Founded in 1851, originally as a small boarding school for the sons of clergy, it moved to its present site in 1872. A very pleasant campus on the edge of Leatherhead, it comprises 50 acres of delightful grounds dominated by the handsome late-Victorian buildings. There have been many modern additions providing excellent facilities and accommodation, most recently a classroom building to include purpose-built workshops for design & technology, art studios and a library. Founded as a boys' school, girls have been admitted to the sixth form since 1989 and at age 13 from 2010. Although the school looks for pupils who can make an all-round contribution, the aim is for academic excellence and examination results are good. In keeping with its foundation, it has a lively chapel life that supports the strong pastoral framework of the house system; some attendance at worship is compulsory and fuller participation is encouraged. The music, drama and art departments are very active and many pupils are involved in theatrical presentations each year. The school has a long-standing reputation for achievement in games and sports, which take place on 6 days a week, along with additional activities. There is substantial commitment to local community schemes and an outstanding record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and CCF.
Pupils: Age range 13-18; 585 pupils, 507 day (390 boys, 117 girls), 78 boarding (52 boys, 26 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Common Entrance used; for sixth form entry, 6 GCSEs at least grade B (including in sixth-form subjects). School welcomes those who can make an all-round contribution.
Scholarships, including academic, all-rounder, sport, art, music (can be supplemented by a bursary if necessary). 2 pa bursaries, 100% of fees (Albany Awards). Foundationerships for children of Anglican clergy. Parents expected to buy textbooks (often available second-hand).
Headmaster: Martin Collier, in post from 2011. Educated Oxford University. Previously Second Master at Oundle. Also a writer and historian.Teaching staff: 54 full time; 6 part time plus 12 visiting music teachers. Average age 35.
GCSE: 87 pupils in Year 11, 97% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 106 in upper sixth, 13% passed in 4 subjects, 87% in 3 subjects; average final point score of 349.
99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 5% to Oxbridge. A few typically go on to art or drama courses or other non-degree courses.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 28 subjects offered; general studies not offered. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Individual support for pupils with special educational needs. Languages: French and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 400+ computers for pupil use (10 hours/day), networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Up to 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, wind band, jazz band, dance band, jazz funk band, string ensembles, rock ensembles, chapel and chamber choirs, choral society. Numerous concerts throughout the year. Drama: Many are involved in school productions and majority in other productions. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 18 A-level.
Sport: Major sports are rugby, football, cricket, netball, hockey, tennis, and athletics. Minor: swimming, golf, sailing, volleyball, shooting, windsurfing, squash, rounders, badminton, basketball, table tennis, fives. Activities: Pupils take silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF compulsory for 4 terms at age 14+. Community service optional. Up to 10 clubs, including, theatre (regular West End visits), Christian Union etc.
Uniform: School uniform worn; own suits in upper sixth. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head of school (appointed by Headmaster); head of houses and house prefects (by housemasters). Religion: Church of England. Attendance at chapel compulsory; full involvement encouraged. Social: Sixth form club; debates, music, discussion groups, occasional dances, charity rock concerts. Organised trips/exchanges to France, Spain and America; sports tour to eg West Indies, Australia, South Africa, Czech Republic, Fiji; field trips to Europe, North Africa. Pupils allowed to bring own bikes to school; upper sixth may bring car. Meals-cafeteria style. School shop. No alcohol allowed.
Good academic monitoring system and a strong, flexible discipline structure to support teaching and learning.
Senior pupils have own study bedroom, juniors in dormitories of 3-6. Houses of 55-65. Resident qualified nurse. Central dining hall. Daily visits to local town allowed (juniors with permission, seniors on trust).
the Old Johnian Society is run by the Development Office development@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk; tel 01372 385450
Lord (Richard) Rogers (architect); Anthony Hope (writer); David Hatch (actor and producer); Guy Michelmore (composer); Gavin Hewitt (BBC special correspondent); Peter Drury (football commentator); Father Vivian Redlich (one of the New Guinea martyrs); Victor Silvester (conductor); Sir Leonard Woolley (archaeologist); Richard Haughton (rugby union).
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