St John's School, Leatherhead
Independent Co-educational Day and Flexi-Boarding School (11–18) · Est. 1851
Tucked into 50 acres of Surrey countryside, St John's Leatherhead has the unhurried feel of a school that knows exactly who it is. Founded in 1851 as an Anglican school for the sons of poor clergy, it went fully co-educational in 2012 and now educates 893 girls and boys side-by-side, of whom 219 board — with flexible boarding from a single night a week that parents call the school's 'beating heart'. The mood is warm, all-round and noticeably less pressured than the more intense London day schools nearby.
Surrey's gentler all-rounder: 78% 9–7 at GCSE, exceptional sport, flexible boarding from one night a week, and a deliberately non-hothouse culture. Competition for places is reportedly rising sharply year-on-year (per Good Schools Guide summary, not independently verified).
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Epsom Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8SP
Day Fees (Senior)
£11,570
per term (2026/27, inc. VAT)
Exam Format
ISEB Pre-Test
Oct/Nov Y6 + Experience Day Jan
Total Pupils
893
co-ed 11–18, 219 boarders (ISI Sept 2025)
Founded
1851
Anglican foundation, Archbishop of Canterbury as Visitor
11+ Competition
~4:1*
*per Good Schools Guide summary — call admissions to verify
Oxbridge / Russell Group
4 / 84%
Oxbridge places + Russell Group destinations (2025)
Best For
All-rounder children — academically capable but not hothouse-bound — who want serious sport, music and drama alongside strong pastoral care and a flexible boarding option. Particularly strong fit for Surrey and SW London families seeking an alternative to the most pressure-driven London day schools.
Watch Out For
Limited ethnic and socio-economic diversity (parent forums repeatedly describe a 'wealthier white' Surrey/London cohort). Long days for coach pupils (7:15am pickup, 6:20pm return). Headship transitioned in 2023 after an unexpectedly sudden departure — applicants should ask direct questions about the school's strategic direction under Alex Tate.
Entry Points
- 11+ (Year 7)
- 13+ (Year 9)
- 16+ (Lower Sixth). Place numbers per Good Schools Guide summary — call admissions on 01372 373 000 for current figures.
The Complete Admissions Timeline
Every key date, deadline and decision point — with insider intelligence you won't find on the school website. Click any item to reveal verified insider knowledge.
The critical window: Registration closes 1 November 2026 (£200 fee, £300 overseas). ISEB Common Pre-Tests are sat at the candidate's current school in October/November Year 6 — or at St John's on 21 November 2026. Experience Days are held on 4 and 5 January 2027, combining fun group activities with a one-to-one interview. Scholarship assessments take place in January Year 6. Offers are issued mid-February 2027; acceptance deadline early March 2027.
Visit Open Mornings and Discover Events
St John's runs Open Mornings and 'Discover' events from Year 4 onwards. Multiple visits at different points in the academic year build a strong picture and help the candidate answer 'Why St John's?' authentically at interview.
Begin structured ISEB Pre-Test preparation
The ISEB Pre-Test covers English, Maths (Year 5 NC content), Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, all online and adaptive. Start with familiarisation tools (Atom Learning, Bofa, Pretest Plus) to build digital fluency.
Final ISEB Pre-Test preparation
Focus on adaptive practice — the ISEB Pre-Test gets harder as the candidate gets answers right, so familiarity with rising difficulty is essential. English (25 min), Maths (50 min), NVR (32 min), VR (36 min).
Registration deadline
Submit registration online with £200 fee. Late applications are space-dependent.
ISEB Common Pre-Test sat
Taken at current school during autumn term OR at St John's on 21 November. Results are shared with all schools the candidate has applied to.
Experience Day preparation
Practise group work and conversational interview skills. The Experience Day rewards children who collaborate well, contribute ideas, and engage with the activities — not those who sit silently waiting to perform academically.
Experience Days at St John's
Group activities, taster lessons, and a 1:1 interview. Scholarship candidates also sit specific assessments. Lunch is provided. Parents drop off and collect.
Key Dates — 11+ Entry 2027 (Year 7 from Sep 2027)
- 1
Registration deadline
1 November 2026
- 2
ISEB Common Pre-Test window
October–November 2026 (or 21 Nov 2026 at school)
- 3
Experience Days & 1:1 interview
4–5 January 2027
- 4
Scholarship assessments
January 2027
- 5
Offers issued
Mid-February 2027
- 6
Offer Events
February 2027
- 7
Acceptance deadline
Early March 2027
Inside the St John's Leatherhead 11+ Assessment
St John's uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test (online, adaptive) in October/November of Year 6, followed by a two-day 'Experience Day' programme in early January 2027 that includes a 1:1 interview and group activities. There is no school-specific written paper at 11+. Results are interpreted holistically with the school reference and interview — there is no published pass mark. The ISEB Pre-Test is shared across multiple schools the candidate applies to, so preparation has dual value: a strong ISEB performance opens doors at SJL, Reed's, Hampton, CLFS, Epsom and many others.
English (ISEB)
25 minutes · Online adaptive — multiple choice covering reading comprehension and SPaG
Candidates who have only practised paper-based comprehension underperform on the on-screen format. Equally, many strong writers neglect SPaG drills — the SPaG load is heavier than parents expect.
Maths (ISEB)
50 minutes · Online adaptive — multiple choice based on Year 5 National Curriculum
Many candidates know the curriculum but fail on application — multi-step word problems and unfamiliar question phrasing trip them up. Calculator NOT permitted; mental arithmetic fluency is essential.
Verbal Reasoning
36 minutes · Online adaptive — analogies, sequences, codes, logic
VR question types are unfamiliar to children who haven't seen them before. Without explicit exposure, even very bright children freeze on the first few questions and lose confidence — and because the test is adaptive, early errors lock the candidate into an easier (lower-scoring) track.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
32 minutes · Online adaptive — visual pattern recognition, matrices, 3D shape rotation
On-screen NVR displays differently from printed booklets — shapes can appear smaller, and 3D rotation questions can be harder to visualise. Candidates who have only used CGP/Bond paper books will find the digital format slower and more cognitively taxing.
Topic Difficulty & Weight
Compare difficulty and exam weight for each topic
Reading comprehension
Moderate difficulty60%
exam weight
Spelling, punctuation, grammar
Moderate difficulty40%
exam weight
Key takeaway: 25-minute online English test combining reading comprehension with spelling, punctuation and grammar. Adaptive — questions get harder as the candidate answers correctly. Tests breadth of vocabulary and inference under timed digital conditions, NOT extended writing.
Topic Breakdown
Known Exam Traps — English (ISEB)
Use Atom Learning, Bofa or Pretest Plus for on-screen practice from at least 6 months out
Daily 10-minute SPaG drills using CGP or Schofield & Sims SPaG workbooks plus digital flashcards
The pattern: Candidates who have only practised paper-based comprehension underperform on the on-screen format. Equally, many strong writers neglect SPaG drills — the SPaG load is heavier than parents expect.
If you can only improve in one area, make it
On-screen comprehension + SPaG drills
What this means in practice:
Dedicate 60%+ of prep time to this area
Practice under timed conditions regularly
Review mistakes immediately after each session
Track progress weekly to spot patterns
All focus areas ranked by impact:
#1
On-screen comprehension + SPaG drills
English (ISEB)
#2
Multi-step word problems + mental arithmetic fluency
Maths (ISEB)
#3
Question-type familiarity + adaptive-test composure
Verbal Reasoning
#4
Digital NVR practice + 3D shape rotation
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Results & League Table Position
St John's Leatherhead consistently ranks among the top co-educational schools in England. These figures are benchmarked against national averages so you can see the full picture.
A-Level A* Rate
Not published
Public A-Level breakdown not published.
A-Level A*/A Rate
51%
2025: 51% of grades A*/A, 82% A*–B. 95% of leavers secured university places; 84% to Russell Group or equivalent; 4 Oxbridge places confirmed.
GCSE Grade 9-7
78%
Public GCSE breakdown not published.
A-Level A*-B Rate
82%
Mumsnet posts cite SJL at around #98 in The Sunday Times league table (Reed's at #90), placing it in the second tier of selective independents rather than the top tier. The school does not publish league table positions and explicitly does not use them as a marketing tool — many parents describe this as part of the appeal.
A-Level Results vs National Average
St John's Leatherhead vs England average (%)
What this means: St John's A-level results sit comfortably above national averages without being top-decile. The 51% A*–A and 82% A*–B figures for 2025 confirm a school that delivers strong outcomes for academically capable pupils — though parent forums and school positioning both reinforce that SJL is deliberately not chasing top-of-the-league-table results. Compare with Epsom College (a few miles away), which posts marginally stronger A-level outcomes with a more demanding academic culture.
GCSE Grade Distribution
St John's Leatherhead vs National distribution (%)
What this means: GCSE remains the school's strongest academic showcase: 78% 9–7 in 2025 (after 80% in 2024), with Maths and Biology consistently above 85%. This is a school where the bulk of pupils land in the 9–7 band rather than producing a small elite of straight-9 candidates — consistent with its 'broad academic intake' positioning.
University Destinations
Where St John's Leatherhead leavers go — % of cohort
Notable Academic Achievements
All 5 ISI Standards Met (Sept 2025 inspection)
ISI inspection 9–11 September 2025: every regulatory standard met across Leadership, Quality of Education, Pupil Wellbeing, Social/Economic Education and Safeguarding. Only one recommended next step: monitor pupil/parent satisfaction with food offering and portion sizes. Inspectors explicitly noted that recent governance changes 'have increased stability'.
Bursaries up to 100% of tuition fees
Per the 2025-27 Bursary Policy: means-tested bursaries can cover up to 100% of tuition fees. Independent assessment by Bursary Administration Limited (BAL) including a first-year home visit. Foundation bursaries prioritise children of practising Anglican clergy. Recipients of 75%+ awards also get uniform, books, trips and a loaned IT device, with the acceptance deposit reduced to £300. Registration fee is also waived for Free School Meals-eligible families.
4 Oxbridge places (2025)
Confirmed on the school's Academic Achievement page; 95% of 2025 leavers secured university places.
Rotary Senior Debate winners — five years running
Consecutive wins in the Rotary Senior Debate competition, evidencing strength in oracy and reasoning.
UK CanSat national winners (2022)
National winners of the UK CanSat competition — a satellite engineering challenge for sixth-formers.
Gold awards in UKMT Intermediate and RSC Chemistry Olympiad
Consistent recognition in national STEM competitions across mathematics and chemistry.
Co-educational since 2012
Sixth Form girls admitted from 1989; first-year girls from 2010; full co-education from September 2012.
Anglican foundation — Archbishop of Canterbury as Visitor
Originally founded 1851 as 'St John's Foundational School for the Sons of Poor Clergy'. The Duchess of Gloucester is Patron.
League Table Position: Mumsnet posts cite SJL at around #98 in The Sunday Times league table (Reed's at #90), placing it in the second tier of selective independents rather than the top tier. The school does not publish league table positions and explicitly does not use them as a marketing tool — many parents describe this as part of the appeal.
The Experience Day & 1:1 Interview
St John's deliberately structures its 11+ assessment around the two-day Experience Day (4–5 January 2027 for 2027 entry) rather than a single interview slot. This gives the school far more data on cultural fit — how the child collaborates, engages with taster lessons, and presents in conversation. The 1:1 interview is described by the school as 'an informal conversation with a senior member of staff' lasting approximately 15–20 minutes, designed to understand the child beyond their test performance. Forum accounts (Mumsnet, multiple 2019–2024 threads) consistently describe interviewers as warm, focused on enthusiasm rather than knowledge, and far more interested in genuine character than rehearsed answers.
Format
1:1 informal interview with a senior staff member, embedded in a 2-day Experience Day involving group activities, taster lessons, and lunch
Duration
Approx. 15–20 minutes (not officially published)
Role in Admissions
Part of a holistic assessment, not a pass/fail gate
Experience Day matters as much as the interview itself
Parents on Mumsnet repeatedly emphasise that the Experience Day group activities are not a side-show — staff are actively observing how candidates collaborate, take turns, contribute ideas, and respond when an activity goes wrong. A child who shines in 1:1 conversation but sits silent or sulks in group work can be flagged. Conversely, a quieter child who steps up generously in group activities can outperform a more academically polished candidate. Coach this dimension explicitly with your child.
What Makes a Strong Impression
Warmth, curiosity and genuine enthusiasm consistently register most strongly with St John's interviewers — this is a school that has chosen to position itself as 'gentler', and it wants children who will embody that culture. Candidates who can talk about a real passion (a sport they play, a book they loved, a project they built) tend to outperform those with rehearsed CV-style answers. Parent forum accounts emphasise: 'they want to meet the real child, not a coached one.' Bringing a piece of work, a book, or an object of interest is not required but is consistently noted as a confidence-builder.
Confirmed interview themes
Compiled from parent reports (2023-2025)
- What does the candidate enjoy about school and learning?
- Interests, hobbies and activities outside school (sport, music, reading, making)
- Why does the candidate want to come to St John's specifically?
- What would they bring to the school community?
- A book or topic they have read about recently and what they thought of it
- How they handle a setback or challenge — give a real example
The pattern: Conversational — focused on interests, motivation, what excites the child about learning, and what they'd contribute to school life
Never Asked — Don't Over-Prepare
- Trick questions or 'gotcha' academic problems
- Current affairs / political opinions (rarely at 11+ level)
- Long abstract hypotheticals more typical of Sixth Form interview
- Detailed knowledge of school's history or alumni
What Actually Wins Offers
- 1Genuine enthusiasm for a hobby, sport or subject — talked about naturally, not rehearsed
- 2Collaborative behaviour in group activities — taking turns, listening, contributing
- 3Warm, polite manner with staff and other candidates throughout the day
- 4A real reason for choosing St John's beyond 'my parents think it's good'
- 5Ability to recover gracefully from a wrong answer or unexpected question
“Themes from parent forums (Mumsnet threads 4647849, 4745193, 4949294): the Experience Day is described as relaxed and welcoming rather than exam-like; children consistently report the 1:1 interview felt conversational; and parents recurrently emphasise that staff observe behaviour during group activities, not just the formal interview.”
Contact Admissions
St John's School, Leatherhead Admissions Team
Insider Intel: What Other Parents Don't Know
These are the verified insights you will not find on the school website, in Good Schools Guide, or from any single tutoring agency. Each insight is compiled and cross-referenced from 33+ sources including official documents, parent reports, and tutoring industry data.This is the intelligence that gives ClassAce families an edge.
Competition is reportedly tightening — but verify the numbers yourself
Per a Good Schools Guide summary (page itself paywalled — not independently verified this session), applications to St John's are running at roughly four-per-place at 11+ and were reportedly up 27% on the previous year. Parents on forums consistently describe a markedly more competitive process than a decade ago. The takeaway either way: candidates now need genuine ISEB Pre-Test fluency, not just 'good enough' practice. For current-year competition figures, call admissions on 01372 373 000.
Headship is now settled — ISI confirms 'increased stability'
Alex Tate took up the headship in September 2023 (per ISI Sept 2025 report) following an unexpected departure of the previous head, which generated forum chatter at the time. The September 2025 ISI inspection explicitly noted that 'recent changes to structures of senior leadership and governance have increased stability and enhanced the oversight and monitoring of the school'. New Chair of Governors Sara Lipscombe joined in August 2025. The transition is officially concluded — but it's worth asking about the school's forward strategy at Open Mornings.
The Experience Day is the real assessment
Multiple Mumsnet threads emphasise that the 4–5 January Experience Day matters more than the ISEB Pre-Test in many cases. The 1:1 interview is genuinely informal, but staff observe group activities and taster lessons closely. Children who collaborate well in group work, recover from mistakes gracefully, and engage warmly with peers consistently outperform candidates who are academically stronger but socially withdrawn.
Flexible boarding is the school's secret commute hack
St John's offers boarding from one night a week (£1,145/term Autumn) upwards. For families in deep Surrey, Hampshire, or even SW London with logistical pressure, this is significantly cheaper and more flexible than the full-boarding alternatives at Wellington, Charterhouse or Cranleigh. Parents call boarding 'the beating heart' of the school — it builds genuine bonds and is socially valued, not stigmatised as 'the kids whose parents couldn't manage the commute'.
The day is genuinely long for coach pupils
Coach pickup in Wimbledon is 7:15am; return is 6:05–6:20pm. That's a 11+ hour day for SW London families. Parents who underestimate this struggle in Year 7 — homework is largely completed at school during supervised prep, which helps, but the early start is non-negotiable. Friday early release at 4:30pm partially offsets this.
Demographic is notably homogeneous
Multiple Mumsnet threads (2019–2024) describe the pupil and parent body as predominantly white, affluent, Surrey/SW London. One parent: 'limited diversity, lack of ethnic representation among staff and students.' This is a real consideration for families who actively value diverse peer groups — Epsom College, Latymer Upper and CLFS are more mixed. The school is conscious of this and the September 2025 ISI inspection touched on inclusion, but it remains a meaningful difference vs central London alternatives.
Registration fee waived for Free School Meals-eligible families
Per the 2025-26 Admissions Policy: 'The registration fee will be waived in cases where an applicant is eligible for Free School Meals or would be based on benefit entitlement if attending an independent school. Eligible families should contact the Admissions Office, in confidence, prior to completing the registration with proof of eligibility.' Combined with bursaries of up to 100% of tuition, St John's is genuinely accessible for talented children from low-income families — but the waiver must be requested BEFORE registration, not after.
No entry available in Year 11 or Year 13
Per the 2025-26 Admissions Policy section 8: 'We are unable to admit pupils into Upper Fifth (Year 11) or Upper Sixth (Year 13).' Only Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+) are full entry points, plus occasional places at Years 7, 8 and 10 if vacancies arise. Families seeking mid-GCSE or mid-A-Level relocations need to look elsewhere — Reed's, ACS Cobham and St George's Weybridge are more flexible at these points.
School is at capacity — 893 pupils against a stated target of 900
The 2025-26 Admissions Policy opens with: 'St John's School is a co-educational independent school for 900 pupils from ages 11 to 18.' The October 2025 ISI report confirmed actual enrolment at 893. The school is effectively at its stated capacity, meaning there is little headroom for expanded intake, the Head's List (waiting list) carries genuine weight, and competition is unlikely to soften in the near term.
Late 13+ application possible at Year 7 / Year 8 if vacancies arise
Most 13+ places are allocated TWO YEARS in advance (Year 6 application for Year 9 entry). But the school holds late-application assessment sessions in Year 7 Summer Term and Year 8 Autumn Term IF vacancies arise. Families who didn't apply at the standard time should email admissions@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk to register interest — they'll be held on a Register of Interest until late-applicant sessions are confirmed.
Music scholars need Grade 4 (11+), Grade 5 (13+) or Grade 6 (16+)
Per the Scholarships page: music scholarship applicants must demonstrate Grade 4 (11+), Grade 5 (13+), or Grade 6 (16+) on their primary instrument — AND must play two instruments including voice. Audition is ~20 minutes: two contrasting pieces on primary instrument plus one on secondary, plus discussion with performing arts staff. Performing Arts scholarships (Drama / Musical Theatre / Dance) have no formal grade requirements — just video evidence + in-person assessment.
The ONE complaint pupils and parents make: school food
The ISI September 2025 inspection had only one recommended next step across all 5 standards: 'monitor pupil and parental satisfaction with the food offering and portion size'. Translation: pupils and parents told inspectors directly that the food variety and portion sizes don't meet expectations. The school caters for allergies and dietary requirements well — but quantity and variety are real, documented issues. Worth raising at Open Mornings.
362 pupils identified with SEND — 41% of the roll
The September 2025 ISI report records 362 pupils (about 41% of 893 total) identified as having special educational needs or disabilities, with 3 EHC plans. The ISI confirmed pupils with SEND 'make equivalent progress to their peers' through small group, individual support and a well-resourced learning area. This is unusually high SEND identification — a positive signal of identification practice rather than a concern, and significant for families with any specific learning need.
Sport is genuinely strong — not just a brochure claim
Rugby, hockey, netball, cricket and cross-country are all played to high standard with Saturday fixtures. Parents on forum threads note that pupils who don't enjoy team sport can feel out of step here — opting out is harder than at Reed's, where one parent specifically said 'some opt out of rugby and that's fine'. If your child is a non-sporty academic, factor this in.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
The errors we see most often from families preparing for St John's School, Leatherhead. Avoid these and you're already ahead of the majority of applicants.
Treating the ISEB Pre-Test as a one-off — it's shared across multiple schools
The same ISEB Pre-Test result is sent to every school the candidate has applied to. A single underwhelming score affects all applications. Many families don't realise this until too late.
Fix: Plan ISEB Pre-Test preparation as a six-month investment — September Year 5 onwards is ideal. Practise across all four subjects, on-screen, regularly. Don't sit the test until the candidate is genuinely ready.
Under-preparing for the Experience Day group activities
Parents focus on interview preparation and ISEB drilling but rarely coach group-work behaviour. Staff observe these activities closely — collaborative warmth and graceful failure handling matter as much as academic performance.
Fix: Practise collaborative tasks at home — board games, group homework, family debates. Coach the child to listen actively, offer ideas without dominating, and recover when something goes wrong. This is a behavioural skill, not an academic one.
Applying to St John's, Reed's, Hampton and Epsom College as 'equivalent alternatives'
These schools are genuinely different in culture, intensity, and gender mix. St John's is the gentlest of the four. Reed's is sports-flexible. Hampton is more academically intense (boys only). Epsom is the most pressurised academically. Treating them as interchangeable misses the point.
Fix: Visit each school at least twice. Talk to current parents. Match the school to the child's actual personality and learning style — not to your network's general reputation.
Assuming fees ended at the published headline number
Day fees of £11,570/term (Senior School, 2026/27) are the visible figure, but additional costs add up: £1,500 acceptance deposit + £2,000 fees deposit + uniform (~£800 initial) + lunch (covered) + trips + co-curricular kit (sport, music tuition extra).
Fix: Budget for ~10–15% above headline fees in Year 1, then ~5% annual fee inflation thereafter. The fee deposit is refunded against the final term's bill but ties up £2,000 for 7 years.
Underestimating the commute load on Year 7s
A 7:15am Wimbledon coach + 6:20pm return = a 11-hour day for an 11-year-old. Year 7s are tired by the end of week one. Friday 4:30pm finish helps but the rest of the week is unrelenting.
Fix: Plan a strict Sunday evening + weekday bedtime routine before September. Talk to current SJL parents about how their child adapted. Consider boarding 1–2 nights/week if the commute pressure is significant.
St John's Leatherhead vs Competitor Schools
How does St John's School, Leatherhead compare to the schools your child is most likely also applying to? This analysis covers the key factors that actually matter to families.
Important context: On Sunday Times rankings (per Mumsnet forum citations), Reed's sits around #90 and St John's around #98 — close but Reed's marginally ahead on academic outcomes. Epsom College outperforms both on A-level and produces more aggressive league-table prominence. St John's wins on flexible boarding, breadth, and pastoral 'feel'.
| Factor | Epsom College | FeaturedSt John's Leatherhead | Reed's School (Cobham) | City of London Freemen's (Ashtead) | Box Hill School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | Independent Co-Ed Day/Boarding | Independent Co-Ed Day/Flexi-Boarding | Independent Boys Day/Boarding (girls 6th) | Independent Co-Ed Day/Boarding | Independent Co-Ed Day/Boarding |
| Co-educational | |||||
| VR in Exam | |||||
| Annual Fee | |||||
| 11+ Difficulty | Higher | Medium-High | Medium-High | Medium-High | Medium |
| Interview Style | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Why Parents Choose St John's Leatherhead
- Non-hothouse academic culture with serious results78% 9–7 at GCSE and 82% A*–B at A-level WITHOUT the pressure-cooker dynamic of Epsom or Hampton. For families who want strong outcomes without burning out a 13-year-old, this is the single biggest reason to choose SJL.
- Flexible boarding from one night per weekUnique in this corridor at this price point. Allows families to dip a toe in boarding without committing to full weekly — particularly valuable for SW London commute relief or single-parent households with shift work.
- Sport without coercion (mostly)Strong rugby, hockey, netball and cricket programmes with Saturday fixtures — but compared to Hampton, expectations on non-sporty academics are slightly lower. The school's 'breadth' rhetoric is genuine.
- Direct Waterloo line — viable for SW London familiesLeatherhead station is on the South Western Mainline, 45 minutes direct to Waterloo. The school coach network covers most of SW London. This is one of the few selective independents outside London commutable from Wimbledon, Putney and Battersea by public transport.
Points to Consider
- Less academically intense than Epsom CollegeEpsom College outperforms SJL at A-level and is generally regarded as the more rigorous local alternative. Families wanting top-decile academic intensity may find SJL too relaxed.
- Limited diversityMumsnet threads (multiple) describe the pupil body as predominantly white, affluent, Surrey/SW London. Less diverse than Latymer Upper, CLFS, or central London alternatives.
- Headship is still in its first chapterAlex Tate has been Head since 2023. The 2025 ISI inspection was the first under his leadership. The strategic direction is settled but families investing for 7+ years should ask direct questions about the long-term vision.
Scholarships & Financial Support
St John's offers scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+ across SIX disciplines: Academic, Music, Art, Performing Arts (Drama/Musical Theatre/Dance), Sport, and Design & Engineering (the last is rare among UK independents at this scale). Each scholarship is either honorary OR comes with a modest tuition remission of approximately £1,000/year for exceptional candidates. Pupils may hold a maximum of two scholarships simultaneously. For meaningful fee assistance, the means-tested bursary scheme is the route — bursaries can be up to 100% of tuition fees.
| Scholarship Type | Value | Available Places | Selection Method | Stackable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Scholarship (11+ / 13+ / 16+) | Honorary OR ~£1,000/year tuition remission for exceptional candidates | Not published (max 2 scholarships per pupil across categories) | 11+/13+ external candidates take written assessments in English, maths, science + optional languages plus interview. 16+ judged on GCSE benchmarks. Assessments: January (11+), March (13+), November (16+). | Yes |
| Music Scholarship (11+ / 13+ / 16+) | Honorary OR ~£1,000/year tuition remission | Not published | Audition (~20 min): two contrasting pieces on primary instrument + one on secondary, plus discussion with performing arts leadership. Minimum grade thresholds: Grade 4 (11+), Grade 5 (13+), Grade 6 (16+). Must play TWO instruments including voice. | Yes |
| Art Scholarship (11+ / 13+ / 16+) | Honorary OR ~£1,000/year tuition remission | Not published | Portfolio submission (max 10 slides) + 1-hour drawing assessment + portfolio review. Scholars must take Art at GCSE AND A-Level to retain the award. | Yes |
| Performing Arts (Drama / Musical Theatre / Dance) | Honorary OR ~£1,000/year tuition remission | Not published | Submit video evidence (max 2 minutes) of monologue + optional MT/dance. Shortlisted candidates attend in-person: group improvisation + prepared performance. NO formal grade qualifications required. | Yes |
| Sport Scholarship (11+ / 13+ / 16+) | Honorary OR ~£1,000/year tuition remission | Not published | Assessment day across major school sports (girls: hockey, netball, cricket; boys: rugby, football, cricket) + interview. Scholars must represent school in weekly fixtures. NOT required to study PE at GCSE/A-Level. | Yes |
| Design & Engineering Scholarship (11+ / 13+ / 16+) | Honorary OR ~£1,000/year tuition remission | Not published | 45-minute practical assessment + presentation of independent design projects from past two years. Scholars must take D&E at GCSE AND A-Level. | Yes |
| Bursary (means-tested — Foundation, General, Hardship) | Up to 100% of tuition fees | Limited annually (funded from tuition income share set by Governing Council) | Third-party means-testing via Bursary Administration Limited (BAL) including home visit in first year. Foundation bursaries prioritise children of practising Anglican clergy. Hardship grants for sudden family change. Decisions issued February. For Y9 entry: initial decision indicative, final review spring of entry year. Recipients of 75%+ bursaries also get help with uniform, books, trips, IT device, and reduced £300 acceptance deposit. | Yes |
* Bursaries are independently assessed by Bursary Administration Limited (BAL) — including a home visit in the first year of application. Foundation bursaries prioritise children of practising Anglican clergy with limited means. Recipients of 75%+ bursary awards also receive financial support for uniform, books, school trips and a loaned IT device, plus the acceptance deposit is reduced to £300. Decisions issued in February. Apply: 11+/13+ by 1 November (Year 6), 16+ by 15 October (Year 11). For 13+ entry from 2028, applying by 1 November 2025 secures an indicative response.
The Preparation Roadmap
Everything here is built around St John's School, Leatherhead's specific exam format, interview style, and selection criteria. This is not generic 11+ advice. Every recommendation is calibrated to this school.
Year 4 — Awareness
Visit and decide if it's the right fit
- Attend at least one Open Morning at St John's and at least one rival school for comparison
- Talk to current parents — Mumsnet, local networks, school gates
- Encourage wide independent reading — this builds vocabulary for VR and English
- Start basic Times Tables Rock Stars or Komodo Maths daily — mental arithmetic foundation
Useful resources
School Open Morning · Atom Learning (familiarisation tier) · Times Tables Rock Stars · Library reading scheme
Year 5 — Foundation
Build ISEB Pre-Test fluency across all four subjects
- Begin structured Atom Learning, Bofa or Pretest Plus practice — 3–4 sessions per week
- Cover all four ISEB subjects: English, Maths, VR, NVR
- Practise on-screen, not paper — the test is digital
- Continue wide reading + light SPaG drills (CGP or Schofield & Sims)
- Visit St John's at least once during Year 5 — children remember interview-relevant detail
Useful resources
Atom Learning Plus subscription · Bofa 11+ digital practice · CGP Year 5 SPaG · School Open Morning visit
Year 6 Autumn Term — Sharpening
Full timed ISEB practice + Experience Day prep
- Full-length timed ISEB Pre-Test mocks weekly — under proper test conditions
- Focus on weakest subject — adaptive tests reward consistent performance across all four
- Complete registration with St John's by 1 November
- Sit the ISEB Pre-Test in October/November at current school OR at SJL on 21 November
- Start practising group-work behaviour at home — board games, debates, collaborative tasks
Useful resources
Atom Learning full mock tests · Pretest Plus mock papers · Family games requiring collaboration · Recent reading list — for interview discussion
December Year 6 — Experience Day prep
Practise interview conversation + collaboration skills
- Practise 1:1 interview conversation — interests, recent reading, why St John's
- Coach group-work behaviour: listening, contributing ideas, recovering from mistakes
- Identify a book / hobby / object to bring as a conversation anchor
- Don't over-script — the school's interviewers can spot rehearsed answers in 30 seconds
Useful resources
Mock interview practice (with a friend's parent if possible — not your own) · Family discussions about current interests · School website re-read for context
January 2027 — Experience Days
4–5 January Experience Day at school
- Arrive rested, comfortable in school uniform
- Engage warmly with other candidates in group activities — this matters
- In 1:1 interview: be yourself, listen carefully, ask questions back
- Trust preparation — the staff want you to do well
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Intelligence Score
Updated May 2026 (incl. ISI Sept 2025 report — full text extracted) · 33 sources
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Near St John's Leatherhead