Founded in 1929 by Archbishop Peter Amigo The John Fisher School stands proudly. It initially welcomed students at Duppas Hill in Croydon. A move to its present Peaks Hill location in Purley followed in 1931. This makes The John Fisher School unique. It’s the only school bearing Saint John Fisher’s name founded before his canonization in 1935. Notice the absence of ‘Saint’ in the school’s title.
Initially a fee-paying grammar school The John Fisher School transformed. In 1977 it became a comprehensive school maintained by the London Borough of Sutton. A period of selective admissions followed from 1991 to 2008. The school interviewed prospective pupils and their parents. This was controversial. It defied the Schools Admissions Code. The last group of interview-selected students left in 2014.
The school’s size has significantly increased since ending its selection policy. It grew from 700 pupils to over 1000. Further expansion was planned in 2016. The John Fisher School has faced challenges. Its admissions system faced scrutiny. Concerns focused on favouring church-active families. An investigation by the Office of the Schools Adjudicator ensued.
In 2003 The John Fisher School became a specialist sports college. A 1.2 million pound sports hall opened thanks to Sir Bobby Robson. The school boasts a strong sporting legacy. Its rugby sevens team reached three national finals between 1997 and 1999 winning two. The school enjoys notable rugby rivalries. It’s the only comprehensive school with a fixture against Eton College.
The John Fisher School prides itself on its rich history. It continues to educate boys from Croydon Sutton and surrounding areas. The John Fisher School is more than a school. It’s a community. It’s a place where boys are nurtured to become young Catholic gentlemen. They strive for academic sporting and cultural excellence. The legacy of The John Fisher School lives on.