We hope our children will develop into responsible and caring members of society. It is our belief that through the positive Christian teaching of our Catholic school we will develop in our children a love of God, a respect for all and a consistent set of beliefs, values, attitudes and practices.

In St James’s, an appreciation of the Catholic faith is fostered through a committed staff, through a crucifix and statue of Our Lady in each classroom, through very frequent visits to the school by our Chaplain, Father Oliver, through school Masses and prayers, and through supporting in a practical way MISSIO, SCIAF and other local charities.

Pupils in St. James’s are encouraged to treat others as they would like to be treated themselves, to take responsibility for their own actions and to set a good example at all times.

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education or any Religious observances and this right may be exercised by informing the Head Teacher.

Religious instruction and observance form part of the religious tradition and ethos in Catholic Schools and play an important part in the education provided in this school.

Parents from ethnic minority communities may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on not more than three occasions in any one school session and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register.

Through Religious Education and Environmental Studies we try to make our children aware of cultures and religions. We constantly stress the development of anti-racist attitudes and an awareness of prejudice. We actively encourage our children to think honestly for themselves about their own religious beliefs and practices.