08/10/2025Year Groups
Each of our year groups is led by an enthusiastic and dedicated Head of Year. They, along with their team of form tutors, work to support and enhance every aspect of our students' education here at St. James'.
This is achieved through working collectively to monitor the attitudes and behaviour of our students. Concerns are addressed as they are identified whilst ensuring that achievements are fully recognised and rewarded, not only within the year group but also the wider school community.
The work of the year teams is further enhanced by our Assistant Heads of Year, Mentors and Mental Health First Aiders.
Year 7
I am thrilled to serve as the Head of Year 7, entrusted with guiding our students through this important stage of their education. In this role, I am dedicated to providing support, encouragement, and guidance to help our Year 7 students thrive academically and personally.
I am eager to work closely with each student to help them realise their full potential. I expect them to uphold high standards of behaviour and maintain a strong enthusiasm for learning as they face new and exciting challenges ahead.
As part of a larger support network, I collaborate with a team of form tutors who serve as the primary point of contact for Year 7 students. Together, we aim to create a positive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and understands our collective responsibility in nurturing their academic, emotional, and social growth to prepare them for successful futures as young adults.
Our school's Catholic ethos and core values are central to our mission, and I encourage Year 7 students to embody these values through their actions. I am excited to celebrate the accomplishments of Year 7 students both inside and outside the classroom, and I hope that your child will take full advantage of the diverse opportunities available at St. James' School.
Our Assistant Head of Year, Ms McKenzie will also be instrumental in ensuring that all students settle in smoothly and thrive at St. James' School.
Mr Knibb
Head of Year 7
Year 8
Welcome to Year 8, It is a privilege to be the Head of Year for this talented year group.
This year group made a very encouraging start to their secondary education last year, developing their academic skills and getting to grips with the clear expectations the school has with regards to behaviour and conduct.
I am very much looking forward to working with each pupil individually and building a strong partnership with parents. I have no doubt that this will be another successful year.
Year 8 is an exciting and important moment in our pupils' lives. No longer the newest members of the school, this year is the point when pupils begin to really focus on their academic studies, consider what their strengths and interests are, and utilise this information to plan further ahead. Pupils will be encouraged to seek support and be held accountable for their own learning, with the guidance of the team of Year 8 form tutors, Mr Dyer and myself.
We expect Year 8 to continue with the focused and outstanding behaviour that they demonstrated in their first year. We aim for pupils to have excellent attainment through our teaching, intervention & mentoring programmes and to help them further develop their gifts and talents through our extra-curricular activities.
Pupils will be encouraged to do their very best to achieve and make the most of their time in the school. We will be walking step-by-step with each pupil to ensure they are on track and plan to engage with parents regularly to ensure this happens.
I am supported by our form tutors who are on hand to discuss any queries you may have, but if you would like to contact me directly, please click my name below.
Mr Linale
Head of Year 8
Year 9
Welcome to Year 9,
I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Head of Year 9. I feel incredibly privileged to be leading such a talented and ambitious group of pupils, supported by Mr Faucher as our Assistant Head of Year. Together, we are committed to building on the strong foundations already in place and creating a community of success.
In Year 9, we want every pupil to feel part of something bigger — a culture where kindness, resilience, aspiration, and excellence guide everything we do. Success doesn’t look the same for everyone, but what matters is the effort, the positive choices, and the determination to keep improving.
We will continue to promote excellent behaviour, positive friendships, and respectful communication as the foundations of our year group. By working closely with parents and carers, we will support every child to thrive academically, socially, and personally — not just this year, but well into the future.
During this year, pupils will be making their option choices for their GCSE courses, which they will undertake starting in Year 10. This is an important step in a pupil's journey to identify what subjects inspire them, motivate them, and ultimately help them to achieve their full potential, and this is not a decision taken lightly. Our team of form tutors and I will be on hand to support them along the way and ensure that they make the decisions which are most suitable for them. If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Ms Ottley
Head of Year 9
Year 10
Welcome to Year 10
I am thrilled to be continuing with this year group into Year 10, having now worked with them through Year 8 as Assistant Head of Year and Year 9 as Head of Year. The team continues to be supported by Mr Wills as the Senior Link for Year 10 and Miss Williams as Assistant Head of Year, as well as our amazing form tutors. All of the year team are on hand to discuss any queries you may have.
This is an exciting year as pupils begin their GCSE courses. We have started the countdown to GCSE exams, and will now be building on the successful foundational knowledge students have achieved during KS3.
While we may have a focus on attainment and academic achievement, we are also committed to developing students' pastoral wellbeing. Please encourage your children to come forward to a member of the team if they require any support with bullying, mental health, academic progress, navigating relationships, or anything else that they are struggling with. The earlier we can offer support, the more impactful it will be.
We have a wide range of extra-curricular clubs available, and we encourage students to attend these. Evidence shows that extra-curricular opportunities boost students' engagement and enjoyment of school, and this in turn will boost their attainment, so do not hesitate to get stuck in.
Our students surprise and inspire us every day, and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow this year.
To e-mail me, simply click on my name below
Mr Howlett-Reeves
Head of Year 10
Year 11
Dear Year 11
I am delighted to continue as your Head of Year during this important time of your academic career. I will be supported by our Senior Links, Miss Magee and Mr Haffner, as well as Ms Dahdal (Assistant Head of Year) and Mrs McGovern ( Mentor)
All we ask is that you take the challenges that this year will present head on, recall all the lessons and messages from last year and work with us as you work towards the end of this key stage.
If you are prepared to put the work in, then absolutely anything is possible but remember that success is not handed on a plate - it requires commitment and dedication, but know that we will be here to support you to achieve your full potential.
We look forward to a really positive year ahead with plenty of opportunities for praise, exceeding expectations and making the most of your time, as this year will go very quickly.
To contact me by e-mail please click on my name below.
Mr Vercuiel
Head of Year 11
