About the School Premises

St John's has been modified and extended since the initial building was opened in 1964. Over the years the school has been continually maintained and improved to a high standard. This has enabled the school to retain its essential character while adapting to the changing demands of education.

Following the recent refurbishment the school now has a 'state of the art' ICT provision which includes:

  • Broadband Internet connection allowing easy access from home to school
  • Wireless Internet connectivity
  • Ratio of one computer to every three students
  • Laptop leasing scheme for Sixth Form students

Other school facilities include a swimming pool, sports hall, dance studio, gymnasium, tennis courts and Astroturf football pitch, all of which are used by the school and outside community groups.

Design Technology is taught in a new suite of purpose built rooms which include a laboratory dedicated to CAD/CAM technology. These facilities incorporate access to computer driven, industrial sized milling and cutting machines. Laser technology allows students to transfer their designs onto a range of materials including glass, plastics and wood.

Eleven specialist Science laboratories, including one with computers equipped for remote sensing, enable students to make the most of the school's investigative approach to Science.

All students are encouraged to learn new ICT skills and the school's eleven computer suites ensure that these skills are delivered across the curriculum. Students in Modern Foreign Languages benefit from video conferencing as well as specific language software.

Learning resources are also accessible through the school Learning Resource Centre and a dedicated Study Support area. Students have access to adult help outside the school day and also benefit from using support programmes such as "SuccessMaker" to enhance Literacy and Numeracy.

Eight years ago, we secured nearly £8 million funding for development of the school premises. The project has helped us to meet the needs of a 21st Century student in a world class learning environment.

The refurbishment has provided us with a suite of Science laboratories, a completely refurbished Technology suite, an Expressive Arts suite with Dance Studio and a state of the art Sixth Form Centre which includes a Cyber "Bistro" equipped with the latest ICT, study rooms, teaching spaces and a lecture theatre. We have also created a large Learning Resources Centre for the whole school.

The Science block has allowed the rest of the school to be adapted to allow greater ease of movement, giving disabled access to all parts of the school building. We have also been able to ensure that all departments are suited around their own Learning Resource Base which supports the learning of staff and students and links electronically to the main LRC.