School service encompasses a variety of activities that students undertake to give something back to the school and the local community. Participation is voluntary – it is a good source of experience and can be great fun!

Form groups work together in fundraising and other community activities. Popular fundraising events include Children in Need, Red Nose Day and Sport Relief – students regularly raise money for these and other charities through everything from non-uniform days and bucket collections to car washing, cake sales and carol singing. Some of our students work for charities such as Oxfam and Barnardo’s in their spare time. Every year King James’s students are well represented in the Great Knaresborough Bed Race, raising money for Knaresborough Lions and a range of other charities.

Many students are involved in helping staff with extra-curricular activities, such as art and sports clubs. Others spend time helping to run events for our partner primary schools and working on shared art, sport and technology projects with younger children.

In the Sixth Form, being a prefect or a house leader develops responsibility and caring skills. As part of school service, most students also help younger pupils in lessons, assist non-teaching staff or run school enterprises. 

Elections are held for the Sixth Form Council, which organises a range of social events including the Year 13 Prom. Representatives of the committee help in the appointment of new staff and meet with Governors to discuss large projects within the Sixth Form.