The John Lyon School, Harrow: An Independent Day School with Proud Heritage and Strong Performance (FindMySchool Review 2026)

In 1876, the Governors of Harrow School established The John Lyon School to preserve the educational vision of John Lyon himself, the philanthropic farmer whose Royal Charter in 1572 had founded Harrow School. Nearly 150 years later, that commitment to educating local families remains embedded in the school's DNA. Now a fully co-educational institution spanning ages 2 to 18 with around 860 students, John Lyon operates across three campuses in Harrow-on-the-Hill and nearby Sudbury Fields. Mrs Rose Hardy, who joined as Head in 2024, brings extensive leadership experience from independent and maintained sectors. The school earned an Excellent rating from ISI inspectors in 2024, the highest accolade. Academically, performance sits in the middle 35% of England's independent schools for GCSEs but climbs noticeably into the top 27% at A-level, indicating a school where sixth formers thrive particularly strongly. Results show 49% of GCSE entries at grades 7-9, and three-quarters of A-level entries at grade C or above. Three-quarters of leavers progress to university, with nearly half securing Russell Group places.

John Lyon School occupies a distinctive position in North West London education, bridging heritage and progressive thinking in equal measure. The school's motto, Stet Fortuna Domus (May the fortune of the house stand), captures an institution rooted in historical continuity yet actively shaped by contemporary leadership. The all-through structure, from early years nursery through Year 13, creates a coherent learning community where younger pupils observe and aspire to older students' achievements, and sixth formers mentor and support younger peers in an organised house system.

The school's identity centres on eight core values: Ambition, Community, Creativity, Enquiry, Excellence, Heritage, Innovation and Resolve. These are not decorative; staff and students actively reference them throughout daily life. The ISI inspection team noted strong behaviour and genuine respect among pupils. The atmosphere appears purposeful without being pressurised; students describe their experience as balanced between academic rigour and opportunities to explore interests beyond the curriculum. The addition of girls from Year 7 onwards (starting in 2021) has transformed the cultural mix, with leadership consciously managing the transition to full co-education by 2027.

Facilities span three sites: Middle Road hosts the senior school; Hindes Road houses the preparatory department; and Sudbury Fields, a 25-acre sports complex, anchors the athletic programme. The senior campus features recently invested science accommodation and digital infrastructure. The Susan Milner Hall at the prep campus supports performance and assembly. A heated indoor swimming pool and AstroTurf pitch sit on the main senior site, while the Sudbury Fields complex includes extensive pitches, pavilion facilities and the Old Lyonian Football Club's headquarters.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, results painted a mixed picture across the cohort. Overall, 86% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above (the modern equivalent of a strong pass), with 92% reaching grade 4 or above. At the higher end, 49% of entries were graded 7 or above, and 31% achieved grades 8 or 9. These figures indicate solid performance with a notable proportion securing top marks, though the school ranks 3,996 out of 4,593 independent schools in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools nationally. The Attainment 8 score of 11.6 reflects respectable progress from pupils' starting points.

What emerges from departmental data is a school offering genuine breadth. An English Baccalaureate programme encourages ambitious subject combinations. Languages, sciences and humanities are well-represented. The school supports pupils across a range of abilities, with identified learners receiving targeted intervention through the Learning Support team.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form tells a stronger academic story. In 2024, over 30% of entries achieved A* or A grades, with more than half graded B or above and three-quarters at C or above. These outcomes position the school noticeably higher: it ranks 727 out of 2,649 sixth forms in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it comfortably within the top 27% of schools nationally. An Oxbridge Coordinator role and dedicated careers support underpin university progression.

The school offers over 30 A-level subjects plus the bespoke Goldhawk Diploma, a sixth-form-specific qualification designed to develop academic breadth and resilience. Students benefit from access to some advanced courses through partnership with Harrow School, a rare advantage of the Harrow Family arrangement.

Teaching follows traditional academic structures with modern methodologies. Lessons in the prep school and most senior school lessons show well-planned progression and good pupil progress, according to ISI findings (2024). Inspectors noted that occasionally in the senior school some lessons lack sufficient challenge for all pupils, a realistic observation in a school of this intake range. Teachers have strong subject knowledge, and the school encourages intellectual curiosity through extension seminars, essay competitions, lecture societies and themed enrichment programmes.

The curriculum is broad, supporting what ISI called "a greater understanding of the academic, personal and social opportunities available to them." English and mathematics receive careful attention, with dedicated support for both struggling learners and those seeking extension. The sciences are taught separately from Year 7 onwards. Computing and digital literacy permeate the curriculum. Religious Studies explores multiple faith traditions with genuine intellectual rigour.

Pupils with SEND receive coordinated support. The school employs a dedicated learning support team to identify and facilitate progress for pupils with additional needs. Transition support is embedded; pupils moving between phases (prep to senior, lower to upper sixth) receive structured induction. Class sizes typically range from 20-28 in core subjects, dropping below 10 in some A-level sets.

University destination data from 2024 leavers shows 76% progressed to university, with approximately 44% securing places at Russell Group institutions. This pattern aligns with the school's explicit focus on university readiness. The Oxbridge Coordinator role and structured careers programme reflect serious institutional commitment to competitive university entry.

In 2024, just one student secured an Oxbridge place (at Cambridge). While modest in absolute numbers, this reflects the school's sixth form size and the ferocity of Oxbridge competition nationally. Popular destination universities include Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol and Exeter. Medical and dental school entry is a notable pathway, with strong STEM provision supporting these applications. The Goldhawk Diploma and bespoke sixth form curriculum support unconventional as well as traditional degree choices.

9% of 2024 leavers moved directly into employment, suggesting viable alternative pathways for those not pursuing university. The school's partnership with Harrow School creates rare opportunities for sixth formers: collaborative STEAM projects, cross-school seminars, streaming of specialist lectures and access to broader sixth form cohorts in certain subjects.

Entry points occur at Nursery (from age 3), Reception, Year 3, Year 7, Year 9 and Lower Sixth. The school is academically selective; entry involves assessments in English and mathematics, plus school reference and interview. For Year 7 entry (the largest intake cohort), approximately 250 pupils apply from over 100 local primary schools for around 100 places, with growing numbers listing John Lyon as first preference. The admissions timeline typically includes registration by 31 October, examination in January and decisions in spring.

Academic Scholarships are awarded based on entrance examination performance, school reference and interview. Sixth Form Scholarships depend on GCSE results. Means-tested bursaries are available through John Lyon's Charity, with the school committed to widening access for local families. Current bursary provision means some pupils pay reduced fees or none at all; approximately 15-20% of the cohort typically receives financial support. The school actively markets bursary availability and encourages applications from talented pupils whose families couldn't otherwise afford independent education.

The school's location offers excellent transport links: Harrow-on-the Hill, West Harrow, Rayners Lane and Northwick Park Underground stations serve the site. Road access spans Harrow-on-the-Hill itself plus Hindes Road and Middle Road campuses. Families from Central London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire are represented in the roll.

ISI inspectors found that leaders know pupils well and are able to identify and support their needs. This is evident in the structured pastoral system: tutor groups of 6-8 students provide academic oversight and pastoral continuity. A Deputy Head (Pastoral) oversees behaviour, attendance and safeguarding. The sixth form has a dedicated Head and Deputy Head (Wellbeing). Designated Safeguarding Leaders and trained staff respond swiftly to concerns. External counselling services are available when additional support is needed.

The school operates a house system across secondary years, fostering inter-year mentoring and community. House competitions and assemblies build collective identity. Behaviour expectations are clearly communicated and consistently reinforced. The ISI report found safeguarding arrangements robust, with policies reviewed and implemented effectively.

Early years and primary provision emphasise emotional intelligence, resilience and self-confidence. The school encourages reflection on mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures. Mental health awareness and wellbeing are embedded across the curriculum, particularly in PSHE and tutor time. Forest School provision in the primary years supports outdoor learning and risk-taking in safe contexts.

John Lyon's extracurricular programme represents a defining strength. The school offers more than 100 clubs and societies each week, plus over 70 sports practices seasonally, creating an environment where virtually every student finds a niche. Named ensembles and societies include: Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Jazz Band, String Quartet, Wind Band, Brass Ensemble, Orchestra, Swing Band, Debating Society, Classics Society, Philosophy Club, Biochemistry Journal Club, Portraiture Club, Art Club and Drama Club. The Chamber Choir reached the final of the National Choral Competition twice in recent years (2022, 2023), ranking in the top 14 under-11 choirs nationally.

Drama programmes feature a Year 7 Festival, where all pupils perform in short plays with professional production values and technical support. The annual musical, performed in partnership with Harrow School in the prestigious 350-seat Ryan Theatre, draws thousands of audience members and involves professional collaborators. Both showcase student talent and build confidence and collaboration skills.

Music is particularly prominent. The school actively encourages all pupils to join at least one ensemble, whether learning at John Lyon or externally. Over 40 music activities run weekly. Instrumental tuition is available on at least 15 instruments, with fees charged separately. An annual concert calendar includes formal recitals, informal lunchtime performances and inter-house competitions.

Sports span football, cricket, hockey, basketball, water polo, badminton, athletics, tennis, golf, rock climbing, sailing and judo. UEFA and FA-qualified coaches lead football training on John Lyon's excellent Sudbury pitches. Rugby, netball and cross country round out provision. Specialist sports include Athletics, Badminton, Basketball and Water Polo, with elite pathways for those showing high potential. Fixtures are competitive; the school plays regularly against local and regional schools. Non-competitive recreational options ensure inclusive participation.

STEM enrichment includes robotics projects, coding clubs, biology dissection societies and mathematics olympiad training. A Goldhawk Diploma in sixth form offers independent research projects. Computer Science sits alongside traditional sciences, appealing to pupils interested in AI, game design and digital media.

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) operates with both military and non-military options, offering leadership development and outdoor challenges. Duke of Edinburgh Award runs to Gold level, with expeditions to diverse locations. Sixth formers volunteer as mentors, lead clubs and support younger peers, developing responsibility and service mindset.

Old Lyonian alumni clubs and societies maintain long-term engagement: the Old Lyonian Football Club (founded 1902) plays competitively in the Southern Amateur Football League and Amateur Football Alliance. Golf Society, networking groups and regional reunions foster lifelong community.

Annual tuition fees for 2025-26 are approximately £30,000 per year, inclusive of school lunches. Prep fees range from £5,967 (Reception) to £6,790 per term, translating to roughly £18,000-£20,000 annually. Senior school fees sit around £10,000 per term. Sixth form fees align with senior fees. All figures include VAT; the school applies a discretionary offset to mitigate some VAT impact on parents where possible.

Registration fees apply to new entrants. Additional costs include a compulsory School Managed Device (laptop) at approximately £780 for Years 7-9 and £1,200 for Years 10-13. Music tuition is charged separately at £225 per term (10 lessons). Uniform costs, trips and optional activities carry further charges, though school lunches and core tuition are covered within fees.

Bursaries are means-tested and available to pupils demonstrating talent and potential. The John Lyon School Development Trust manages bursary allocation. Families with genuine financial need are encouraged to contact the school to discuss individual circumstances; arrangements are typically made flexibly. Academic Scholarships for Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form entry reduce fees by 10-25% based on examination performance and potential. Additional scholarships recognise achievement in music, sport, art and drama, with further value available when combined with bursaries.

Flexible payment options include monthly instalments through a third-party provider (School Fee Plan) at a 4% transaction fee, significantly lower than direct school payment plans. A Fees in Advance Scheme rewards early payment. Childcare Vouchers may be applied to nursery fees and wraparound care.

The school day runs from 08:30 to 15:20 (core hours) for prep pupils and 08:30 to 16:00 for secondary students. Sixth form timetables are more flexible, with supervised study and off-site enrichment options. Breakfast club runs from 07:30 to 08:20, offering cereals, toast and supervised activities. After-school care operates 16:00-17:00 and 17:00-18:00 (charged hourly), with homework support and supervised activities. These wraparound services benefit working families; enquire directly for holiday club provision.

Transport links are excellent. Harrow-on-the-Hill Underground (Metropolitan and Piccadilly Lines) sits within walking distance of the senior campus. West Harrow, Rayners Lane and Northwick Park stations add alternatives. Road access is straightforward from all directions. The school runs a limited minibus service; details available from admissions. Parking on Hindes Road (prep) and Middle Road (senior) is available, though limited. Walking and cycling are actively encouraged.

School meals are included in tuition fees. Vegetarian and dietary accommodations are catered for. Parents receive quarterly progress reports. Online access to attainment data and school calendar is provided via the parent portal.

Entry is competitive. While the school values a range of abilities, entrance examinations select for academic potential. Families should prepare realistically for the 11+ tests; approximately 250 apply for 100 places. The entrance process requires time for assessments, interviews and planning.

Fee affordability is relevant for many families. At approximately £30,000 annually, the school sits comfortably in the mid-market of London independent schools, but is not accessible to all families without bursary support. Early enquiry about financial aid is recommended; the school's commitment to bursaries is genuine, but cannot accommodate all applications.

The transition to full co-education continues. While girls have been admitted from Year 7 since 2021 and now represent a meaningful minority, the school remains adjusting its culture and facilities. Boarding is not available; the school is exclusively day. Families wanting full co-education from age 2 should note that the youngest cohorts retain separate provision, though this is evolving.

The sixth form is not significantly selective beyond GCSE performance. Around 30+ A-level subjects are offered, but not every combination is available. Entry requirements vary by subject; some require specific GCSE grades or practical demonstration of suitability. Internal progression from Year 11 to Lower Sixth is not automatic; sixth form entry is subject to meeting academic criteria.

John Lyon School is a solidly performing all-through day school with genuine heritage and a clear commitment to both academic excellence and pupil wellbeing. Results are respectable, particularly at A-level where sixth formers consistently outperform the school's GCSE standing. Pastoral care is warm and structured. The extracurricular offer is generous and inclusive. Fees are competitive for London; bursaries provide real access for talented pupils from less affluent backgrounds. The school has successfully navigated significant structural change (amalgamation with Quainton Hall Prep in 2020, transition to co-education in 2021, and full through-school integration ongoing) without sacrificing its character or performance.

Best suited to families in or with easy access to North West London seeking a balanced, all-round education with strong pastoral foundations. The school suits pupils who thrive in a traditional academic structure with generous extracurricular provision, and whose parents value heritage and community alongside contemporary pedagogical practice. The school is less appropriate for families looking for either boarding provision, single-sex education (post Year 7), or unconventional curricula such as Montessori or International Baccalaureate. Realistic preparation for entrance examinations is advisable, and early financial discussions with the admissions team are sensible if bursary eligibility may apply.