St John's Overview

The school is situated in the village of Digswell on the Hertford Road approximately two miles from Welwyn and four miles from Hertford. The village is adjacent to the northern outskirts of Welwyn Garden City. Digswell is a pleasant area situated in rural surroundings, yet close to the A1(M) and railway, which makes for easy access to London and destinations north.

In common with many church schools, the original buildings date from 1872 and 1893 and these are still used as a classroom and library. An additional classroom was added in 1948 and a hall, kitchen and linking corridor in 1959. Three light and spacious classrooms were added in 1973 and a sixth classroom was opened in 1983. The old school house has been converted to create the main entrance, offices, staff room, and small group rooms for interventions. Our purpose built nursery was opened in 1981 and stands across the playground from the main building. A seventh and final classroom was added alongside the nursery in 2002 to house the Reception class, thus completing our Early Years provision.

As well as the usual playground area, a playing field runs along the back of the school and it is surrounded by trees and is bordered on one side by the River Mimram. We have developed a riverside nature reserve for scientific and environmental work, a sensory garden with allotments and also have a woodland area for Forest Schools activities. 

St John’s is a popular school with good academic standards, with an ethos of care and consideration for all, underpinned by Christian Values. OFSTED last inspected St John’s in Apirl 2023 when they found a ‘good’ school in every respect. Our school is proud of the achievements of our children and the staff team and our current awards can be seen below. The school is concerned with the education of the ‘whole child’, in that religious, moral and social values play an important part in the life of the school.

As a Church of England school, we have strong links with our local churches and deliver a broad and balanced Religious Education.  The local ministry team are actively involved in the life of our school, particularly with our Tuesday morning Act of Worship and our Eucharist Services throughout the year.  Each week we celebrate children’s achievements in school and out of school.

We offer a Breakfast Club each morning and an after school club too through Tetra Sports and Fitness. 

The school has a warm and nurturing atmosphere with parents being welcome visitors to the school. They help in a variety of ways, both in and outside of the classroom. Other events involving parents, include learning workshops, presentations on year group expectations and sharing assemblies.  In addition, there are many social events organised by our friendly Parent Teacher Association (Friends of St John’s), for the whole community.

If you would like to find out more about our amazing school then please get in touch with the School Office by telephoning 01438 714283 or by emailing admin@digswell.herts.sch.uk.