St John’s College exists for the advancement of education, religion, learning and research. Our hallmarks are integrity, independence and the pursuit of academic excellence, values that are deeply embedded in our tolerant, inclusive, fair and caring community. We embrace diversity of experience, ideas, culture and perspective, which enrich our learning and our lives. We honour our stewardship obligations to future generations of the College. We foster the progress of academic ideas, freedom and scholarship, and support the wellbeing of our planet. We aim to be recognised as a model of 21st-century collegiality.
The College offers a social and intellectual setting in which knowledge and understanding are enhanced, shared and appreciated. We attract and sustain an international community of leading academics of disciplinary breadth and depth, across the sciences and the humanities, who progress world-class research and in doing so bring our students closer to the excitement and nature of original research. Our Fellows usually also hold teaching or leadership positions in the University of Cambridge. We support their research, including by awarding Research Fellowships and grants to outstanding postdoctoral academics to accelerate their research progress and the early stages of their academic careers.
We admit undergraduate and postgraduate students from the UK and worldwide who we consider have the highest academic merit and potential to benefit from the education provided by the College and the University. Admissions are entirely based on merit, regardless of any applicant’s financial, social, religious or ethnic background. We ensure that money is not a barrier to realising academic potential for St John’s students. We provide our students with excellent teaching, exceptional educational facilities and support for learning: this includes pastoral care, Tutorial guidance, and social, recreational and sporting opportunities. Our alumni remain valued members of the College community for life, recognised for their achievements across all fields and appreciated for their continuing involvement in and support for St John’s.
We carry forward our 500-year history as a place of reflection and learning on matters of religious faith. Our Chapel offers a place of worship to members of the College and the public, enriched by our outstanding choral tradition. We look to support the emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing of all members of the College community whatever their tradition, faith or none.
We are committed to preserving the College’s independence and self-determination which, with that of other colleges, is a fundamental ingredient in the success of the collegiate University. We honour our responsibility for assets of national and international significance, both intangible in the academic culture of Cambridge and tangible in the shape of our architecturally important historic buildings and grounds.
