Children and young people have been cared for at St. John’s for nearly 130 years. The founder, Miss Jane Borradaile opened St. John’s as a seaside convalescent home in 1886.

Miss Borradaile had been campaigning for over 10 years to open a free institution for the care of the poor and needy from the east and south-east of London. She organised appeals to raise money for the project.

In her first appeal she wrote, “In the first place, I am anxious to make an entirely free home, no weekly payment to be required for any patient”.

In 1956 St. John’s transformed into a school for children with learning disabilities and it has continued to provide the very best in education, care and support to this very day, maintaining the vision of our founder in protecting and helping those most vulnerable in our society.

1875

First appeal for funds made by Jane Borradaile

1886

Secured funds to open St John's on Walpole Road (where we are to this day!)

1890

Foundations laid for the chapel (now the performing arts studio)

1918

Jane Borradaile died, leaving St John's more than £500 (a lot of money in those days!)

1956

St John's becomes a school for children with learning disabilities

1971

Walpole Road site refurbished

1991

New classroom block (Sea View) opened

1994

Further education unit opened to provide for students up to 19 years of age

2001

St John's opens the school in Seaford

2007

Age range at the College extended to 25

2010

New Chief Executive, Mark Hughes arrives and total refurbishment of St John's begins

2012

Refurbishment work completed

2013

St John's re-brands and launches new website.

2016

St John’s celebrated it’s 130th year with a varied programme of events which culminated in a two day creative arts festival for our learners.

2017

Simon Charleton appointed as new Chief Executive.

2018

Launch of ten new service developments.

St John’s has seen the turn of two centuries and is very proud of its heritage and the young people who have been the most important part of it.

For more information visit their website - https://www.st-johns.co.uk