Our Foundations

SMSJ has its roots as far back as 1707, when a parochial school was established at the Sunningfields Road site. Almost 300 years later, St John’s Infants and St Mary’s Juniors successfully amalgamated, to become a primary school. Our Nursery school then opened in April 2007. Supported by the London Diocesan Board for Schools (LDBS), the school flourished and expanded to a three-form entry in the primary phase.

As a result of the success of the primary school, the LDBS in partnership with Barnet Local Authority, expanded into the secondary phase in 2014. The success of this development along with the school’s popularity and subsequent over subscription, resulted in further expansion to six forms of entry in September 2017 as we opened our Stamford Raffles Campus, housing students from years 9 to 13. This includes new facilities such as our fully equipped theatre and stunning Sixth Form Centre. 

In September 2025 SMSJ joined the Wren Academies Trust following a period of collaboration between the Trust schools. Being part of a successful Trust has meant that SMSJ has benefited from shared expertise, resources, and mutual support that enhances teaching and learning. By working closely with each other it has been possible to attain increasingly higher standards which benefit all members of our learning communities.

SMSJ values its long-standing service to the community which has only been enhanced through joining the Wren Academies Trust. Our strong foundation has enabled us to grow into the thriving, multi-faith, high-attaining school we are today, providing excellence in teaching and learning for the children of Hendon and beyond. We welcome young people of all faiths and backgrounds into our close-knit school community shaped by a strong Christian vision.