Aims, Ethos & Values

The school motto, vitam impendere vero – be true to yourself – stands behind the ethos and values of St John’s.

Aims of St John’s

To enable each boy to extend and develop his talents and interests so that he can grow in confidence and fulfil his potential.

Both inside and outside the classroom every pupil is presented with a range of opportunities which, when fully grasped, will enable him to flourish. Academically, he will be provided with regular and positive advice about how to improve his performance. Extra-curricular and enrichment activities also provide many opportunities for him to shine individually and within a group.

To provide a stimulating environment so that each boy can develop a positive and self-disciplined approach to learning and life.

Teaching and learning is geared to develop pupils’ enthusiasm and encourage the acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding. In all areas of the curriculum every pupil is provided with the opportunity to become an independent and self-motivated learner.

To prepare every boy for each stage in his educational career, and to become a ‘life-long learner.’

As the boys progress from 3 to 11 at St John’s they should feel sufficiently self confident to seize the opportunities and to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

To ensure that every boy feels safe, secure, valued and respected. Equally, every boy is expected to respect, value and appreciate the feelings and beliefs of others.

The welfare of each boy is paramount. Boys are encouraged to develop their self-identity and reflect on their own wellbeing. The School aims to provide a moral and spiritual framework in which boys will clearly understand that they are an integral part of both the School community and the society in which they live. Boys are taught to respect the cultural identity, feelings and beliefs of everyone in the community. The School teaches and demonstrates the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion of all.

To create a friendly and caring atmosphere within an environment in which high standards of behaviour are expected from every boy.

From his first day at St John’s a boy is made aware of the necessity of good behaviour. This objective is a constant theme. All members of the St John’s community are expected to behave in a way which reflects the values of a civilised community in which self-discipline, tolerance, fairness and honesty are essential.

To create and foster a partnership with boys’ families in which parents and carers are valued members of the School community.

The School provides good communication with parents and welcomes discussion of all aspects of their sons’ progress and welfare. Such communication recognises that parental support is crucial to their sons’ successful development.

A Strong Start, a Strong Ethos

At St John’s we nurture every pupil’s academic, social, and emotional growth from the very beginning.

Nurturing pastoral care

From the very first day, boys are welcomed into a home-from-home environment where friendships are formed, and support is always close at hand. Pastoral care given a high priority ensuring boys’ social development matures within a warm and friendly environment.

We take time to understand each pupil’s individual talents, needs and interests, ensuring every pupil feels known, valued, and supported throughout his time with us.

Inspiring academic excellence and a Love for Learning

A stimulating and aspirational learning environment encourages every boy to develop and positive and self disciplined approach to their learning, develop curiosity and build strong study habits. Teaching is designed to spark enthusiasm, encourage the acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding. Achievements are celebrated to raise attainment, aspirations and to build confidence.

A wide range of co-curricular and enrichment opportunities

Beyond the classroom, boys at St John’s benefit from a rich variety of extra curricular clubs, sports, music, drama and leadership opportunities. These opportunities enable pupils to shine individually and as valued team members helping them develop a sense of achievement, camaraderie and responsibility and flourish into confident, well-rounded individuals.

A Safe, Respectful and Values Driven School Community

St John’s provides a strong moral and spiritual framework, helping boys grow into kind, principled young people. Our pupils are taught to respect the feelings, beliefs, and property of others and to take an active role in both the school and wider community.

Respect, honesty, fairness, and self-control are central to everything we do and a Language of Learning sits at the heart of teaching and learning across our school.

The Language of Learning is designed to help our boys grow into well-rounded, happy, compassionate, and successful young men. Each of our core values is explored in depth, encouraging pupils to recognise, reflect upon, and apply these qualities both inside and outside the classroom. We believe that by embedding our values in daily school life, we not only support academic excellence but also nurture character, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Core Values