St John's Under 16s

St John's rugby reputation was enhanced when two Old Johnians played alongside each other for Saracens against Northampton in the LV Cup the day after last year’s Under 16 St John’s Rugby team picked up a prestigious Mole Valley Sports Award.

George Kruis

Former St John’s School pupil George Kruis made his debut for Saracens’ senior team at Northampton playing alongside fellow Old Johnian Richard Haughton, who has made over 150 appearances for Saracens - unfortunately they lost 19:3. George was also  named in the Saracens squad to face World and Tri-Nations Champions, South Africa, at Wembley

The Under 16s record of losing only one game in two seasons was recognised at the Mole Valley Sports Awards where they were announced as Youth Team of the Year.

Rosie wins The Great Debate

Rosie with judges

Rosie Russell, an Upper Sixth pupil, won the London heat of The Great Debate organised by the Historical Association with her speech that addressed the question “Why does your local hero matter?” Rosie now progresses to the finals of this competition which are held at Clare College, Cambridge and the hero she chose was Marie Stopes, who lived in Leatherhead for a brief time.

Rosie said “Marie Stopes had a strong passion for what she believed in and was fighting for women’s rights at a time when women had no real say which just highlighted how brave and courageous she was”

The judges commented that the speech “fused interesting contextual detail with a strong argument for her hero” and were full of praise for all speakers saying the standard of the London heat was better than the overall final last year.

Pedal Power Help for Heroes

Four pupils successfully completed a London to Paris cycle ride raising £1,500 for the Help for Heroes charity. The boys presented the cheque to Bryn and Emma Parry, Co Founders of the charity, after Bryn had talked to the School about the work of Help for Heroes.

The boys pictured with Bryn and Emma Parry and the Headmaster, completed their cycle ride in 3½ days. They had been inspired by Rob Gauntlet the youngest British adventurer to climb Everest who spoke of his expeditions at the School and tragically died in a climbing accident at the age of 23.