St John’s School Reviews, Rankings, Fees And More

A renowned institution dedicated to providing exceptional education and fostering personal development. Situated in a picturesque setting, St John’s School offers a vibrant and enriching environment where students can explore their passions, excel academically, and develop essential life skills. Its collaborative and inclusive environment ensures that every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or in artistic pursuits, students are encouraged to embrace challenges and celebrate achievements.

St John's School

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Key Features of St John's School

  • Boarding: Yes
  • Local authority: Surrey
  • Pupils: 850; sixth formers: 254
  • Religion: Christian
  • Fees: Day £24,075 – £27,360; Senior Weekly Boarding £34,723 pa
  • Ranking: 92

St John's School Results

2023: 75% 9-7 at GCSE; 49% A*/A at A level.

St John’s School (Leatherhead) may not be as locally renowned as the top Guildford schools due to strong competition, but it’s gaining attention from parents looking for quality education. Recent emphasis on academics is showing positive results, even though the school ranks below some prestigious institutions. The school’s balanced approach to teaching and pastoral care contributes to its academic success. The shift towards valuing hard work is noticeable, with new academic societies and scholarship resources available.

The school notes that girls’ achievements help to pull the boys’ performance along. While certain A-level subjects have gender imbalances, the school attributes this to enrolment ratios rather than bias. Moreover, the staff are commended for being excellent role models in both academics and life skills. 

The curriculum includes a mix of traditional subjects and languages like French, Spanish, German, Latin, and Classical Greek. English, maths, and humanities excel at GCSE. A wide range of A-level subjects, including psychology, economics, and business, with solid results overall. Though some C and D grades are present, the EPO programme and a core curriculum enhance students’ practical knowledge.

Boarding Facilities in St John's School

St John’s School provides a variety of accommodation options to cater to its students’ needs. The school understands the importance of providing a comfortable and supportive living environment for both day and boarding students. 

  • Boarding Facilities: For students who choose to board, the school offers well-appointed boarding houses equipped with modern amenities. These houses are designed to create a home away from home, fostering a sense of community and belonging among boarders.
  • Day Student Facilities: Day students also have access to facilities such as common areas, libraries, and study spaces, ensuring that their time at the school is both productive and enjoyable.
  • Pastoral Care: Regardless of whether students are boarding or day students, the school places a strong emphasis on pastoral care. Trained staff members provide guidance, support, and a nurturing environment to help students navigate their academic and personal journeys.
  • Comfort and Amenities: Accommodation facilities are designed to be comfortable and conducive to learning and relaxation. Modern amenities are available to enhance students’ living experience.

Extra Curricular Activities in St John's

St John’s School places a strong emphasis on a well-rounded education, valuing academic, sports, drama, and music pursuits equally. The school’s commitment to the arts is evident, with impressive music recitals and opportunities for students to excel in playing instruments. About a third of students learn instruments, and some even participate in national orchestras. Drama thrives with numerous school productions and achievements in the Leatherhead drama festival, along with several pupils belonging to the National Youth Theatre.

Art and Design Technology (DT) facilities are modern and show a good standard of work. Community service, the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme, and challenging activities are integral to student development. Students find evening activities, lectures, rehearsals, and concerts demanding but believe it contributes to their well-roundedness.

In the realm of sports, St John’s stands out, with a ‘high-flying’ sporting culture emphasised by the head. The school boasts comprehensive sports facilities, including a new sports centre with a swimming pool, conditioning suite, and multipurpose studio. Teams at various levels ensure all students have opportunities to represent the school. Coaching is praised for its quality and inclusivity, with even beginner-level players benefiting.

Admissions Process: Entering St John's School Leatherhead

At 11+, there are 80 places available, with applicants required to take maths, English, reasoning, and an informal interview. There are no significant feeders at this moment, but there are lots of state primaries. At 13+ (year 9 admission), a further 45 seats become available, and offers are made based on a report from the present school’s head, as well as a pre-assessment in January of year 6, following which unconditional offers are issued, with CE no longer required.

Sixth-form admission is now competitive, with only roughly 30 spots available. Applicants complete an online assessment, two interviews (one focusing on academics, the other on non-academic themes and personal and extracurricular interests), and a report from their current school; spaces are confirmed based on GCSE results. ‘Co-curricular strengths are considered’. At 16, several girls from adjacent Manor House attend, as do a few boys and girls looking for a change from local state schools or other independents.

SEN Support

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
  • SEN Unit or Class

St John's Testimonials and Reviews

Jo Milton
5/5

Fabulous morning of netball – great facilities and looking forward to our eldest joining next year.

James Cole
5/5

Great memories of a wonderful school and had the funniest times in West House. The school in the early 90s was amazing. Very lucky and made friends for life.

Rob Odell
5/5

Best days of my life! Schooling for everybody and the ability to get the best out of you regardless of talent. Great friends that have stuck around too.

Olga Proto
5/5

First class education and great pastoral care

Frequently Asked Questions

The school offers day, weekly and flexible boarding for approximately 800 pupils.

St John’s School was founded in 1851 by the Reverend Ashby Haslewood, vicar of St Mark’s, Hamilton Terrace, north London. He had a dual purpose in founding the School: to offer free education for the sons of poor clergymen and to provide a choir for his large church.

Alex Tate MA(Oxon)

As The Head of St John’s, Alex has responsibility for the overall vision, ethos and strategic leadership of the School.

St John’s was founded in 1851 and moved to Leatherhead, Surrey, in 1872. The location has proved popular ever since, being conveniently close to the town centre and with excellent communications by road and rail.

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