Established in 1959, the school serves the mid Essex deanery in the Diocese of Brentwood.

In 2018, the school's Sixth Form building was opened, and named after St Anne Line.

These four buildings and the Sports Hall provide the teaching areas in the school which sit in 25 acres of grounds.

The Columbus School and College are close neighbours and students from St John Payne often are involved with liaison and support activities.

Upon admission to St John Payne, all pupils are assigned to one of six houses, each named after a religious order.