I recently had the pleasure of interviewing former staff member Mr SW (Bill) Chubb who came to St. John’s in 1962 as the very first teacher of Economics and Politics.

I asked him what were the most significant changes during his time at St John’s. ‘Without doubt the most important was the admission of girls’ was Mr Chubb's reply, but he had also witnessed he said the much needed improvement in facilities of all sorts ranging from washrooms to the building of new classrooms and a sports hall. ‘In 1962 things were somewhat Spartan’.

We discussed his interests outside the classroom which led to his surprise to learn that the House Debating competition which he inaugurated is now named after him. He was also amused to learn that the annual pancake race which he also instituted still survives; both remain highlights in the St John's Pupil calendar to this day. 

Bill will be remembered for his production of House and School plays and his running of the Theatre Club which allowed Sixth Formers and members of the Common Room to see first class London productions. ‘I enjoyed all this enormously’.

Mr Chubb retired in 1996 since when he has lived opposite the School. He told me that it gave him very great pleasure to witness the further changes since then.‘Any OJ returning would I think be amazed. The landscaping alone would be worth the visit!’.

As an OJ, you are always warmly invited to come back to the school for a tour - please get in contact with development@stjohns.surrey.sch.uk to organise this. 

Thank you Bill Chubb!