Boarding O U R
C O M M U N I T Y
stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk
INSPECTORS NOTED A HOUSE SYSTEM WITH FLEXIBLE BOARDING CREATES A SENSE OF PRIDE AND BELONGING, AS WELL AS AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE PUPILS FEEL AT HOME, STIMULATED AND SECURE. ISI Inspection September 2025
Boarding gives me
closer connection to House community,
I have more time to
Oli, Senior School Bo
Modern,
flexible
The best part of boarding is the team spirit and friendships.
Holly, Lower Third
ea
o the and
relax.
oarder
Our boarding model is unique and designed to work with modern family life. We know that families want time together and that commitments change throughout the year, so our approach is inherently flexible offering the ideal balance between school and home.
Lower School pupils can board Tuesday to Thursday nights, while older pupils can board on Sunday to Thursday nights.
We have a broad range of regular boarding options while ad hoc nights are also available to all our pupils. This variety allows pupils and parents to experience the additional opportunities and benefits provided by boarding, while still being able to follow interests outside of the school sphere and, most importantly, spend quality time at home with family and friends.
EACH TERM PARENTS HAVE THE OPTION TO SET THEIR CHILD’S BOARDING STATUS: Day (ad hoc boarding) 1 night per week
Scan here for
fee information’
2 nights per week 3 nights per week Weekly (Fourth Form to Upper Sixth)
Different nights have a different feel. I like socialising with different people when I board for more nights.
Oscar, Upper Fifth
boarding ST JOHN’S OUR BOARDING COMMUNITY | Page 3
Why board
at St John’s? Boarding allows pupils to develop their strengths and sense of independence within a supportive community. Our boarders give many reasons for loving boarding but one of the most frequently cited is the deep sense of belonging. We see our boarders flourish as they develop greater respect and responsibility, understanding and consideration for others, while shared experiences with peers create strong relationships and real bonds. WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BOARDING EVENING? Boarders can do things that simply are not possible at home. With the availability of excellent facilities and almost constant access to staff, but without a daily commute, boarders can get more done; their days are longer, and their weeks are broader. The atmosphere around School in the evenings is relaxed, positive and fun. Prep is completed early so that the evenings can be focused on activities, socialising, and downtime.
I really appreciate having other
motivated people around when I am working in the evenings.
Theo, Upper Fifth
Page 4 | ST JOHN’S OUR BOARDING COMMUNITY
Recreational activities for boarders are varied, combining organised sports, mindfulness sessions, puzzles and social events with informal opportunities for pupils to relax and interact with peers and house staff.
ISI Inspection September 2025
BOARDING ACTIVITIES, TRIPS, AND EVENTS Academic clinics Art room time Relaxation time Music practice Gym, Sports Hall and Swimming Pool
Table tennis, table games, TV and board games House social nights Silent disco Inflatables Formal dinners
Theatre trips Trips including: bowling, climbing, golf, Laser Quest and Escape Rooms
@stjohns_boarding
You can build friendships and create stronger bonds because you spend more time together.
Aoife, Upper Third ST JOHN’S OUR BOARDING COMMUNITY | Page 5
Boarding means you get to connect with other people in your year in a safe and comfortable environment. We have freedom in boarding activities to choose what we want to do.
Ella, Lower Third
The house system is central to the School. Pupils are supported effectively both by pastoral staff and older pupils,
many of whom have been trained as
peer mentors. Pupils, including those who board only occasionally, are made to feel secure in their boarding houses.
ISI Inspection September 2025
Page 6 | ST JOHN’S OUR BOARDING COMMUNITY
250+ REGULAR BOARDERS
WHERE DO PUPILS STAY? Lower School pupils have their own boarding house with light, modern rooms, where they board within their year group. When pupils move up to Fourth Form, they are allocated to a house. We have four boarding houses. Weekly boarders have their own dedicated space, storage for the week and often share with friends. Regular and ad hoc boarders have their own locker for their belongings. WHAT ABOUT MOBILE DEVICES? Boarders have access to their phones and laptops during the evening, but these are collected overnight to be charged and kept safe. We think sleep is vitally important!
Ad hoc boarding is a fantastic experience. Everyone should do it at least once! Boarding supper is good, and there is always time to relax and chill out with amazing snacks.
Petra, Upper Third
40
5
BEDS PER HOUSE
BOARDING HOUSES
Boarders have a variety of ways to express their opinions.
Staff support them in choosing activities and how to spend their leisure time.
ISI Inspection September 2025
FURTHER INFORMATION If you have any questions about our boarding community, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk and we will be happy to give you more information.
Scan here to visit our website
ST JOHN’S OUR BOARDING COMMUNITY | Page 7
March 2026
St John’s School T +44 (0)1372 373000 school@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk
Registered Charity No: 312064