St John's Beaumont School

Last updated

St John's Beaumont School
St John's Beaumont School front.jpg
School entrance
Address
St John's Beaumont School
Priest Hill

Old Windsor
,
Berkshire
,
SL4 2JN

England
Information
Type Preparatory school
Day & Boarding school
MottoAeterna Non Caduca
Not for this life alone, but for eternity.
Religious affiliation(s) Roman Catholic
Established1888
Founder Jesuits
Local authorityWindsor and Maidenhead
HeadteacherPhilip Barr
GenderBoys and girls
Age3to 13
Enrolment200~
Affiliation IAPS
Website http://www.sjbwindsor.uk

St John's Beaumont School is a private day and boarding preparatory school, and is for boys and girls aged 3 to 13 years old. [1] It is situated between Englefield Green and Old Windsor on Priest's Hill, with the school building in Surrey and the sports fields in Berkshire. It was opened in 1888, and it is the oldest purpose-built preparatory school in the UK. [2] The building is Grade II listed and was designed by John Francis Bentley in Tudor style with a Perpendicular chapel, [3] and it was named St John's, in honour of St John Berchmans, who was canonised that year. [4]

Contents

History

The school was founded by the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, and was built as a boys' preparatory school for Beaumont College. [1] On 25 September 1888 the school was opened by the Bishop of Southwark, John Baptist Butt. [5]

In 1970, after an initial period of uncertainty following the closure of Beaumont College in 1967, the governors of Stonyhurst College accepted responsibility for St John's. However students go on, as well as to Stonyhurst, to nearer schools such as Eton College, Winchester College, Radley College and Harrow. [6]

In 2023, the school officially became co-educational. In 2025, the running of school was handed over by the Jesuits to Intellego Education. [7]

Facilities

It is located 11 miles away from both Heathrow Airport and Central London. [3]

The school was built initially 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, the school has expanded both its classroom provision and its facilities to accommodate over 300 pupils. [8]

In 1993 a new swimming pool with four lanes was opened by David Wilkie, a former Olympic Champion and world record holder; it is run by a separate organisation called The Development Company. In October 2009, a new sports centre was opened by Queen Elizabeth II, [3] giving the school day pupils, boarders and the local community access to football, cricket, judo and rock climbing of a 30-foot wall. [1]

Notable alumni

List of headmasters

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 St John's Beaumont from Independent Schools Council, retrieved 25 July 2017
  2. ↑ Queen visits St John's Beaumont School from Independent Catholic News, 22 October 2009, retrieved 24 July 2017
  3. 1 2 3 St John's Beaumont from British Listed Buildings, retrieved 25 July 2017
  4. ↑ St John's Beaumont from Jesuits in Britain, retrieved 25 July 2017
  5. ↑ Hoy S.J., David, 1987, The Story of St John's Beaumont
  6. ↑ St John's Beaumont from Tatler , Schools Guide 2017, retrieved 25 July 2017
  7. ↑ Williams, Adrian (21 February 2025). "Head of independent Old Windsor school hopes co-ed switch will foster equality". www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  8. ↑ St John's Beaumont School Old Windsor from Good Schools Guide 2017, retrieved 25 July 2017

51°26′40″N0°34′39″W / 51.444434°N 0.577521°W / 51.444434; -0.577521

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