The school serves the Brickhill, Harpur and Queens Park areas of Bedford as well as the villages of Biddenham and Great Denham.

It was established in 1979 as John Howard Upper School (for pupils ages 13 to 18).

The award was made in recognition of Biddenham's international ethos and its links with schools abroad.

[1] Following this, the school planned to offer the International Baccalaureate to its sixth form students as an alternative to A level courses from September 2010, however a lack of interest amongst students has led to the baccalaureate being withdrawn at the school.

[3] However since 1 September 2011, St John’s School has gained academy status and the plans for the move are on hold.