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Original poster

St John’s Leatherhead info

45 replies

1forward2back · 04/10/2022 12:26

we were thinking of St John’s for DD3, but I’ve just read that the head has left suddenly. Do any current parents know why? And what is the new head like? Is she permanent (website says she is acting head)?

OP posts:
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allthesamey · 21/10/2023 23:15

Can pm you

Surreyimateacher · 18/05/2023 06:04

Interesting comparing these two... PH is extremely selective. Of course its figures will be good if you only choosing the best kids. SJL has entrance exams but mostly to whittle down number of applicants.

WimMum2015 · 12/02/2023 01:35

DorotheaDiamond · 30/11/2022 13:17

So Rowena Cole is going to LEH - if any St. John’s parents have and insight into her that they wouldn’t mind sharing (pm if you’d rather) we would love to hear it!!!

Did you hear from any parents @DorotheaDiamond ?
LEH is one of our options and I have heard there were some concerning rumours about why she suddenly left. Could be baseless rumours but would be good to receive some reassurance.

LondonMum20222 · 09/01/2023 06:05

@About24 Great that she was well-liked. Thanks for that info. Is there any clarity on why Rowena Cole left St John's rather abruptly (as I understand it, before she had another job to go to)?

About24 · 08/01/2023 23:16

This reply has been withdrawn

The OP has privacy concerns and so we've agreed to take this down.

VickiMent · 08/01/2023 22:57

I understand that she was well liked and considered a good head.

sailingsunshine · 08/01/2023 22:46

Westlondonmom22 · 08/01/2023 22:36

Anyone has insight on the old head who left for LEH?

Do you mean Rowena Cole?

Westlondonmom22 · 08/01/2023 22:36

Anyone has insight on the old head who left for LEH?

VickiMent · 08/01/2023 19:26

I just noticed St John's have announced their new head, his name is Alex Tate and he was deputy head at St John's before his current head role at Bedford Modern School. Anyone have any insight on him?

LondonMum20222 · 03/12/2022 08:45

I too would really appreciate any intel on what's going on at LEH - both thoughts on the new head, and any further info on the issues with the Dep Head. Seems like senior management may be a bit chaotic... It was high on our list for 2024 entry, but slipping down reading all this!

Original poster
1forward2back · 02/12/2022 22:52

What happened with the Deputy Head?

OP posts:
Westlondonmom22 · 02/12/2022 20:45

@DorotheaDiamond i heard about that! Hence the worry!!!

DorotheaDiamond · 02/12/2022 19:53

Westlondonmom22 · 02/12/2022 19:44

I agree @joles12 !! @hockeygrass just because LEH choose her doesn’t mean all is well. It would be nice for us to know all the facts. What LEH might think is ok may not ok with some parents values. So anyone with the information I would greatly appreciate it

Ditto! Particularly given how well LEH chose the deputy head (loathed by girls and parents alike)…

Westlondonmom22 · 02/12/2022 19:44

I agree @joles12 !! @hockeygrass just because LEH choose her doesn’t mean all is well. It would be nice for us to know all the facts. What LEH might think is ok may not ok with some parents values. So anyone with the information I would greatly appreciate it

joles12 · 02/12/2022 18:49

hockeygrass · 02/12/2022 15:52

The LEH head search was long, wide and thorough so there is no reason to not have faith in the governing board to select a candidate they believe is the person to take the school forward.

i agree with that in theory - in practice that is always the case but we all know of a number of examples where the wrong head has been chosen by similar rigorous processes - same happens in corporate life - recruitment isn’t infallible

hockeygrass · 02/12/2022 15:52

The LEH head search was long, wide and thorough so there is no reason to not have faith in the governing board to select a candidate they believe is the person to take the school forward.

Westlondonmom22 · 02/12/2022 15:42

re Rowena Cole please private mesg me too as we are considering LEH. Thank you

79abbot · 01/12/2022 09:27

1forward2back · 30/11/2022 16:53

Has the new hEad for St John’s been announced?

No, unfortunately there hasn't been an announcement for a new St John's Head.

DorotheaDiamond · 30/11/2022 17:09

Her son could go to hampton..

Original poster
1forward2back · 30/11/2022 16:53

Has the new hEad for St John’s been announced?

OP posts:
Bellie99 · 30/11/2022 16:49

Interesting. I would ask questions if planning to take co-Ed? Wondering what her children would do as has a boy and girl.
Still don't get why she left St Johns with no role to go directly to.

LondonMum20222 · 30/11/2022 14:54

taj0112 · 30/11/2022 13:56

Us too!

Show quote history

Me too!

taj0112 · 30/11/2022 13:56

DorotheaDiamond · 30/11/2022 13:17

So Rowena Cole is going to LEH - if any St. John’s parents have and insight into her that they wouldn’t mind sharing (pm if you’d rather) we would love to hear it!!!

Us too!

DorotheaDiamond · 30/11/2022 13:17

So Rowena Cole is going to LEH - if any St. John’s parents have and insight into her that they wouldn’t mind sharing (pm if you’d rather) we would love to hear it!!!

joles12 · 25/11/2022 19:53

BleuNoir · 04/11/2022 19:55

@KaliforniaDreamz - can I ask did you DS just finish and how did he travel there?

Did he take the train or bus to school? We are considering it from Wimbledon also but day is very long if you stay for prep - and the school bus doesn't get back to Wimbledon until 6:27pm. it seems like a very long day at 11 years old! And it leaves very early too at 7:15am... Does everyone stay for prep/clubs?

Would the train make it shorter? Looks like a bit of a trek from the station to the school? About 15 minutes walk? With the 24 mins on the train that's 40 mins just one side - not including the walk to the station our side as well.

However I agree that I really liked the less pressured feeling of the school. The results have been brilliant this year which shows you don't need to put everyone in a pressure-cooker. You can still do well with much less angst. I like this approach.

DD at SJL - generally the Wimbledon bus is earlier in an evening than the time stated on the website. I would say most if not all children are off the bus between 6.05 and 6.20 depending g on where between Coombe lane and Southfields they get off. They should have done all their prep by then so while it’s a long day they can come home and vegetate / chill out. As one PP said there is also flex to leave at 4.15 and get the train / a lift if needed, and Fridays are early home nights.
SJL is unique with its flexi boarding offering - literally you can do 1 night / 2 nights / 3 nights or 4 nights and the adhoc option is amazing.