St John's Beaumont Independent Boys' Preparatory School

‘The school’s Jesuit ethos produces kind, compassionate boys with empathy and a desire to be of service.’

THE TATLER SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021

journey with a difference Thank you for joining us on a unique journey that will nurture, challenge and prepare your son to become a man who will flourish in this rapidly evolving world.

At St John’s Beaumont, we are proud to be different; not merely because we are the only Roman Catholic independent boys’ school west of London, but because we are also part of the spiritually and culturally rich tradition of Jesuit education.

educating heart, mind, & soul We believe in the development of the whole child. Your son’s moral and spiritual growth, alongside his intellectual development, remains our abiding focus. His evolution into a critical, compassionate and reflective young man is our ultimate goal.

understanding boys Threaded throughout our vision for learning, you will see how we apply our expertise in teaching boys. It is our strength. Since 1888, we have developed the environment, pastoral support and learning tools that enable young men to flourish.

“The values of the school align to our values as parents. The balance between academic learning and wellbeing is perfect for us as a family.”

Parent Feedback, 2020

rooted in tradition We are part of a rich history of Jesuit education that started with St Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century. Since this time, Jesuits have played a leading role worldwide in the innovation of science, literature, politics, philosophy, mathematics and education.

Through a leadership model rooted in self-discovery, innovation, open-mindedness and what Jesuits call the ‘Magis’ [What more can I do?], their work has flourished over the past nearly five centuries.

The Jesuits currently educate 857,186 students aged between 3 and 93 in 827 educational institutions worldwide.

We are proud to be part of a network of twelve Jesuit Schools across the UK whose education is rooted in the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP).

The three central components of teaching and learning are: • drawing on a boy’s own experience and offering a challenging curriculum, • reflecting on this experience and • transforming this knowledge into understanding.

space to grow

Nestled in the historic triangle between Runnymede, Windsor and Eton, you will find our 70-acre estate just off junction 13 on the M25. It is this setting that provides endless space for exploration, sports and play; a place where boys can be boys.

Our beautiful school buildings were designed in 1888 by John Francis Bentley who, shortly after, rose to fame as the architect of Westminster Cathedral in London.

a welcome from our Headmaster

I am delighted to welcome you to St John’s Beaumont School.

At St John’s, we welcome boys of all backgrounds whose parents recognise in our Jesuit values and approach to education something they wish to nurture in their own children and family.

A boy’s growth at St John’s is the culmination of a strong partnership between school and home. We want to work together to establish values and a way of thinking that will influence a boy’s whole life; the kind of partner, colleague or potentially father he becomes.

St John’s is a very special place to work and to learn. Our boys are offered every possible opportunity to excel in a wide variety of areas, both academically, but importantly also in the wider curriculum as well. St John’s naturally suits boys who are open-minded, compassionate but also, importantly, critical thinkers.

From the sports field to the classroom and from moments of spiritual reflection to expressions of creativity, your son will feel welcomed in our nurturing and supportive community.

I hope, in reading this brochure, you feel compelled to visit us and see for yourself what makes a St John’s education something refreshingly different.

Giles Delaney

THE WHOLE CHILD Learning at St John’s Beaumont is supported by the core values of Jesuit education.

Jesuit

PUPIL PROFILE

The Jesuit Pupil Profile clearly defines the qualities we seek to nurture and develop in our boys for the rest of their lives. The characteristics below provide the framework for our ethos and daily life at the school.

These principles are established through the wider curriculum, celebrated in our assemblies, Commendation and Meritus programmes and recognised in the house point (TYE) system.

WALKING TOGETHER Staff at St John’s aim to begin all educational journeys, academic and pastoral, from the boys’ perspective and remain alongside them through their many achievements as well as their challenges. Seeing life through a child’s eyes is a critical part of Jesuit philosophy.

Care for the individual ‘cura personalis’ is the foundation for our pastoral and wellbeing programme at St John’s.

The nurturing of each boy is very important but extends beyond serving his own needs. It is rooted in fostering collaboration, maturity and the compassion necessary to serve the needs of others.

Cura Personalis ‘Care for the Individual’ is the principle we use to guide your son so that he may flourish academically, emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually.

aspiration in action innovation & adaptation

We seek to encourage boys to see the way things could be rather than the way they are. We want them to question with a sense of wonder.

knowledge of self With sincere and courageous questions, your son will learn to explore a more profound understanding of himself and how he engages with those around him.

The leadership of others begins with the leadership of ourselves.

heroic ambition We want your son’s formative years to be characterised by intrigue and engagement in the unexplored. The term Magis: ‘what more can I see, what more can I do?’ is a central theme in Jesuit pedagogy.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE TAKING Beyond the curriculum and outside the classroom, every day at St John’s presents new experiences for your son.

Imagine a young man who is open to all of life’s possibilities. He is sure in the knowledge that he has the open-mindedness, courage and tenacity to find success or benefit in all opportunities, not simply those that are instinctively attractive.

Whether in art, sport, music or drama, we open our boys’ minds to their innate potential. Within our safe environment, they are encouraged to try something new which will challenge them and in which they may not excel. These results are reflected in the large number of scholarships our boys achieve to their chosen senior schools.

compassion & service

Boys are empowered to build relationships with peers from across all year groups and learn how to be compassionate and supportive members of a team. Being ‘Men for others’, recognising and serving the needs of others, forms the basis of all aspects of the school.

Jesuit values ring true ‘regardless of faith’, say parents, who send their sons from near and far to enjoy St John’s famous holistic education The Tatler Schools Guide 2020

stillness & reflection

We encourage our boys to pause and to reflect on a daily basis; to take moments from their busy days to learn more about themselves. The ‘Examen’ is a space in each boy’s day to reflect on all he has to be grateful for and the areas he wishes to develop.

PRE-PREP 3–7 YEARS

discovering your spark

Welcome to our colourful and vibrant Pre-Prep facilities, where we build your son’s confidence throughout the early years of his educational journey at St John’s.

Our long-established team of passionate and experienced teaching staff are dedicated to finding and igniting the spark in each boy that is waiting to be unlocked.

This richly academic, creative and active environment will enable your son to discover the many things he can achieve, some of which may surprise him.

Discovering ones’ spark is easy when you are part of our wider SJB community and have so many wonderful facilities on hand; be it during a splash in the pool, counting eggs with our resident chickens, listening to poetry in the outdoor theatre or having a go at playing the violin during music. The opportunities are endless.

Now, well-equipped with a strong sense of self-confidence and growing independence, your son will be ready at the end of Year 2 to move on to his academic adventures in Middle School.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 7–10 YEARS

building independence

When your son moves to our exciting Middle School, the focus is upon developing organisation and independence. We teach him to see a challenge as a positive and we aim to build his confidence, making him proud of his achievements. School corridor, where we build on the foundations The relationships that he builds with his teachers continue to play a laid by our Pre-Prep department. significant role in his development and will encourage him to take the opportunities and risks necessary for effective learning.

As he progresses through Middle School, your son will begin to broaden his interest in a range of activities. For many boys, it also presents their first opportunity to participate in competitive sports, perform in a music concert or find their voice in one of our choirs.

By the time your son reaches his final year in Middle School, he will have developed the personal and academic skills to thrive independently; in thought and action. With the opportunities to work individually and collaboratively on open-ended tasks, he now has the reflective and self-disciplined characteristics necessary to flourish in our Upper School.

UPPER SCHOOL 10–13 YEARS

developing leaders

The Upper School fosters a capacity within the boys to become independent learners and compassionate young men.

It supports the transition between primary and senior school and allows the boys the opportunity to grow as leaders and role models. Our boys are involved in all aspects of the school, from reading to our Pre-Prep boys to being captains of their sports teams and houses.

In his final years at St John’s, the strong teacher-pupil relationships remain an enormously important aspect of your son’s learning. Our experienced form tutors and specialist subject teachers have the ability to recognise and support each boy as an individual young man. They understand and appreciate adolescent development and its emotional challenges, and will allow your son the freedom to take personal responsibility.

In the Upper School, your son will be given a wide range of opportunities to be reflective and creative, as well as debating, planning and executing ideas with his peers. The ability to work independently and collaboratively will develop the leadership qualities necessary to contribute generously to society and become a ‘man for others’.

for the team SPORTS

We are proud of our strong sporting reputation! When our boys take to the field there is a palpable pride in competing for St John’s alongside their peers.

Be it rugby, cricket, football, swimming, tennis, rowing or athletics, our squads are formidable competitors who go through many seasons unbeaten.

Each boy plays an integral part in his team, whatever his ability, where friendships and trust are cemented through this joint endeavour.

For all at St John’s, sport also means the wellbeing of the body and mind and is not limited merely to traditional team sports. For example, martial arts, climbing, fencing, SCUBA diving and archery are all enjoyed by our boys.

In all opportunities, we aim to foster a growing awareness of your son’s capacity to lead.

It is always a pleasure to see some of our boys continue this commitment later in their lives when they compete at regional and national elite level.

for the soul CREATIVE ARTS

When you believe in developing the whole child, nurturing their imagination, creativity and spirit are hugely important.

A significant benefit of being part of an all-boys school is the opportunity for your son to try anything without inhibition.

This allows him to develop all sides of his character.

The creative arts at St John’s are integrated throughout our curriculum and co-curricular activity programme from Pre-Prep onwards. The majority of our boys learn a musical instrument and join our coveted Chapel Choir. This, together with their love of art and drama, makes for a vibrant culture of creativity.

Your son’s progress will be celebrated in our many concerts, plays and exhibitions.

The boys’ talent and commitment is often rewarded by winning places in the National Youth Choir or the Primary Royal Academy of Music.

“I love the fact that each boy is given opportunity to flourish in his own particular way, with school recognising and encouraging effort and hard work.”

Parent Feedback, 2020

BOARDING

St John’s Beaumont provides the perfect home away from home

welcome home

for those who chose to board through either a tailored, weekly or full-boarding programme from Year 4 onwards.

time to care Boarders enjoy a vibrant pastoral system with outstanding medical and personal care. Split into two dormitories by age, your son will find everything he needs, from fun and friends to a welcoming and safe space.

Having a very generous quantity of staff to boys allows us to give each the time, space and adult attention when he needs it.

Everything your Son Needs The boys can enjoy the full use of our extensive facilities as they go for an early morning swim, a jog with the Headmaster or beat their dormitory master at a game of tennis. Popular weekend activities include a wide variety of trips to London, Windsor, Oxford or nearby attractions, such as Thorpe Park and Liquid Leisure.

stargazing & fireside feasts Boarding at St John’s has a little bit of Hogwarts magic; with nooks and crannies, secret stairways and grounds to explore, our school is the perfect place for imaginative adventures. Boys enjoy stargazing, glow-in-the-dark hide and seek or cooking in the woods.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES

a man for others St Ignatius’ vision was to nurture ‘Men and Woman for others’ St John’s Beaumont boys are widely known for displaying a set of qualities and values that distinguish them from others.

You will be able to recognise a St John’s boy. He is...

Grateful for his own gifts, the gift of other people and for the blessings of each day. due to this gratitude, he is generous with his contributions to others.

Attentive to his experiences and to his vocation. he will be discerning in the choices he makes and the impact of these choices.

Compassionate towards others, whether they are near or far and especially to those less fortunate. He will be loving, shown in his actions, and forgiving words.

Faith-filled in his beliefs and hopeful for the future.

Eloquent and truthful in what he says of themselves and in his relations with others and the wider world.

Learned and wise in the ways he uses his learning for the common good.

Curious and active in his engagement with the world, seeking to change what he can for the better.

Intentional in the way he lives and in his use of the resources on Earth. He will be guided by his conscience, and prophetic in the example he sets to others.

next steps

We are delighted in our record of pupils who go onto some of the country’s most distinguished boarding and day senior schools, often with the most incredible awards, such as Kings’ Scholarships to Eton or Outstanding Talents to Harrow.

We feel equal pleasure in helping each boy and their family to identify and transition to the senior school most suited to their needs and character.

Wherever they go and however they choose to live their lives, we hope that the influence of their St John’s education will remain with them always.

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS In the last 5 years King’s Scholarship – Eton College = 2 Pupils Outstanding Talent – Harrow = 3 Pupils Academic Scholarship / Exhibition = 6 Pupils All Rounder = 12 Pupils Art Scholarship / Exhibition = 5 Pupils Drama Scholarship / Exhibition = 2 Pupils Music Scholarship / Exhibition = 8 Pupils Sport Scholarship / Exhibition = 15 Pupils

top destination schools in the last 5 years 16 Pupils

16 Pupils

14 Pupils

13 Pupils

12 Pupils

9 Pupils

WINDSOR BOYS SCHOOL

9 Pupils

7 Pupils

5 Pupils

5 Pupils

5 Pupils

4 Pupils

facilities

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1

Visitor Entrance

10

Music Centre & Hoy Theatre

15

Golf Putting Green

2

Front Gravel

11

Sports Hall

16

Front Field

3

Chapel

Drama Studio

17

Outdoor Theatre

4

Boarders’ Dorms

Rowing Suite

18

Fort Beaumont

5

Library

Climbing Wall

19

The Beaumont Flats

6

Art Studio

IT Suite

20

Match-Side Café

7

Pre-Prep (Nicolas Owen Block)

12

Swimming Pool

21

Cricket Pavilion

8

Science Laboratory

13

Tennis Courts

22

Cricket Nets

9

French Department

14

Car Park

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Boarders’ Garden

The St John’s Beaumont School estate contains everything a young boy could dream to discover during his formative years. These outstanding facilities give our boys the means to thrive academically, spiritually, socially and physically.

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4 3

8 7

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get in touch On these previous pages, you took a journey through life at St John’s Beaumont. We explored how your son would grow with us, in confidence and independence, year-on-year, with curiosity and courage, to become a young man who is finding his place in this complex world.

We hope you are ready to join us!

TELEPHONE

01784 494 053 WEBSITE

www.SJBWindsor.uk EMAIL

sjb.admissions@sjb.email SOCIAL

@SJBWindsor St John’s Beaumont Priest Hill Old Windsor Berkshire SL4 2JN UK

‘We left St John’s, blown out of the water, having spent the day at one of the most contented and civilised boys’ preps we have ever had the privilege of visiting.’

The Good Schools Guide