St James School has welcomed over 700 local families through their doors this term as part of their open evening event. Parents and prospective students have to decide where to apply for a secondary school place between now and the 31st of October. 

 

 

St James School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, their open evening was the busiest staff can remember. Those who came along got to speak with teachers and current students as well as taking part in a range of fun activities from glow in the dark dodgeball to a treasure hunt. 

Headteacher Emily Harper opened the event by sharing the school’s core values of kindness, equity, community, and diversity. Deputy Headteacher Mark Barlow then spoke about the calm, respectful, and inclusive environment at the school, while Deputy Headteacher Helen Orbidans outlined the ambitious curriculum and wide range of enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities available to students.

 

In the Science department families explored hands-on experiments. Guests peered through microscopes, examined dissected hearts, and were amazed by the dramatic ‘Whoosh Bottle’ reaction. They also experimented with chromatography, revealing hidden colours and gaining a glimpse into the engaging science curriculum at St James.

 

Visitors also got to create their own monoprints using block printing inks and brayers, taking home unique works of art. In Modern Foreign Languages, students demonstrated interactive online learning tools and invited families to take part in fun quizzes and games celebrating French and Spanish culture. The department also showcased past international trips to Brittany and Rome, as well as an exciting upcoming visit to Belgium and France in Summer 2026. 

Emily Harper, Headteacher at St James School said:

 

"We were thrilled to welcome over 700 families to our open evening, the busiest our staff can remember! It was fantastic to see children and parents exploring the school and speaking with teachers and current students. Our open evening gives families the chance to experience first-hand the supportive, community-focused ethos that makes St James such a special place."

 

Moira Marder, Chief Executive Officer of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

 

"It’s wonderful to see so many local families engaging with St James School and learning about the outstanding opportunities on offer. Open evenings like this showcase how schools in the Ted Wragg Trust combine high-quality teaching with an emphasis on kindness, empathy, and personal growth. Experiences like this help families feel confident in choosing a school that will nurture their children to thrive academically and socially."