News

Dr Michael Boyd, St John's College Archivist, sits down with Stuart West in the Headmaster's Study to reflect on his six years as the 16th Headmaster of St John's College, ahead of his departure at the end of 2025.

This Michaelmas Term has been one of reflection, achievement, and community spirit. In this edition of College Life, we cover the many events and milestones that took place across the term

As we draw near to the holiday season, it is a pleasure to share with you the latest edition of The Old Johannian Newsletter.

Olga Maluleke is our Head of Human Resources, returning to her roots in education to shape the "People at the Core" pillar of our strategy through genuine partnership with staff.

Dr Matthew Street (Head of School |Alston 1996) joined St John’s College in 1991 and served as Head of School in his matric year, 1996. During his time at the College, he distinguished himself both academically and on the sports field, embodying the values of leadership, commitment, and excellence.

The St John's community made its annual pilgrimage to our birthplace, The Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin, on Sunday, 9 November, for the service of Nine Lessons and Carols, a glorious celebration of the Incarnation unfolded through poetry, scripture, choral music, community song, and instrumental music for brass and strings.

As the sporting programme goes into its end-of-year break, we thought we'd take a look back at some of the significant sporting achievements that happened during the year. We have featured 10 of them. It's not a ranked top 10 list. Of course, there were other noteworthy performances that could just as easily have been on the list, but we decided to limit it to 10.

Xiaoyuan Li (UIV Alston) recently became St John's first student to win the Tour de Maths tournament's Overall Individual title. Competing with partner Zhirui Li (UIV Hill), he placed first across seven rounds against the country's top mathematics students.

Former Preparatory School Headmaster Mr Tim Evans passed away in Hilton on Monday, 30 November 2025. Remembered for his kindness, tremendous work ethic and faultless professionalism, Evans headed the Prep during a pivotal time in the School’s development and growth – a time of great change both physically and organisationally – as well as being Head during the first democratic election in 1994.

Six years of leadership. A pandemic navigated. A community strengthened. An evening filled with gratitude and reflection as St John's bids farewell to Stuart West as he prepares to step down as the school's 16th Executive Headmaster. Through speeches, tributes, and the unveiling of his portrait, the College honoured a leader who understood that tradition lives only when it breathes.

Vanessa Govender reflects on her first year as Deputy Head: Academics in the College, championing boys' education and preparing students for life beyond exams.

The staff of St John's College gathered in solidarity to support the declaration of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide as a National Disaster.