Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester, who is the School’s Patron, officially opened The Henry Dawes Centre, the School’s new £7 million classroom block on Wednesday 13 October.

During the visit The Duchess met pupils, parents and staff in the purpose built Design and Technology workshops, Art studios and the new library as well as English and Geography classes in The Henry Dawes Centre. She was also introduced to architects, contractors and school staff who had been particularly involved with this project.

Her Royal Highness last visited St John’s School in May 2008 when she laid the Foundation stone for the new classroom block. The building is named The Henry Dawes Centre after the man who donated £2,500 in 1867 to purchase the land for the school in Leatherhead.

Headmaster, Nicholas Haddock, said: “The pupils and staff at St John’s were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester to the School. As our Patron, Her Royal Highness has given us so much support over the years and we so value her interest and commitment. We are delighted with our new classroom block, it is a superb addition to the School and a sure sign of St John’s ambitious plans for the future”