Criticisms
In the early 80s the London Evening Standard newspaper ran a critical series of articles focusing on the School’s discipline regime and its links to the School of Economic Science.
In January 2006 an independent inquiry, chaired by James Townend QC and funded by the schools, published its report into mistreatment of pupils between 1975 and 1985 at St James' and its then sister school St Vedast, which closed in 1985. The findings of the report concluded that 'mental and physical mistreatment' of some pupils had occurred, including 'criminal assaults' by teachers, during the ten-year period considered by the Inquiry. Mr Townend's report also found that throughout this period the schools’ management and governors were failing to the extent that they 'were not in any real sense in charge of the Schools'.
The Townend inquiry was instigated by the schools and the terms of reference were set by the then Governing body. They recognised the need for openness and transparency; many found it helpful, a few felt it limited.
In September 2007 three of the teachers named in the report worked at the schools, although this has changed. Following internal disciplinary hearings two of the three teachers were given a formal warning.
In Mr Townend's conclusion he stated there has been 'a real change of ethos and conduct of the schools' since the period of abuses he identified in his report.
The actress Clara Salaman has published a novel "based on her own experiences growing up at the secretive St James School of The School Of Economic Science".
Read more about this topic: St James Independent Schools
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