St John’s School Reviews, Rankings, Fees And More
A renowned institution dedicated to providing exceptional education and fostering personal development. 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.
Table of Contents
Key Features of St John's School
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Surrey
- Pupils: 870; sixth formers: 254
- Religion: Church of England
- Tuition Fees: £11,090 Autumn Term 2025 to Summer Term 2026 (inclusive of VAT)
- Boarding Fees: £26,650 – £45,955 per term (inclusive of VAT)
St John's School Results
Latest Results
- GCSE (2025): 80% 9-7
- A levels (2025): 82% A*/B
Past Results
- 2024: 79.4% 9-7 at GCSE; 60.8% A*/A at A level.
- 2023: 75% 9-7 at GCSE; 49% A*/A at A level.
Teaching and Learning at St John’s
St John’s School (Leatherhead) operates in a competitive academic landscape, particularly when compared with some of the more established schools around Guildford. However, it has been gaining increasing attention from parents seeking a school that combines academic focus with strong pastoral care. In recent years, the school has placed greater emphasis on academic achievement, and this shift is beginning to show in both outcomes and student progression.
Teaching at St John’s is underpinned by a balanced approach that values hard work, consistency, and support. New academic initiatives, including subject societies and scholarship-focused resources, reflect a clearer culture of aspiration. Staff are widely regarded as strong role models, not only academically but also in helping students develop independence, resilience, and wider life skills.
Academically, the school reports that 95% of A-level leavers secured places at their chosen universities, highlighting effective guidance and preparation for life beyond school. The curriculum is broad, offering a solid foundation in core subjects alongside a strong languages provision, including French, Spanish, German, Latin, and Classical Greek. English, mathematics, and humanities perform particularly well at GCSE level. At A level, students can choose from a wide range of subjects such as psychology, economics, and business, with generally consistent results. While outcomes vary across subjects, the school’s EPO programme and core curriculum play an important role in strengthening practical skills, academic confidence, and university readiness.
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+ entry (Year 7), around 80 places are available. Applicants are assessed in English, mathematics, and reasoning, followed by an informal interview designed to understand each child beyond test performance. The school does not rely on a small number of feeder schools and instead attracts pupils from a wide range of local state primaries, contributing to a diverse intake.
At 13+ entry (Year 9), a further 45 places typically become available. Offers are informed by a report from the applicant’s current headteacher alongside a pre-assessment process, usually held in January of Year 6. Successful candidates receive unconditional offers, with Common Entrance no longer required, reflecting a more flexible and modern admissions approach.
Sixth form entry (16+) has become increasingly competitive, with approximately 30 places available each year. Applicants complete an online assessment, attend two interviews: one academically focused and one exploring wider interests and character, and submit a school report. Final offers are confirmed following GCSE results, with co-curricular strengths taken into account. The sixth form intake includes pupils progressing from the nearby Manor House School, as well as students transferring from local state schools and other independent schools, creating a varied and dynamic cohort.
SEN Support
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
- SEN Unit or Class
St John's Testimonials and Reviews
Fabulous morning of netball – great facilities and looking forward to our eldest joining next year.
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.
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.
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.
Apply To A UK Boarding School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!
Apply To Your Favourite Boarding School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!