History of St John's School

St John's School was founded in 1851. Its founder was a clergyman, Ashby Haslewood, who was vicar of St Mark's, Hamilton Terrace in St John's Wood, north London. He had a dual purpose in founding the School - to offer free education for the sons of poor clergymen and to provide a choir for his large church. The School was a success but the dual purpose imposed restrictions. So in 1854 the School moved outside the parish boundaries of St Mark's into neighbouring Kilburn. This was the first of three moves before the School moved to Leatherhead in 1872. Despite much progress, it remained essentially a charity school until the significant headmastership of Arthur Rutty (HM 1883 - 1909) when the School developed all the characteristics of a public school.

St Mark's Hamilton Terrace

The School began to attract fee-paying parents while remaining loyal to the sons of poor clergymen. The School expanded throughout the twentieth century despite the problems faced by all independent schools due to the Depression. After the Second World War, St John's was fortunate to attract the interest of Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, himself the son of a clergyman, who was chairman of the governing body from 1951 to 1966. Monty's contribution to the development of the School was enormous - he promoted it, raised money for it and gave generously of his own time and wealth.

Since the 1970s St John's, while maintaining a substantial boarding community, has taken in an increasing number of day pupils and in 1989 the first Sixth Form girls entered the School.

Distinguished old boys of the School include the eminent contemporary architect Lord Rogers and the legendary dance band leader, Victor Sylvester. St John's is currently a community of 470 pupils, two thirds of whom are day pupils and 60 are Sixth Form girls. It continues to remain loyal to the principles of its foundation and offers subsidised education to the sons and daughters of clergymen.


School Book

If you would like a copy of Those Things Which Are Above: The History of St John's School, Leatherhead by the former Head of History, Richard Hughes, please contact the School's Marketing & Commercial Manager, Clare Buckingham, on 01372 385448 or via e-mail.