Life in Lower School is busy, exciting and varied. All pupils in Lower and Upper Third belong to the Lower School and some are day pupils, while others board. Integrity, empathy, resilience, excellence and collaboration are the values that are promoted at the heart of Lower School life to create a strong foundation. The Lower School communal space gives pupils the chance to establish their place in school life at their own pace during their first years at St John’s.
East is a boys’ boarding house which truly embodies the St John’s aim of creating an atmosphere where everyone achieves their full potential. There is great socialisation across year groups, the boys really have a strong sense of camaraderie, celebrate individualism and look out for one another.
Hawkins House is the latest addition to the St John’s family of houses. A girls’ day house, Hawkins opened its doors in September 2019 and its first cohort of girls are playing a pivotal role in shaping this exciting new community. Taking on Cambridge blue and white as their colours, Hawkins girls are defining the House identity with their Housemistress, Matron and tutors. This new house is named after Reverend Edwards C Hawkins, the headmaster of St John’s from 1861 to 1883 who moved the School to Leatherhead and formed the basis of the School that we recognise today.
Monty is a boys’ day house which values involvement, inclusion, integrity and independence. The boys are encouraged to challenge themselves so that they can flourish and fulfil their true potential. Community and collective effort means a lot and every boy is able to follow his own individual path.
Surrey is a boys’ day house which lives by its motto: “Belong, Believe, Achieve”. The boys are loyal to their house and to each other and they display creativity and tenacity whether they are facing victory or defeat. It is a house where laugher, companionship and shared endeavour enables everyone to belong, to contribute and to feel valued.
West is a boys’ boarding house which thrives on the breadth of talent its members bring to the House, delivering success in all areas of school life from academic achievement to sporting and musical accomplishment and encouraging a caring, reflecting approach. Honesty, resilience and courage are at the heart of their commitment to the House.