St. John’s College is a non-maintained specialist college, working with autistic people, the majority of whom also have learning disabilities. Some of our learners also have conditions such as epilepsy, hearing or visual impairments, or mental health needs. We also support autistic learners who have an additional profile of pathological demand avoidance syndrome.
Each of our learner’s curriculum is shaped by their individual strengths and interests. St. John’s has an Autism Accreditation by the National Autistic Society (NAS). We support our learners to develop their skills in the NAS’s four focus areas of:
- Difference in social communication and interaction
- Self-reliance and problem-solving
- Sensory
- Emotional well-being
St. John’s College has an outstanding training package which ensures our learners are supported by a highly skilled staff team who respect their choices and lifestyle. We have high expectations for our learners, helping them to achieve success in their future lives.
Young people can attend our college on a residential, day, full- or part- time basis, in partnership with other providers, or on a sessional or outreach basis.
Trustees
History
Caring for children and young people for over 135 years
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A History of St. John’s Brighton
Children and young people have been cared for at St. John’s for over 135 years. The founder, Miss Jane Borradaile, opened St. John’s as a seaside convalescent home in 1886.
Miss Borradaile had been campaigning for over ten 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. It has continued to provide the very best in education, care and support to the present day, maintaining the vision of our founder, to support those most vulnerable in our society.
Timeline
St. John’s was founded in the Victorian era. We are proud of our heritage and of all the children and young people who have passed through our doors.
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1875
First appeal for funds made by Sister Jane Borradaile.
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1886
Sister Jane secured funds to open St. John’s at Walpole Road where we remain to this day.
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1890
Foundations laid for the chapel (now the Wolfson performing arts studio).
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1918
Sister Jane Borradaile died, leaving St. John’s more than £500 (almost £40,000 in today’s money).
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1956
St. John’s becomes a school for children with learning disabilities.
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1971
Walpole Road site is refurbished.
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1991
New classroom block (Sea View) opened.
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1994
Further education unit opened to provide for students up to 19 years of age.
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2001
St. John’s opens a new school in Seaford.
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2007
Age range at the college extended to 25.
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2010
New chief executive, Mark Hughes arrives and total refurbishment of St. John’s begins.
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2012
Refurbishment work completed.
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2013
St. John’s unveils a new brand and website.
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2016
St. John’s celebrated its 130th year with a varied programme of events, culminating in a two day creative arts festival.
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2017
Simon Charleton appointed as chief executive.
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2018
Launch of ten new service developments.
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2020
Launch of new strategic plan.
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2022
We become the licensed Autism Education Trust partner for Brighton & Hove.
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2023
St. John’s School in Seaford closes its doors, after 22 years.
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2023
St. John’s College will become part of Ambitious about Autism, the national charity standing with autistic children and young people.
Additional Information: Accounts
