Overall Conclusions

St John’s School is successful in achieving its principal aims. In particular, it provides outstanding pastoral care for its pupils through the creation of a happy and secure environment. Similarly, pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is excellent. All other aspects of what the school does it does well, so there is uniform quality of provision. All pupils, including those with learning difficulties, achieve well in public examinations because of the good teaching. They experience a broad curriculum, both in and out of the classroom, which enables them to develop their spiritual, intellectual, social and physical qualities well. Boarders are very well cared for and have, in the main, good and improving accommodation. Excellent contacts have been established with the local community; links with parents are well-established and they are pleased with what the school offers, particularly the warm and friendly atmosphere that prevails. All this has been achieved by good quality governance and management, and the dedication of the staff.

Progress since the last inspection has been good. In particular, there is now a clear structure for the management of the school, roles are clear, and communication is effective. The curriculum has been reviewed, with the result that pupils’ personal, social and health education, particularly in Years 9 to 11, has been more firmly embedded in the curriculum and appropriate training for teachers provided. The library is still underused but there are plans to relocate it to a new and better position. Further progress is being considered through an ambitious development plan which will provide improved facilities for sport, teaching and boarding.

The school meets all the regulatory requirements.

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