Faith in Action

At St. James' Catholic School, charity is much more than fundraising—it is a way of living out our faith. Guided by the Dominican Pillars of Prayer, Study, Community, and Service, we encourage every member of our school family to recognise the dignity of every person and respond with compassion and generosity. Through prayer, we remember those in need; through study, we deepen our understanding of the causes of poverty and injustice; through community, we work together to support one another; and through service, we put our faith into action by supporting local, national, and international charities.
Each year group at St. James' proudly supports a chosen charity throughout the academic year, planning and participating in a range of fundraising activities and awareness campaigns. This gives every pupil the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to causes that reflect our Catholic values while developing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others. Inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the principles of human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor, our pupils are empowered to become active citizens who make a positive difference in the world.

At St. James', we are committed to developing young people who lead with faith, serve with compassion, and strive to build a more just and caring society, reflecting Christ's love in all that they do.

Local Fundraising

St Rose’s Poustina in cricklewood 

NNLS Destitute Asylum Seekers Drop in

Great Ormond Street Hospital by Serena 

National Fundraising

Catholic Children’ Society 

Caritas

Childern With Cancer UK

Sixth Form Fundraising for Breast Cancer Now

Staff Fundraising for Movember

International Charity

Aid to the Church In Need

Mary’s Meals

Charity St Martin’s Missions - Hurricane Melissa Emergency Relief

The Scrub-Up-Hub grew out of our Jubilee Year of Hope, when students identified hygiene poverty as an issue they wanted to address within their own community. They organised a whole-school giving drive, asking different year groups to donate everyday hygiene essentials including shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, washing products and sanitary items. With generous additional support from our Dominican Associates, students created the Scrub-Up-Hub: a cupboard of toiletries and household hygiene products available to any student who needs something for themselves or their family. Dignity has been central to the initiative from the beginning, so the Hub is particularly accessible at the end of the school day, allowing students to take what they need quietly and discreetly. It is a wonderful example of our young people recognising a need and putting hope, compassion and service into action.

In partnership with our local parishes and generous members of staff, we keep a selection of emergency food items available for students and families to access whenever they are needed. We are particularly grateful to the Parish of St Margaret Clitherow, who regularly provide breakfast bars and other quick, nutritious items for students who may have missed breakfast because of a difficult morning or challenging family or financial circumstances. We are also very grateful to the Parish of the Annunciation, whose generous donations provide a wider range of food items for our emergency supplies. This quiet, practical support enables us to respond with care and dignity when members of our community need a little extra help.

Each summer, we hold a second-hand uniform sale, providing families with the opportunity to purchase good-quality uniform at a greatly reduced cost. This can be particularly helpful for families joining St James’, when purchasing a complete new school uniform all at once can be a significant expense. We also keep a supply of second-hand uniform in school throughout the year so that we can offer practical and discreet support to families experiencing challenging circumstances. 

Our Sixth Form students have also coordinated a second-hand business-wear swap, inviting staff and Year 13 students to donate good-quality clothing to support students entering the Sixth Form with the smart business wear they need.

By passing on uniform that still has plenty of life left in it, we are also reducing waste and putting our commitment to care for our community and our common home into practice.