Dr Paul St John

Having graduated with an MA from Oxford University I commenced a PGCE in the Education Department at Oxford.  On qualifying as a teacher, I was appointed in that capacity at The Royal Philanthropic School, Redhill, Surrey.  The Philanthropic was a regional centre with an assessment provision, community home with education and a secure unit. 

Principally, I was attached to the assessment centre and whilst there undertook various placements at other facilities across the country.  These included Peper Harrow, Finchdon Manor, Walsh Manor, Redhill and the Caldicott Community.  These placements were between 6 weeks and 3 months.  I was then offered the opportunity to return to university, Bristol, to qualify as an Educational Psychologist, this was funded by Wandsworth Social Services Department, who had overall responsibility for the Philanthropic. 

On completion of my qualification, I returned to the Philanthropic for 4 years, during which time I had placement in the CHE and the secure unit.  I then moved to the West Country, where I took a teaching post at Pitt House School, Torquay.  Following a brief period there I decided, with a couple of interested parties to set up a small special school, Swallowcliff where I remained for 18 months following registration.

I then decided that I would take a break from the special school sphere and followed a commercial career, which culminated in my having various roles, and latterly serving as a Sales Director for a large transport company.  Additionally for a number of companies in the sector as Managing Director.  During this period, I was instrumental in organising a management buy-out of one of these companies.  It was following this that I decided to return to the profession after qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist at UCL.  More recently, I was Chair of Governors at Elsey Primary School in Wembley serving a 4-year period.  The school had recently moved from 2 form entry to 4 form entry after a significant enlargement of the school buildings and provision.  During my term of service, the Head teacher and I had a significant role in taking the school through the COVID period and ensuing restrictions.  This was until 6 months ago when I returned to Kent for domestic reasons.

My interests have included rugby at a senior and representative level, rowing, sailing and classic cars.

I have retained my interest and commitment to working with children, which I wish to continue.