St. John's has been the local school for Over since the 1860's; the original building dates back to 1840 and has been modernised recently to provide extra classroom space and improved facilities. Our aim at St. John's School is for every child to achieve their potential and this is reflected in our OFSTED report and successful national test results. We also seek to support those children who have learning needs.

We are committed to providing a broad balanced and relevant curriculum. Pupils are offered a wide range of direct experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, including both day and residential visits. There are modern computers in each classroom and a cookery area.Children are encouraged to become self-confident, self-disciplined and caring. The school adopts a positive approach to discipline where the emphasis is very much on praising and rewarding good behaviour.

We have an open partnership with parents including an open-door policy where parents can meet members of staff when they are free. There is also an active PTA.

Children starting school in Reception begin in September, but are introduced gradually to school life through a pre-school group with their own teacher, which meets on an afternoon during the preceding two terms.

The school benefits from the involvement and support of its Governing Body. They meet each term with subgroups meeting as required. They delegate the day-to-day administration of the school to the Headteacher but are responsible for the appointment of staff, the curriculum, the building and matters of finance.

‘Through their day to day contact with pupils and direct work with families, education staff have a crucial role to play in noticing indicators of possible abuse or neglect, and in referring concerns to the appropriate agency, normally the social services department’. [‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’, Department of Health, Home Office, Department for Education and Employment, 1999]

Our school recognises that children who are abused or who witness violence may find it difficult to develop a sense of worth and to view the world in a positive way. This school may be the only stable, secure and predictable element in the lives of children at risk. Whilst at school, their behaviour may still be challenging and defiant and there may even be moves to consider suspension or exclusion from school.