Care in our Boarding Community

St John's School is home to the Headmaster, his wife and family who have been living in the school for the past twentytwo years. They have always believed that the boarding community should be considered an extension of their own family and the headmaster's living accommodation is situated adjacent to the boarding accommodation.

Both the Headmaster and his wife lead the resident staff in the care of the boarding children. Meals are taken in family groups with a member of staff with each group. In addition to the Headmaster and his wife, there are seven resident members of staff committed to the care and welfare of the children, twenty four hours a day.

St John's boarding community is unique in that it is ensured that there is sufficient committed and dedicated staff to care efficiently for children from as young as 5 years old, these are usually brothers and sisters of our older boarding children. The confidence parents place in the proper care of their children at St John's School adds to the family atmosphere that exists through the school.

Resident staff ensure that there is a lively and full activities programme after school and at weekends. Thorough integration with day children has always been a feature of the school and often boarding children are invited out for the weekend by their day friends. The Headmaster and his wife encourage the boarding children to join local clubs and societies and present boarders are members of swimming, rugby and cricket clubs, and the school for dramatic arts 'Stagecoach' that uses the school facilities. There is also an excellent local ballet school, enjoyed by many of the children and the local riding school proves popular with a lot of our boarders.

The team, headed by Mr and Mrs Pockett, includes two senior house mistresses, one for the boys and one for the girls, who care for every aspect of the children's development which includes liaising with the teaching members of staff as well as parents. Children have warm, comfortable bedrooms with facilities for relaxing in the evenings with friends.

Doctors hold regular surgeries art school and keep a close check on all aspects of health and welfare of the children.

Parents who visit the school are immediately struck by the homeliness and feeling of care which is clearly evident. We are particularly skilled in ensuring the complete integration of children of different nationalities. St John's School has approximately thirty children from overseas and is careful to ensure they integrate fully with our English pupils. The staff is skilled at recognising homesickness, which inevitably arises and are expert in assisting children to overcome such feelings and help them to become lively and active members of the community.

The School can accommodate up to 70 boarders and visitors are left in no doubt that St John's is a caring and homely environment, in which children flourish and grow, developing in confidence and understanding.