In 1920 a single room housed the first pupils of St John’s School. Imagine five boys two vicar’s sons. This humble beginning in a Pinner vicarage marked the start of a century-long legacy. St John’s School grew rapidly. It quickly outgrew its initial space. The school moved to The Briary then Barrow Point House. This building however met a fiery end in 1930. An electrical fire destroyed Barrow Point House. Undeterred the school was rebuilt. It remained there for forty years.
St John’s School’s house system was unique. A boy’s house depended on his hometown. Boys from Pinner were in Lawrence House named after T E Lawrence. Those from Hatch End and beyond joined Lincoln House. Boys from the Harrow area belonged to Oates House. Later Churchill House was added. These houses fostered healthy competition among the boys.
World War II impacted St John’s School. The headmaster chose to stay despite the opportunity to evacuate. Pupils witnessed dogfights. They collected shrapnel on their way to school. The headmaster also served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Home Guard. Old boys recall the older boys helping unpack weapons from the US. These included machine guns grenades and rifles.
In 1951 the founder Mr Claude Norman passed away. His son Peter Norman took over. The school was thriving but the Barrow Point site was too small. After a long search Peter Norman found Potter Street House. This large mansion with 30 acres of land became the new St John’s School. The school moved to Pinner Hill in 1970. Potter Street House became the White House the school’s heart.
In 1984 Peter Norman retired. The Merchant Taylors’ School acquired St John’s. This marked a new era. St John’s became a charitable trust. It continued to expand. New buildings were added including a gym a science block and a hall. The school’s facilities improved continuously. New playing fields an athletics track and even a golf course were added.
St John’s School celebrated its centenary in 2020. Despite pandemic challenges the school community marked this milestone. A service of Thanksgiving and new facilities celebrated the occasion. St John’s School stands as a testament to perseverance growth and educational excellence. It is a story of small beginnings and remarkable achievements. It is a beacon of learning in Pinner.