School Life

Sports play a central role at St John’s. From Pre-Prep onwards, boys benefit from specialist-taught P.E. lessons and have plenty of space to run, climb and play throughout the school day.

From Year 3, a dedicated weekly games afternoon introduces boys to the core skills of rugby, football, hockey, cricket, tennis and athletics. Sport is also a popular feature of the co-curricular programme, with after-school training and fitness sessions, alongside opportunities to try something different such as golf or mountain biking. Whatever the activity, sport at St John’s encourages teamwork, builds confidence and supports every boy’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Music is a vibrant part of life at St John’s, with all boys receiving specialist lessons and opportunities to learn an instrument. Many participate in performances, from internal concerts to high-profile events like the Lord Mayor’s Show and Young Voices at Wembley.

Our musicians excel in graded exams and local festivals, with exceptional talent often rewarded through music scholarships to some of the UK’s leading senior schools. A rich extra-curricular programme featuring ensembles, rehearsals, and joint concerts with other schools supports every boy’s musical journey and passion.

Dramatic performance is an integral part of life at St John’s, helping to build confidence and creativity in boys from an early age. From Nursery, boys begin to experience the joy of performing, encouraged to take the stage and express themselves through performance.

Opportunities to take part in plays, assemblies and harvest performances as well as larger-scale productions increase as boys progress through the school with many taking part in Arts Evening, Drama club, plays and musical theatre.

These events offer opportunities for boys to take on challenging roles, while also getting involved in lighting, backstage work, props, costumes, and the pit band for musical performances. Productions consistently achieve high standards, providing a platform for developing performing arts skills.

Art is a core part of creative life at St John’s, where boys are encouraged to explore their imagination and express themselves through a wide range of media. From painting and sculpture to digital design and printmaking, pupils develop both technical skill and artistic confidence in our dedicated art studio with specialist teaching.

Work is regularly displayed throughout the school and in exhibitions, celebrating the creativity of every age group. Boys also participate in competitions and collaborative projects giving them valuable opportunities to share and grow their artistic talents.

Art scholarships at leading senior schools are awarded to those who show outstanding potential and passion.

Design, Technology and Engineering at St John’s sparks creativity and problem-solving, empowering boys to bring ideas to life through practical projects. From designing and building models to working with various materials, pupils develop both technical skills and innovative thinking.

With specialist teaching and state-of-the-art equipment, including laser cutters and 3D printers, boys gain hands-on experience in design and technology. As they progress, they tackle more complex projects, learning to use advanced tools and technologies; many pupils go on to receive scholarships at their chosen senior school, demonstrating the high level of expertise. Our DT curriculum inspires a love of making, sustainable design, and equips boys with valuable skills for the future.

Information Technology is an essential part of the curriculum at St John’s, where boys develop a strong understanding of digital tools and the skills necessary for the modern world. From coding and programming to digital design and online safety, pupils are introduced, age appropriately, to a wide range of IT concepts.

With access to the latest technology and expert teaching, boys are encouraged to apply their knowledge creatively, whether working on individual projects or collaborating with peers.

The IT curriculum equips students with the technological literacy they need to succeed both academically and in future careers.

The House System has been at the heart of St John’s since the school began. From Year 3, boys join one of four houses, Churchill, Lawrence, Lincoln or Oates, and quickly form a strong sense of identity and pride in their house colours. Friendly competition is a key feature, with boys earning points for good work and behaviour, and taking part in a wide range of house events throughout the year.

From art and music competitions to the Christmas Quiz and cross-country race, there is something for everyone. The year culminates in the excitement of Sports Day, where every point counts towards winning the coveted Burton Page Cup. The House System encourages teamwork, leadership and a strong sense of community across all year groups.

At St John’s, boys learn about democracy and citizenship from an early age. From Year 1 each class elects a representative to the School Council, an inclusive forum to give pupils a voice in school life.

Chaired by the Deputy Head (Pastoral), the Council follows formal meeting procedures and gives boys a real voice in school life. It has led to meaningful changes, including new water fountains, house ties, and improved car park safety.

All boys have the opportunity to be part of the Eco Council, which plays a key role in promoting sustainability across the school. The Council has been instrumental in St John’s achieving the prestigious Green Flag award and continues to lead eco-friendly initiatives such as recycling drives, Walk to School week and Switch-Off Fortnight.

Through their involvement, boys learn the importance of environmental responsibility and take pride in making a positive impact on their school community.