From the Headmaster

It is always a great challenge to sum up a school effectively in a few words; schools are complex entities. However, when I am asked to do so, I like to describe St John’s as a school for all ages which seeks to realise each child’s full personal potential – academic and otherwise – within theHeadmaster security of a caring community that really lives the Christian values of its founders. We aim also to ensure that our pupils achieve a true breadth of vision and depth of understanding which prepares them effectively for life beyond the College – within the wider community, in higher education and in the world of work. As a relatively small school, we are able to ensure that every child and young person is directly involved, appropriately challenged, and closely supported.

 

We are an all-age school, taking pupils from age 2 to 18. All sections of the school share the same campus, which adds to the diversity and richness of our community to the benefit of all. We believe, also, that children profit from continuity in their education. Of course, circumstances very often require that pupils join us at different stages in their school careers; however, we consider it a strength of our school to be able to offer a complete package so minimizing the need for pupils to adjust to new environments and ways of working.

 

Academically, we are an all-ability school - and proudly so. Our aim is excellence for all our children, no matter what their particular strengths and starting points. Any pupil who is able and willing to benefit from the curriculum on offer is welcome to join us; and we will do everything we can to help them realise their full potential. At a time when many schools seem to be moving towards narrow specialisation or exclusive selectivity, we stand by our ideal of a full and rounded education for all. We believe that our very good academic results across the board testify to the validity and integrity of that vision.

 

Of course, we do not believe that educational provision should be limited to the academic curriculum. We also focus on identifying and nurturing other interests and talents, for instance in sports, the performing arts, technology and so on. The very wide range of activities on offer at St John’s really does enable and encourage children to experiment, to challenge themselves – sometimes to surprise themselves.

 

Our pastoral care is second to none. Every child – day or boarding - is a highly valued individual member of a truly supportive community. Through our personal tutorial system, we get to know our pupils very well, and so are able to direct and assist them effectively in all aspects of  their learning and personal development. Relationships throughout the school are mutually respectful and sustaining. No one need ever feel alone at St John’s.

 

Though we are a closely knit community, we are also an outward-looking school, always aware of the need to equip our pupils to meet the challenges – present and future - of life beyond school. And we are likewise always sensitive to our place within and duty towards the wider community. St John’s has a long tradition of service to its neighbours – local and further afield. We work hard to instil such a sense of duty in all our young people. We wish them to leave us prepared to be true citizens of the world.

 

This website will show you much more of the school and its life, and I trust you will enjoy exploring it. However, there is no substitute for seeing for yourself, and so I invite you to visit the school, either during one of our open events or for an individual tour. I look forward very much to welcoming you to St John’s.

 

Nigel Thorne

Headmaster