You must be a registered user to access this information. Registration is free and it takes less than 1 minute to sign up.
Not right now. May be later!You must be a registered user to access this information. Registration is free and it takes less than 1 minute to sign up.
Not right now. May be later!
It is a truly exciting and busy time at John Lyon, with the school becoming co-educational from September 2021 and welcoming our first ever cohort of female pupils to the Hill in our history 145th year. We have also recently united with Quainton Hall, which has become our prep school, enabling us to offer families an outstanding 3-18 through-school experience.
Leading a prestigious school like John Lyon and being part of school life is a great honour and a huge source of pride. Every day I witness remarkable pupils being challenged with new ideas, taught to them by a dedicated group of teachers in facilities envied by many. I see these pupils achieve: in the classroom, on the sports field, in the music hall, on the stage. Most satisfyingly, I see happy children.
Our academic curriculum is rightly at the heart of every working day at our northwest London school. It forms the very core of all we seek to achieve as a leading place of learning. English, Mathematics, the sciences, humanities, creative arts, languages and digital learning form a curriculum designed to educate and inspire, giving both knowledge and a desire to want to know more.
There is, however, much more beyond the classroom, including Sport, which largely takes place on our 25-acre playing fields; Music and Drama, which are huge strengths of John Lyon; and well-resourced co-curricular programme and extra-curricular activities that help our pupils develop character, pick up key transferable skills and explore the world around them.
John Lyon School life is a programme of personal growth and enrichment rarely seen in many schools – the sort of education that is highly sought after in today’s competitive educational marketplace, and prized by parents interested in a high quality independent education.
Fluent literacy and an ability to express clearly what is thought and felt is essential to academic success, and fulfilment of career ambitions, but English is also concerned with developing creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, independence and adaptability – all key skills in the 21st century.
Being able to enjoy and explore a wide-range of texts enlarges a pupil's understanding of the world outside their own time and place as well as improving their ability to communicate accurately and with clarity.
English is at the very heart of a John Lyon education. Alongside Mathematics, English is a core discipline studied by all pupils from Year 7 through to the end of (I)GCSEs in Year 11, where pupils sit both English Language and English Literature exams. English Literature remains one of the most popular subject choices at A-Level.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's extensive list of extra-curricular activities includes many options for pupils who enjoy the English language, including Book and Film Club, Comic Book Club, Drama Club and Debating.
Mathematics is at the very heart of a John Lyon education. Alongside English, Maths is a core discipline studied by all pupils from Year 7 through to the end of (I)GCSEs in Year 11.
Mathematics' popularity among pupils means it is consistently the most-chosen subject to study at A-Level. Results-wise, Mathematics is consistently one of the most successful departments in the school, achieving excellent results at both IGCSE and A-level. As a result we often have many pupils who go on to study Mathematics-based subjects at university, such as Engineering, Architecture and straight Mathematics.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon students have many opportunities to put their mathematical knowledge to the test outside the classroom. Every year pupils of all ages enter the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust competitions, with many being recognised for their achievements and gaining entry to further higher competitions.
John Lyon's extensive list of extra-curricular activities includes many options for pupils with mathematical minds, such as Architecture, STEP/MAT Masterclass, VEX Robotics and Board Game Club.
Alongside developing scientific knowledge, the range of transferable skills developed by studying Biology includes analysis, teamwork, manual dexterity, mathematics and independent and logical thinking skills.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's programme of extra-curricular activities includes a number of options directly related to or complementary to Biology, such as Biochemistry Journal Club, Biomedical Club, Dexterity Club and Wildlife Club. of transferable skills developed by studying Biology includes analysis, teamwork, manual dexterity, mathematics and independent and logical thinking skills.
Chemistry offers students the opportunity to increase their understanding of the physical world around them and gain insight into the importance of this vital science in our everyday lives.
As the bridge between Biology and Physics it gives students the ability to understand ‘how things work' in a very practical and useful manner. A qualification in Chemistry is highly respected owing to the wide variety of skills that are developed in its study, which include logical reasoning, problem solving, numeracy and literacy.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's programme of extra-curricular activities includes a number of options directly related to or complementary to Chemistry, such as Biochemistry Journal Club, Biomedical Club, Dexterity Club and Kitchen Science. Throughout the year there are also numerous trips, lectures and competitions to take part in.
Physics is an exciting and intellectually stimulating natural science. It is the most fundamental science and underpins other sciences and engineering.
In our technological age, physicists are needed to understand and appreciate the complexities and subtleties of the physical world.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's programme of extra-curricular activities includes a number of options directly related to or complementary to Physics, such as Astonomy, Architecture, CREST Award, Paper Circuits Club and VEX Robotics.
Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems.
It encourages computational thinking, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems and design systems.
Outside the Classroom
Many activities available in John Lyon's list of extra-curricular activities have strong elements of computing and programming, including Architecture, Computer Gaming, GIS Disaster Mapping, VEX Robotics and Virtual Reality.
Creativity is one of John Lyon's eight core values and Art — as both academic subject and extra-curricular pursuit — does a lot to fulfil that value, allowing pupils to embrace individuality with flair and vision.
Appreciation of the arts is encouraged in many ways at John Lyon. The creativity of making works of art alongside the artistic discipline fostered by the dedicated team of Art teachers means it can prove endlessly rewarding. Throughout the School works created by pupils adorn the walls, most notable in the Mall gallery space. The vast range of work on show highlights our pupils' sense of curiosity and experimentation as well as great technical skill.
Studying Art leads to a better understanding of the visual world, allows students to develop their own visual language and gives them the capacity to make informed, critical judgements.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon pupils and students have many opportunities to practice their art outside the classroom and extra-curricular clubs and activities are popular among all pupils, whether they study Art academically or not. Useful activities include the various Art Clubs, Dexterity Club, Photography Club and Print Club. Exhibitions of students' art take place throughout the year. Students are also encouraged to submit their work into competitions.
In an increasingly competitive world, speech and communication skills are becoming more important.
Through studying Drama, pupils gain a greater sense of self-confidence and an increased capacity to express their opinions and beliefs to others. Studying Drama is not only for pupils who have a particular interest in theatre but for those who wish to take a subject that will develop communication, presentation and group working skills.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon pupils and students have many opportunities to practise their drama outside the classroom and extra-curricular clubs and activities are popular among all pupils, whether they study Art academically or not. Useful activities include Book and Film Club, Drama Club and National Theatre Connections.
Music is a hugely important part of both life in general and the well-rounded education that John Lyon offers.
We have a large uptake for the subject in Year 9 and at GCSE, and offer about 20 extra-curricular clubs and ensembles. We also have about 15 staff, including many Visiting Music Teachers with whom you can learn all of the major instruments.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon pupils and students have many opportunities to practise their music outside the classroom and extra-curricular clubs and activities are popular among all pupils, whether they study Music academically or not. Useful activities include Brass Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band, Guitar Ensemble, Flute Choir, Jazz Band, Motet Choir, Music Theory Club, Percussion Ensemble, R&B Group, Rock Jam Sessions, String Ensemble, The Pride of Lyon's and Advanced Music Theory.
Music Technology offers the chance to explore alternative job roles within the music industry, from sound or recording engineer to music arranger or composer.
Critical listening skills are developed alongside recording, sequencing and composition tasks.
Outside the Classroom
There are many additional opportunities for Music Technology students to get involved in production elements of school plays, concerts and events. John Lyon's programme of extra-curricular activities includes a number of options directly related to or complementary to Music Technology including Music Technology Club and Music Theory Class.
French is a major language of international communication. It is the second most widely learned language after English and the sixth most widely spoken language in the world.
By studying French at Key Stage 3, pupils will develop an ability to converse at a basic level. The majority of pupils continue with a language at GCSE because they understand the importance of world languages and international relations. French is important for the international job market and is the language of culture. It is fun to learn and will open up the world to you.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's extensive list of extra-curricular activities includes many options for pupils who enjoy foreign language and culture, including Book and Film Club, Excellence in French and Model United Nations and International Relations.
Spanish has the second highest number of native speakers of any language in the world. Outside Spain, it is widely spoken across South America.
By studying Spanish, pupils will develop an ability to converse in a language with more than 400 million speakers in over 20 countries.
Learning Spanish has many transferable language learning skills and instils an ability to communicate
effectively in the target language and understand a wide range of vocabulary and complex grammar structures. It also builds a greater sense of cultural awareness and an ability to understand local traditions and ways of living.
Outside the Classroom
The Spanish department runs a biennial language and culture trip to Valencia in Spain where pupils attend lessons at a language school and take part in a variety of activities and excursions. John Lyon's extensive list of extra-curricular activities includes many options for pupils who enjoy foreign language and culture, including Book and Film Club and Model United Nations and International Relations.
Business is a fantastic subject that helps to develop students into ‘career-ready' young adults.
It provides students with a wide variety of options after their A-Level examinations and it equips them with a wealth of skills and knowledge that could lead to them becoming the next generation of entrepreneurs and managers.
Outside the Classroom
The John Lyon extra-curricular programme contains clubs and societies useful not only to students studying Business at A-Level, but also to younger pupils who may be considering it as a future academic option. These include Boom Hub, Business Society and Social Sciences Seminar.
Economics is the study of production and allocation of resources. It's about how society copes with the ‘economic problem' – the existence of unlimited wants and scarce resources.
How do people and institutions make decisions? As a society, how do we decide who gets what? How do we even measure changes in human welfare? When we study this, it transpires that economic decisions affect almost everything else. Economics determines the society we live in, our politics, our art, culture, the kinds of jobs we do, the sorts of families we belong to. Economics mixes technical skills of data analysis with making an argument and essay writing skills. Students learn how markets work, how and why they sometimes fail to work, they learn about central economic objectives like keeping inflation or unemployment at sustainable levels and the policy instruments that can be used to influence these. As such, Economics suits all-rounders and develops students' grasp of current affairs. Students finish the course with developed ideas about issues with protectionist trade policies, ideas about nationalisation of important goods and services, the fairness of wage levels, environmental problems attached to economic growth, and the likely impacts of quantitative easing. In short, students of Economics become much better informed people.
Outside the Classroom
The John Lyon extra-curricular programme contains clubs and societies useful not only to students studying Economics at A-Level, but also to younger pupils who may be considering it as a future academic option. These include Boom Hub, Business Society and Social Sciences Seminar.
Geography is the study of our world and all that resides in it, often seen as the ‘bridge' between the sciences and humanities it is this label that gives geography its strengths.
Such a multidisciplinary subject allows students to apply a wide range of thinking to an equally broad range of topics. Whilst the distinctions of ‘physical' and ‘human' geography, or nature and society, still exist it is becoming ever clearer in our modern world that we need to understand how these two interrelated spheres can be approached and understood in a holistic manner. As a subject that seeks to understand how we manage, and live within, our world students are introduced to a wide range of skills, for example creating hypotheses and testing the reliability of data sets through to collating and presenting plans on how to deal with urban poverty. Such an expansive skill set not only makes geography increasingly relevant, but also increasingly employable, opening doors to a wide range of industries.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's extensive list of extra-curricular activities includes many options for pupils who enjoy Geography, including Geography Podcast, Geography Review, GIS Disaster Mapping and Wildlife Club.
History is an academically rigorous subject which equips students with a strong knowledge of the past, as well as many transferable skills which are vital to complement their other academic studies and become well rounded pupils.
Beyond this though, History is inherently fascinating and students will be exposed to a broad range of time periods, people and events at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's extensive list of extra-curricular activities includes many options for pupils who enjoy History Excellence Society and Philosophy Club. Previous school trips have included a tour of Belgium and France visiting the battlefields of the First World War; travelling to Wittenberg and Berlin to complement the students' study of the German Reformation and the rise of the Nazi Party; a range of day long excursions to the Imperial War Museums (Duxford and London), Warwick castle and Rochester castle and cathedral to name just a few.
Politics will appeal to students who have an active interest in politics and current affairs, in the way in which Britain is governed, in how our democracy works and, not least, as global citizens, in how the world system operates.
This is also a very useful A-Level which opens doors into a wide range of university courses and employers.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's programme of extra-curricular activities includes a number of options directly related to or complementary to Politics, such as Model United Nations and International Relations and Social Sciences Seminar.
Psychology is an interesting subject that provides us with a broad understanding of human and animal behaviour, looking at the external and internal processes associated with it.
There are also many areas of interest that appeal to different people for various reasons. For example, while some are drawn to developmental psychology, others find social psychology fascinating because they are keen to know more about human interaction.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's programme of extra-curricular activities includes a number of options directly related to or complementary to Psychology, such as Ethics.
Religious Studies and Philosophy (RSP) is an exploration of some the most important questions of human existence.
‘Why are we here?', ‘is there a purpose to human life?', ‘is there a god?', ‘how should we behave?', ‘do we have free will?', ‘how should societies organise themselves?', ‘is the world really as I perceive it?' – these are just a few.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's programme of extra-curricular activities includes a number of options directly related to or complementary to Religious Studies and Philosophy, such as Ethics, Faith Club and Philosophy Club.
Classical Civilisation is the ultimate multidisciplinary subject with a unique blend of archaeology, art, art history, architecture, history, politics and literature.
It offers students to explore the ancient worlds through a variety of different media ranging from studying the themes and historical background of Homer's Iliad to exploring what information we can gain from ancient theatre and studying the beginnings of democracy.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's extensive list of extra-curricular activities includes many options for pupils who enjoy foreign language and history, including Book and Film Club, History Excellence Society and Philosophy Club.
Classical Greek is the language of democracy and the language in which the first epic was written.
The study of Classical Greek offers students the chance to explore this world in the language in which it was written so does not lose any of the nuances. It has all the challenges of any language in terms of the grammar and vocabulary requirements but has the additional factor of learning a new alphabet. This subject speaks volumes to universities regarding students analytical, argumentative and creative abilities as well as the exclusivity of the subject which will help students to stand out from the crowd.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's extensive list of extra-curricular activities includes many options for pupils who enjoy foreign language and history, including Book and Film Club, History Excellence Society and Philosophy Club.
Latin explores the world of Ancient Rome without losing any of the nuance of language through translation.
In a world ranging from the great speeches of Cicero made in the law courts to the love poetry of Catullus. The study of Latin offers an insight into the basis of Western civilisation and language and one of the world's greatest civilisations.
Outside the Classroom
John Lyon's extensive list of extra-curricular activities includes many options for pupils who enjoy foreign language and history, including Book and Film Club, History Excellence Society and Philosophy Club.
Are you a school?
We want to make sure that the information we display is as accurate as possible. Please contact us if you spot anything that needs to be updated.