Considering that John Lyon sought to provide education for local boys, The John Lyon School stands as a testament to his vision. It continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. The John Lyon School, located in Harrow on the Hill, has a rich history dating back to 1876.
Founded by the Governors of Harrow School, The John Lyon School was intended to educate local boys. This fulfilled the long-held wishes of John Lyon himself, the founder of Harrow School. The John Lyon School is a successor to the English Form. This was established in 1853 to educate local scholars.
The John Lyon School maintains strong historic ties with Harrow School. Both schools are closely partnered as part of the Harrow Family of Schools. Until September 2021, The John Lyon School was a boys’ school. It then became co-educational, welcoming girls and ending its single-sex status.
In 2020, The John Lyon School merged with Quainton Hall Prep. This created an all-through school. From January 2024, Quainton Hall Preparatory School was rebranded as part of The John Lyon School. The school now caters to pupils aged 3 to 18.
The governing body of Harrow School retains some control over The John Lyon School. However, most responsibilities are delegated to a John Lyon board of governors. This committee includes Harrow governors and co-opted governors.
The John Lyon School has seen many heads throughout its history. These include J.E. Williams, E. Young, E.H. Butt and O.A. Le Beau. More recent heads include R.F. Boyd Campbell, G.V. Surtees, D. Dixon, T.J. Wright, C. Ray, D.A. Rimmer, K.J. Riley, K.E. Haynes and R.K.R Hardy who is the current head.
Many notable individuals have attended The John Lyon School. These alumni include Francis Bennion, Michael Bogdanov and Andrew deMello. Others include Andrew Carwood, Alfred Dunhill and David Fell. Alastair Fraser, David Gavurin and Gary Gibbon also attended. Ben Gill, Michael Gold and Roger Griffin are also alumni.
Liam Halligan, Johann Hari and Kenneth Hudson are among the school’s notable former students. Anthony Jeffrey, Vladimir V. Kara-Murza and Michael McCarthy also attended. Inder Manocha, Sir Peter Marychurch and Alastair Miles are other alumni. Brian Pearce, Stephen Pollard and David Punter are also on the list. Julian Rhind-Tutt, Gordon Douglas Rowley and Raymond Sawkins are also alumni. Michael Shersby, Victor Silvester and Kabir Toor attended The John Lyon School. Michael Turner, John Wardley and Timothy West are also former students. Paul Wilkinson completes this impressive list of alumni.
The John Lyon School has also had notable staff and governors. These include Ian Blanchett, Lord Lexden and Angus Fraser. Owain Arwel Hughes, Albert Alan Owen and Chris Peploe have also been associated with the school. George Weedon and Ian Whybrow were also members of staff.
The Old Lyonian Association represents the school’s alumni. The school motto is Stet Fortuna Domus. This translates to May the fortune of the house stand. The school’s colors are blue and gold. The school publishes The Lyonian, The Standard and STEAM into the Future. The school badge features a Rampant Lion.
Today, The John Lyon School continues to provide a high-quality education. It prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world. The school is academically selective and co-educational.