St James Senior Boys' School - Recent Changes & Impacts
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 them. 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 their staff. Their open-hearted approach to pastoral care, rightly recognised by their recent ISI Inspection as a strength of the school, is one that helps their young men to make a smooth transition from adolescence to adulthood.
New head announced
St James Senior Boys’ School is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Rick Clarke as its new Head. Mr Clarke’s teaching career has included posts at Cheltenham College, Brighton College as Head of English, Wellington College in Berkshire as a Housemaster and as Senior 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 returned to frontline teaching for a brief period at Kingswood School in Bath, before recognising that his extensive leadership experience, combined with his ambitious, collaborative, and joyful approach to education, is a perfect fit for the distinctive ethos of St James.
Jeremy Sinclair, Chair of Trustees, said:
“In Mr Clarke, we are fortunate to have found a successor to Mr Brazier whose leadership will continue to foster a love of learning, values-based education, effective pastoral care and developing leadership capacity at all levels”.
Mr Clarke said:
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead St James Senior Boys’ School, a school at which boys are given the tools not only to succeed academically but also to change the world for the better as compassionate, sensitive and caring young men. The founding values of the school – to live generously, honestly and with integrity – resonate with me both personally and professionally and are evident in its achievements. I look forward very much to being part of the St James Schools community.”
The new head's visionary plan for the future of the school
Mr Clarke joins the school at an exciting time in its history as we celebrate 50 years since the school's founding. Mr Clarke’s vision is for the central ethos of the school, as elucidated in the introduction above, to remain the same, and for the school to be as ambitious as possible in ensuring that every boy reaches his potential.
He is looking closely at the quality of teaching and learning, at the breadth and quality of the wider curriculum in sport, music, drama and outdoor education and ensuring that we are aiming for excellence in all we do.
A recent positive ISI inspection highlighted many areas of which we are justifiably proud, including excellent pastoral care, and he is looking to build on this as we shape an inspirational educational offering for young men of today.
Hear from the Head Boy
I am both excited and honoured to serve as the new Head Boy this year. I will be succeeding Bart, whose exceptional leadership set a high standard for me to follow. Bart and his team have dedicated themselves to their roles with remarkable effort, and I am proud to continue their legacy with the new prefect team.
Our core values at St James, especially community and service, deeply resonate with me. As Head Boy, I aim to nurture these values, creating a supportive environment that prepares us to be compassionate leaders. My goal is to ensure community and service become lived experiences, promoting inclusivity, participation, and meaningful service opportunities. I believe these values create a supportive and vibrant environment that prepares us to be thoughtful and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
Community forms the core of shared experiences, where individuals support one another, fostering trust, respect, and a common purpose. For students, a strong community enhances learning, collaboration, and personal growth, while teaching life skills like empathy and communication. It also instils a sense of responsibility toward others, shaping compassionate individuals who contribute to society.
Service is the practical expression of our commitment to the community. It transforms empathy into action, fostering humility and gratitude. For students, engaging in service builds character, heightens social awareness, and strengthens the fabric of our community.
I very much look forward to working with our new headmaster, Mr Clark. While it was with great sadness that we bid farewell to Mr Brazier, who has been a significant figure since my arrival at St James, I am eager to work with Mr Clark this year, in furthering our values.
Learn more about St James Senior School for Boys here, or explore their upcoming open days.
