. Older girls act as buddies to new students. There are four houses that strengthen bonds.
Sports are important at St James Senior Girls’ School. PE lessons take place in the gym or playground. They also use off-site facilities like Linford Christie Stadium. Main sports include lacrosse netball athletics and football.
Getting to St James Senior Girls’ School is easy. Transport links are excellent. The main building sits in a large gated garden courtyard. The Sixth Form Centre is a short walk away. It has its own garden and common room.
Leavers from St James Senior Girls’ School pursue diverse paths. They study mechanical engineering modern European studies and geological sciences. Many attend Russell Group universities and leading art schools. Some go on to Oxford and Cambridge.
St James Senior Girls’ School celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. The school was founded by philosophically inclined parents and teachers. It initially opened with 53 pupils in South Kensington. The school has a unique approach. It blends Eastern and Western philosophies. This fosters self-discovery in students.
The school’s ethos was shaped by Leon Maclaren and Shri Shantananda Saraswati. They understood the ancient philosophy of Advaita non-duality. St James Senior Girls’ School continues to embrace new ideas and technologies. The school stays dedicated to meditative practices and celebrates the whole human.