Independent Quality Assurance Agency Evaluation of
St John’s College – 2007

The reports on the St John’s College 2007 evaluation have been received with appreciation.  This fourth evaluation of the College is noteworthy evidence of thorough commitment to the principles and practice of evaluation as integral to the working of the school.  It has thereby become a singularly strong encouragement for the IQAA process and an exemplar of how it should be carried out and received by the authorities of each school.

The report’s initial section on the recommendations made following the 2006 evaluation showed, by our count, ten recommendations fully met, four partly, five not, and one (on tutoring) in progress and to be re-evaluated next year.  As evidence of thorough and rigorous goal-setting and reporting this is admirable.  The debates on setting, tutoring, pupil leadership, and finding enough time for staff and boys to fit in all their many commitments and enthusiasms have no simple solutions.  However, what has been done in other areas suggests that satisfactory modes of operation can and will be found.

The examination of the special and distinctive areas of Christian ethos, African identity and the ‘world class’ concept at St John’s appears to have been well worth while.  The extension of the Christian emphasis into more than ritual observances in areas such as the conditions of service for support staff is impressive and important.  So is the acceptance of pupils and parents of other faiths within the St John’s family and their happy identification with the school.  The very real awareness of striving at all levels to manifest Lux Vita Caritas within the school community is a great strength.  Some of the realities in these distinctive areas must remain not altogether measurable perceptions, and this the report recognises.  But the directing of thought and some specific concepts that emerge will prove valuable.

Of procedural interest was the relatively poor response to the electronic operation of the opinion surveys.  IQAA has also had such reports from other technically well-equipped schools, especially in respect of parental replies. 

The Headmaster, team leader, team members, mentor and all others involved are to be commended on the thorough and workmanlike carrying out of the process.  If a dash of pride may be permitted, we report that for good reason St John’s evaluations have been among the jewels in the IQAA crown.  That this will continue is clear and most welcome.