History

St James Schools were founded in 1975 by Leon MacLaren. They were to provide an all-through education from the age of 41/2 to 18 for both boys and girls, with a curriculum both traditional and innovative. At the time, the education values which have informed the best English schools were under attack, discipline was breaking down, classical subjects were being abandoned, and the teaching of Christianity was no longer central. There was in fact a gap at the centre of education. Leon MacLaren envisaged a school which would restore spiritual values, uphold morality, and encourage systematic study.

The schools are open to all, whatever their background or faith. Although we follow the Christian tradition of the nation, we seek to discover and teach the unifying principles common to all the great faiths of the world. The special contribution of St James lies in the philosophical approach to life and learning which is shared by its teachers and pupils.

Most of the teachers are students of philosophy in the School of Economic Science, a school of philosophy for adults, which was founded by Leon MacLaren over half a century ago, in London, to study the natural laws which govern men and women in society.

St James School in Stockport was started in 2003. We have currently 14 children on the register and hope to expand to a maximum of 32 over the next two years.