Basic Information & Location
St John’s College is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for students aged 2 to 18. Located in the heart of Southsea, Portsmouth, it takes within 90 minutes to travel to central London. The school also has playing fields in Farlington, the edge of the city.
The college was founded in 1908 by a Lasallian community of brothers from France. It moved to its present site in 1913. Thus it was established according to the principles of John Baptist De La Salle. Though it is no longer part of the De la Salle trust, the college remain true to its value. It aims to foster and celebrate the gifts and talents of every individual, so as to establish an inclusive, collaborative community.
Academic Development
At St John’s College, every student is encouraged to set high standards to challenge themselves, so as to realize and fulfill their potential. Its approach encompasses the academic, social, spiritual, moral growth and development of every child.
For students of senior schools, they will follow a two-year programme of study leading to GCSE or IGCSE examinations in Year 10 and 11. Except from the nine core subjects, students can choose four more optional subjects out of 13 choices.
Alongside its GCSE courses, overseas students can choose to study IGCSE Maths, English (Language and Literature), Science and History. Thus they can complete courses that are recognized worldwide rather than specific UK exam boards.
For Sixth Form students, class size is small to ensure students being able to develop more informal relationships with teachers and tutors. Twenty different A Level subjects are offered to allow students being specialize in their areas of strength and interests.
Over the last few years, 100% of students have been offered university places, including the prestigious Russell Group Universities. While some students would follow the College’s strong links into the Royal vy and Royal Marines, or have taken higher apprenticeships.
Students will usually study three A Levels, with public examinations at the end of the second year and regular internal assessment to inform progress.
Students’ excellent result reflects the success of above principles. At GCSE, students achieved an overall pass rate of 82% including English and Maths. In addition, Triple Award Science students achieved 100% A*-B grades and there was a 100% pass rate and above in French, Art and Drama. As for A Level students, 77% achieved A* to C grades and 90% secured their first choice university. What’s more, the A* – A results improved to 22%, compared with 14% in 2017.
Pastoral Care & Boarding
In order to provide well pastoral care to students, all staff of the school have a brief to get to know our students as well as possible and to be available to them at any time. Its pastoral team are specifically trained in many teenage concerns, from mental health issues to cyberbullying, self-identity to how to balance schooling, sport and social life.
For boarding, it has 3 houses for boys and 2 for girls. Each House is completely unique with different types of accommodations. Local shops, beach, cinema and Gunwharf Quays all within easy walking distance.
Boarders have sports hall, astro turf and a gym to play with various kinds of sports; they also enjoy an indoor social area to meet friends, play pool, darts, table football and air hockey, watch Sky and BT Sport, as well as enjoy the well-stocked tuck shop and milkshake bar, which is open most nights of the week. Furthermore, for every weekend, students can enjoy at least one trip or activity.
Extracurricular & personal development
St. John’s College values co-curricular programme as much as academic side. At the heart of its co-curricular provision is a strong House system. It is believed that a healthy competition within a supportive environment can help develop determination, team spirit, and more valuable attitudes. Every pupil is encouraged to take part in at least one area such as drama, dance, tag rugby, chess or netball.
Students are also provided rich opportunities to experience and explore life by different visits, like to local businesses, shows in London, trips to Spain and France with the MFL Department, World Challenge trips to India and Eswatini, and even a trip to experience the management aspects of Thorpe Park.