Any parents of St James Junior School in London?

[sanam2010]

Hello, I visited St James Junior School in London recently and really liked it, love their curriculum and ethos and the facilities. I have read the old threads and am aware of the controversies from the past so would really love to hear from current parents what they think. Please post here or pm me. Thanks!

[Elibean]

Not a current parent, but my neighbour is - and her daughter is very happy there. Neighbour is lovely, feet on the ground nice normal person

Her ds is at St J senior, too, and very happy.

[Ladybud2013]

Hi I know a couple of children that go there and they seem very happy. They seem to really enjoy it. To be honest I know that it had really negative reviews previously but it may have improved. Have a look on the Department of Educations website so that you can review the Educational attainment rankings

[areyoutheregoditsmemargaret]

I used to think avoid like the plague because of cult associations, but everything I've heard and seen indicates it's a lovely school and one I'd consider seriously for my dc.

[sanam2010]

This "cult association" part really interests me, because I have no problem with Eastern philosophy, vegetarianism etc, it's very similar to what other Hindu schools in the UK do, so what would make it a cult? Would they make parents attend super expensive philosophy seminars or how could the organisation behind it be classified as a cult? For me, cult means somehow that you get coerced into paying lots of money (beyond school fees, LOL), so how would they do this? Because in terms of what they teach the kids, I am not worried, I have those Sanskrit texts they study at home anyway, I do meditate and I think it would be very useful for my children to do the same etc., so for me I wonder if there is anything else to be worried about. But doesn't sound like it from the posts so far!

[Abitannoyedatthis]

Sanam historically it was an extremely physically and mentally abusive school:cult in which parents did nothing to protect their children. It has been written about fairly extensively. Happily those days are now over.

[areyoutheregoditsmemargaret]

There's plenty online about the cult - it was a very long time ago and seems to have nothing to do with the current school. If it appeals, I would go for it.

[sanam2010]

Hi yes as I said i read all that stuff but it's about the 70s/80s that's why I am looking to hear from current parents.