Set in 70 acres of Berkshire countryside just outside Windsor, on the appropriately named ‘Priest’s Hill’, the school opened in 1888 and was originally the Prep school for Beaumont College; a Jesuit Public school which closed in 1967. The school retains its strong Jesuit ethos and mission, with boys being encouraged to reflect on their day; the decisions taken etc in a tradition known as Examen.

Interestingly unlike many schools, St John’s is unique in that it was purpose-built for 60 boys aged between 7 and 13 and this can still be seen in the provision of 60 carved wooden chapel pews and 60 individual dormitory cubicles. However over recent years the school has expanded both its classroom provision and its facilities to accommodate over 300 pupils. More recent additions to the school’s facilities have included a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, a purpose-built sports centre opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 2009, art studio and library, music school, science laboratory and pre-preparatory department & playground.

The school offers a wide array of co and extra-curricular activities and the whole school is expected to take part, even in the evenings – although there are some specific activities for the Boarders, as well as a ‘play room’ which is out of bounds to the day boys and houses table tennis and small snooker tables. There is a lot of emphasis on being outdoors and

As of October 2019, the Head has been in place for some 14 years, having arrived as Director of Music and then promoted to Deputy. He provides a great deal of stability and has taken what he calls a leap of faith in deciding to reduce the size of the school in order to ensure that they can focus on the mindset of the boys.

He and the staff expect the boys to take and make opportunities for themselves – he wants them to consider questions such as ‘what kind of father will you be’.

A staunch defender of single sex education despite being the father of girls, there are no plans to make the school co-ed. The school believes it is essential that the boys are able to get involved in all activities; from sports, to knitting to choir, without feeling that some of the activities are the sole domain of girls

Would St John's Beaumont be a good fit for my son?

Although distinctly Roman Catholic, the school welcomes applications from all faiths and those who have none but they do expect prospective boys and their families to share the values and virtues of the ‘Jesuit Pupil Profile’, some of which include being; compassionate towards others, eloquent and truthful, and curious about everything.

Whilst of course offering a well-rounded education, the school is unapologetically ambitious on the academic side, so applicants need to be prepared for the required level of responsibiliity and effort this.

How do I apply to St John's Beaumont?

Boarding is usually full, so it is always better to register interest well inadvance. Priority is given to boys who are baptized Roman Catholic although boys of other faiths are welcomed.

The usual points of entry are into Nursery from 3 years of age, Reception (aged 4 years), Year 3 (aged 7 years) and Year 7 (aged 11 years) although boys may be admitted into other year groups if a space is available.

Registration is followed by an interview with the Head, so please call us for advice on how to best prepare and manage your application.