St James Preparatory School, Johannesburg
Proudly Cambridge International.
A prep school with a vibrant tradition of philosophy and meditation. Accessible to all. We're one human family.
St James Preparatory School, Johannesburg
St James is an independent school with a distinctive spiritual ethos of inclusion and unity. Our highest purpose is the constant search for Truth and it’s our love for wisdom that helps us see everything and everyone as interdependent. We welcome children of all faiths and those of none.
The St James Ethos
Truth ~ Love~ Service
Our commitment to the school motto of Truth ~ Love ~ Service, shapes our characters and values, which in turn, shapes how we perform on the playground, sports field, stage, and yes, even in tests and exams.
Worldwide Education Community
As part of a worldwide education community with international recognition, students and parents can be confident that Cambridge qualifications will be understood at home in South Africa, and abroad.
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint Exams
St James’ track record in the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint exams in the three core subjects, i.e. Maths, Science and English, is nothing short of stellar, with 100% achievements being regularly attained.
School Calendar
Term Dates for 2023
Term 1
Term Start : Wed 11 Jan
Half Term : Thu 23 Feb - Tue 28 Feb
Term Close : Thur 6 Apr
Public Holidays : Mon 20 & Tues 21 March
Term 2
Term Start : Wed 3 May
Half Term : Fri 23 Jun - Mon 3 Jul
Term Close : Tue 8 Aug
Public Holidays : Fri 16 Jun
Term 3
Term Start : Wed 6 Sep
Half Term : Fri 10 Nov - Tues 14 Nov
Term Close : Wed 6 Dec
Public Holidays : Mon 25 Sep
Term Dates for 2024
Term 1
Term Start : Wed 17 Jan
Half Term : Thu 22 Feb - Tue 27 Feb
Term Close : Thur 11 Apr
Public Holidays :
Thur 21 Mar (Human Rights Day)
Fri 22 Mar (School Holiday)
29 Mar-1 Apr (Easter Weekend)
Term 2
Term Start : Tues 7 May
Half Term : Fri 28 Jun - Mon 8 Jul
Term Close : Thur 8 Aug
Public Holidays :
Mon 17 Jun (School Holiday)
Term 3
Term Start : Wed 4 Sep
Half Term : Thur 24 Oct - Tues 29 Oct
Term Close : Thurs 5 Dec
Public Holidays :
Mon 23 Sep (School Holiday)
Tues 24 Sep (Heritage Day)
What parents say about St James...
When my children are complimented for their wit and confidence I advise that the credit is due to the school. St James provides the kind of education and psycho-social container that is so important for developing children, during the pandemic and amidst so many social issues in our country. St James provides young children with the tools to cope with all facets of life; for life.
Aradhana Bageloo
One of the best decisions we have made is choosing St James for our children. The grounding and philosophy of the school is second to none. Our kids enjoy going to school and that alone speaks volumes. It’s a holistic education with focus on spirituality and very much a family orientated culture.
Bavish Kalan
Our child has thrived at St James and we are extremely happy with his progress. Despite the challenging times, the staff have met the demands of online learning and the kids are doing extremely well. Thanks to all the staff for your dedication and consideration.
Lorraine Singh
Most important I would like to thank all staff members of St James by helping our children to have self esteem and confidence.
Priscilla Mazibuko
Affiliations
St James Preparatory School follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) which prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. CAIE is part of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge’s international qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-primary/
The Education Renaissance Trust (ERT) is an independent educational charity, registered with the Charity Commission in the UK. The ERT helps and encourages schools and teachers who put spiritual values at the heart of education. It believes that a renaissance in education is needed for the wellbeing of humanity, and that there are already many schools and teachers who inspire children with good and true principles for living. The Trust was founded in 1997 to support a group of schools around the world which share this view of education. The group is called the ‘St James family of schools,’ after the first school, St James School in London, which was founded in 1975. The Trust now works closely with many other schools internationally, and hundreds of teachers who share their values. St James Preparatory, Johannesburg, is privileged to be included in that group of schools.
The School of Practical Philosophy, Gauteng, is a centre for spiritual and practical knowledge and enquiry. The School aims to help individuals lead a fuller, richer and more useful life and to evolve the spiritual aspect of their being in accordance with natural laws.
St James’s unique ethos is inspired by the underlying philosophy of the School of Practical Philosophy.
St James Preparatory School is currently accommodated in what was the first St Mary’s school in Johannesburg, established in the early 1900s. Now a grand and elegant heritage site in pristine condition, the building is owned by the School of Practical Philosophy.
