Hello Antises,
it's great to hear from you.

It seem to me, that there is in fact great pressure for everyone
involved to be in ses.
Firstly the teachers- two seem to have been 'asked' to leave after
they have left Ses.
Secondly the pupils. Jack duPille mentioned ages ago, that when he
had decided not to join Ses a teacher commented to him that he
was "disapointed" with his choice. This seem to be some kind of
pressure to me, although yes, very subtle. The teacher also seems to
think it's his/her job to gather recruits!?
Pupils are also invited on trial groups weekends before they get to
foundation group level. At the end of these there is a meeting where
people have to decide whether they will join or not, and it's here
that some pupils have experiences very subtle pressures to join.
Sixth form pupils are then invited, at foundation group level, to
attend a meeting with Mr. Lambi and his wife. Here they recieve a
talk, and can ask questions. Anyone who after the talk still
seems 'on the brink' can be offered the chance for private talks with
Mr. Lambi, in order to ask questions.
This all seems to me to be pressure on pupils, although yes, it's
very subtle, and hopefully if students are strong
enough is easily ignored in precedent to their own feelings.

Sorry we always seem to be putting St. James down, but it seems to be
what really need to discuss, as Gadflys dreams says. But I do not
believe that what we say is unfounded, and therefore hope it can be
useful somehow. Bringing things into the open can only cast more
light on them.

I know St. James does have some special things to offer, such as
emphasis on giving students a strong good moral code (mentioned by
the inspector in the report), but I'm not sure, Antises, quite what
you were refering to when you said:
"...are outweighed by other offerings of St James in
comparison to the majority of independent schools."
Generally, as St, James is a small school it just cannot offer the
range of subjects and exstensive facilities available at larger older
schools.

I would agree with gadflys dreams in terms of corporal punishment. I
think that with the history St. James has with reference to corporal
punishment it is a good thing that teachers have been forced to find
other ways to keep discipline. From what I've heard it should earn
them more respect.