St John's-on-the-Hill
Opportunity is a key word at St. John’s-on-the-Hill School and Day Nurseries. At St. John’s we believe that education is much more than academic achievement. Widely recognised by experts, the importance of a rounded experience provides a positive and useful education. We embody this ethos at St. John’s ensuring all children in our care are given the best possible start for the best possible future.
The approach to childcare in the three St. John’s Nurseries is simple; that all children are different and so their needs and capabilities must be fostered and nurtured to develop and build individual success. Children from 3 months to pre-school age are cared for in a gentle and relaxed environment by a fully qualified team of experienced and friendly staff. The St. John’s philosophy is to ensure that all children achieve their full potential and all activities are through play in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum for learning. With two Day Nurseries in Chepstow and one in Newport, the continuing programme of investment in nursery facilities reflects St. John’s commitment to providing even the youngest children with the best possible start.
Children at all three St. John’s Nurseries are guaranteed a place in the Reception class within the Pre-Prep Department at St. John’s in Tutshill. Pre-Prep children aged between 4 and 7 years continue to learn in a number of different ways. They learn to swim in St. John’s own swimming pool. They learn to dance and act in the hall of the pre-prep and theatre of the Main School. They learn to count, read, use a computer and design as part of everyday school life. They learn about nature in the beautiful school grounds, but above all else, as family values are an integral part of life at St. John’s, children learn how to grow up in a caring, sharing way by watching the older pupils who have already benefited from a wide variety of challenging and exciting activities; with the support of enthusiastic teachers, teaching small and manageable classes.
Boarding is an intrinsic part of life at St. John’s. We aim to make boarding a rich and rewarding time for children, enabling them to form close friendships and develop independence, self-discipline and responsibility for themselves and others within a friendly, family-based boarding community.
The atmosphere in the boarding house is homely and welcoming. Children learn to live, work, share and play together, learning how to grow up being kind and considerate to others. We are experienced in dealing with service children, overseas children and as a fully co-educational school the environment is ideal for siblings. Flexi-boarding is a popular option for day children and a full programme of activities and trips is on offer for the many boarders who choose to remain at St. John’s throughout the term.
A broad and varied curriculum enables children to discover and develop individual talents, whether they are creative, intellectual or athletic. Children leave St. John’s at the age of 13 years fully prepared for the next stage of their education. Our senior school scholarship record speaks for itself, more than half of the children leaving at the end of Year 8, do so with a scholarship to the senior school of their choice.
St. John’s welcomes children of all abilities and offers a range of scholarships, including means-tested bursaries to ensure that a wide spectrum of youngsters can enjoy the benefit of an independent preparatory school education.
