LYONIAN THE
of Lyons joins choirs for Mahler’s ‘Resurrection Symphony’
unforgettable evening with the London Symphony Orchestra
Welcome from the Director of
Smashing Success: Badminton round-up
111th Old Lyonian Annual (OLA)
Spring successes, exchanges, and milestones
As we approach the end of this busy term, I am filled with pride reflecting on the many collective and individual achievements across the School community. From exciting new initiatives to outstanding performances, our pupils have shown remarkable energy, enthusiasm and resilience in all that they do.
This term marked the introduction of our 2+ Pre-Nursery entry point, an exciting development that will allow families to enjoy a seamless educational journey from age 2 to 18. We believe this change will ensure a smooth transition for our youngest learners, in a familiar environment where they can build lasting friendships and develop a strong sense of belonging.
In response to feedback, we introduced healthier break-time options from January, aiming to foster positive eating habits across the School. With many pupils already bringing fruit from home during breaktime, we are excited to build on this momentum and encourage even healthier choices.
At the Prep, the term has been filled with a variety of enriching activities, including Forest School sessions and trips to ‘Matilda the Musical’ and the Dulwich Picture Gallery. A particular highlight has been our cross-school learning programme, where our Senior pupils supported Year 5 during British Science Week by delivering experiments, played a key role in Online Safety Week by sharing digital safety tips and led an inspiring assembly on World Book Day, discussing their favourite books. These events have been warmly received and have provided wonderful opportunities for pupils of all ages to connect, strengthening our sense of community through varied learning experiences.
This year, we enjoyed another successful exchange with Harrow International School Bangkok. A group of Year 9 pupils spent two wonderful weeks in Thailand, while pupils from Harrow Bangkok visited us here at John Lyon. This exchange was a fantastic opportunity for pupils from both schools to immerse themselves in a new culture and experience education in a different environment. We are fortunate to be part of the Harrow Family of Schools, which enables collaborative learning initiatives like this. I am also pleased to share that, starting in September 2025, our A-Level students will have the opportunity to study additional A-Levels at Harrow School. This is an exciting development for our Sixth Form and a wonderful example of how being part of the Harrow Family opens new learning possibilities for our pupils. World Book Day was another standout, with both Year 7 and 8 pupils enjoying a fun quiz and Prep School pupils embracing the theme ‘Read Your Way’ by dressing as their favourite book characters. It was also very heartwarming to see our Prep parents come into the School to read to the pupils. The relationship and bond with our families is of the utmost importance to me and I thank you all for your support and encouragement.
This term, as ever, Music and Drama have continued to provide pupils with meaningful opportunities for growth and self-expression. From the Musician of the Year finals to the Mini Musical Mash-up, where our younger pupils showcased their drama, dance and singing talents, to the thought-provoking production of ‘Refugee Boy’, put on by the Senior School, our pupils have demonstrated incredible creativity, skill and dedication.
This year’s Talks-on-the-Hill event was again a great success, attracting a large audience from both our School community and local Harrow-on-the-Hill residents. Organised by our Excellence team, the event featured pupils, staff and guest speakers who shared their insights on this year’s theme, ‘The Power of Why’.
Our Careers team has also been busy organising events to support our Senior pupils, offering valuable guidance on a wide range of career opportunities. During National Careers Week, they marked International Women’s Day
with an inspiring panel featuring women from the Hilton Group and a 21-yearold cricketer from Lancashire Country Cricket Club. The recent Higher Education Fair was another highlight, with over 38 institutions, apprenticeship providers and employers offering advice to our pupils and those from local schools. A special thanks to our Old Lyonians for their continued support in making these events possible.
It has been a wonderful season of sport, with many memorable moments to celebrate. Our Year 7 girls achieved a commendable third place in the Netball Borough Tournament and girls from across the year groups had the exciting opportunity to train with the professional London Mavericks netball team. The badminton team, under the guidance of one our Old Lyonians, has made wonderful progress, with some impressive victories in national cup competitions. Swimming continues to thrive, with strong performances at recent meets and the introduction of our first girls’ swim gala. Our Prep pupils were again victorious at the Aldenham Swim Gala, while eight Year 6 pupils took part in their first ever Biathlon at St Helen’s School, showing great enthusiasm in their first multi-sport competition.
As ever, it is a pleasure to welcome back Old Lyonians who continue to support various school events and initiatives. The Friends of the Lyonian Association, consisting of parents, has been actively involved at the Prep School, organising events such as the Valentine’s Day bake sale and funding a new playground. We are thankful to everyone who has and continues to support the Lyonian Association in all its facets.
I want to thank all our pupils for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm, and our parents and guardians for their continued support and partnership. I am incredibly proud of everything that we have achieved together this term. I wish you all a restful and enjoyable break.
All best wishes,
Mrs Rose Hardy Head of John Lyon School
West End star Roger Wright inspires future performers at Prep and Senior
On Friday 7 February, pupils at the Prep and Senior School were treated to a special visit from acclaimed singer, songwriter and actor Roger Wright. Best known as the first performer to take on the role of adult Simba in the original London production of ‘The Lion King’, Wright has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning both theatre and music. His impressive achievements include starring as Marvin Gaye in the West End
production of ‘Dancing in the Streets’ and securing third place in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ITV ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ competition in 2012. With such an extensive background in the arts, Wright offered our pupils invaluable insights into what it takes to forge a successful career in the industry.
During an engaging Q&A session, pupils were captivated by his stories, including memorable encounters with icons such as King Charles, Michael Jackson, Sir Elton John and the Spice Girls. The
event provided an inspiring glimpse into the realities of life as a performer, from the excitement of live theatre to the challenges of an international career. A real highlight was hearing Roger perform some of the songs from ‘The Lion King’. Our Year 6 pupils were also taught how to roar like a lion through singing!
The visit left pupils feeling excited and encouraged to pursue their own creative aspirations, making it an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
Online Safety Week at John Lyon
Our annual Online Safety Week, held in conjunction with Safer Internet Day, provided a valuable opportunity for the School community, from Prep to Senior, to reflect on the importance of staying safe online.
This year, Safer Internet Day 2025 fell on Tuesday 11 February. At the Senior School, the week’s activities began with an awareness assembly for all year groups, led by the Head of Digital Learning. This was followed by a series of practical workshops facilitated by the Head of Computer Science, focusing on online scams, which was the theme of this year’s Safer Internet Day, as well as other key safety topics. To further support parents and guardians, the School’s Director of IT hosted an information session at the Senior campus.
At the Prep School, the week began with an assembly titled ‘Too Good to Be True’, which explored key elements of online safety including online scams. During the
Year
assembly, Year 7 and Year 8 pupils, along with some Sixth Formers, made the trip down the Hill to Hindes Road to share their insights with their younger peers. This was a great opportunity for our Senior pupils to reinforce their knowledge while engaging with their younger peers, who thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to hear from, and interact with, their seniors!
Additionally, at the Prep, PSCHE and Computing lessons covered a range of online safety topics, with pupils
participating in practical activities to develop their awareness of safe online practices. A key activity they took part in involved identifying scams and learning how to respond appropriately.
While online safety remains a constant focus at John Lyon, it was encouraging to see high levels of engagement throughout the week as the entire School community came together to reflect on and reinforce the importance of responsible digital behaviour.
4 and Year 5 enjoy an
Enrichment Day at Senior Campus
The Senior School was thrilled to host Year 4 and Year 5 pupils for an Enrichment Day at our Harrow-on-the-Hill campus.
The pupils took part in a number of activities, from making key chains in the STEAM lab, learning Spanish whilst playing Bingo, a dissecting exercise in the biology lab and playing Parkour in the Sports Hall, giving them an excellent feel for life at our Senior School.
We look forward to hosting more Enrichment Days in the next academic year to further immerse pupils in Senior School life and to provide them with opportunities to build on their learning and prepare them for the transition to Year 7.
Celebrating British Science Week
We marked British Science Week at both the Prep and Senior with a range of hands-on activities focused on the theme of ‘Change and Adapt’.
To kick off the week, Senior School pupils visited the Prep to assist Year 5 with a Bunsen burner experiment, where they explored how different chemicals change the colour of a flame. Senior pupils supported their younger peers, promoting collaborative learning.
Throughout the week, pupils from Nursery to Year 6 took part in various experiments, including fizzy reactions with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, slimemaking, magnet investigations, puppet shadow experiments and learning about the Greenhouse Effect.
At the Senior School, we were thrilled to host an inspiring panel session featuring six remarkable guest speakers, all experts in their respective fields of science. The panel included Susana Domene Marin, a Spacecraft Systems Engineer at Airbus; Korinna Vosper, a Forensic Scientist; Sophie Biber, a Software Engineer; Chloe Prager, a Pharmacist; Eileen Samuroff, a
Beekeeper; and Nadia Godin-Heymann, Senior Director and Precision Medicine Lead at AstraZeneca.
During the interactive session, our pupils had the chance to ask the panelists about their careers, what inspired them to choose science and how they have had to ‘change and adapt’ in their professions. The panellists also shared valuable advice for anyone considering a career in science
and recommended books for those passionate about the subject.
British Science Week was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to dig deeper into science through experiments and discussions with professionals, sparking curiosity and learning all week long.
Royal Academy of Music Masterclass
On Monday 3 March, John Lyon was delighted to welcome three fellows from the Royal Academy of Music who delivered an eclectic programme, ranging from German Lieder to songs from contemporary musicals for Prep and Senior music pupils.
After the concert, the pupils had the exciting opportunity to take part in a vocal coaching masterclass with the talented group. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all, leaving them with valuable insights on how to improve in their musical endeavours.
A day of poetry with award-winning children’s author Neal Zetter
Alongside pupils from other local schools, some of our Year 3 and 4 pupils had the exciting opportunity to participate in an inspiring writing workshop led by award-winning children’s author and poet Neal Zetter.
During the workshop, pupils learned about Neal’s writing process and enjoyed his entertaining poetry performances. They were encouraged to develop their creativity by writing poetry and Neal guided them through an author’s imaginative process.
Pupils also collaborated to create truly impressive poetry performances! Sparking curiosity and enhancing pupils’ writing skills, the event enabled them to engage deeply with language and literature. It was wonderful to witness their growing confidence as they embraced challenges and shared their ideas, making it a great learning experience for all.
Introducing 2+ Pre-Nursery at John Lyon
Building on the success of our Little Lyons Nursery, we are excited to introduce our 2+ Pre-Nursery entry point. This new offering provides families with the opportunity for a seamless educational journey from the age of two all the way to 18, eliminating the need for an 11+ exam to progress to our Senior School.
We see this addition as a positive change for the School, giving families a rounded alternative to early childcare while ensuring continuity in education. It provides a nurturing, high-quality learning environment where children can form lasting friendships and feel a strong sense of belonging in the John Lyon community.
We are delighted to offer this extended pathway and warmly welcome new families to join our all-through school.
Family Fridays celebrate learning
Family Fridays have been a wonderful experience! Nursery to Year 6 have loved welcoming their parents and guardians into the School – a chance to share their learning and give them a glimpse into their School day. It has been a joy to see them
proudly showcasing all the exciting things they have been working on.
These events are designed to strengthen the essential home-School partnership we deeply value at John Lyon. They provide an opportunity to build
relationships, boost confidence and strengthen our School community. We look forward to many more mornings filled with smiles, laughter and shared learning!
Reception class pupils transform into superheroes
Reception thoroughly enjoyed learning about superheroes this term.
The journey began with the story ‘Supertato’ by Sue Hendra, which features the hero Supertato rescuing vegetables from Evil Pea. This engaging tale was a wonderful introduction to the concept of heroes and what they stand for. Alongside a variety of classroom activities, one morning the children came to school to find that Evil Pea had been in the Reception classes and caused some chaos. The children had to create ‘WANTED’ posters to try and capture Evil Pea.
To conclude the topic, pupils had great fun with the superhero dress-up day, when pupils came dressed as all sorts of heroes, from classic superheroes to other unique and imaginative characters. It was a terrific opportunity for the pupils to reflect on their own superhero powers.
Using superheroes as a theme was a great way to help the pupils explore concepts such as bravery, kindness and teamwork. It also allowed them to express their creativity while also encouraging a sense of responsibility. All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience that connected learning with important values.
Nursery Highlights: a term full of fun and learning
This term, the Nursery class enjoyed a variety of exciting activities.
One of the highlights was celebrating the Lunar New Year with creative projects in which the pupils made Chinese drums and learned how to prepare dumplings. They were also joined by a parent who shared how her family celebrates the New Year, providing a wonderful insight into the traditions of this special time.
Another exciting topic this term was ‘Food Around the World’, which the pupils particularly enjoyed exploring. They focused on European cuisine and had a great time making chocolate croissants and mini pizzas from scratch. They also enjoyed pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and learnt how to make Moroccan fruit salad. These hands-on activities not only taught
them about different foods but also gave them a chance to learn about various cultures in a fun and interactive way.
Nursery pupils also enjoyed the story of ‘The Gruffalo’, taking part in many activities to celebrate the book. In
and had a wonderful time sitting around the fire, roasting marshmallows, sharing stories… and hiding from the Gruffalo! To wrap up the term, they enjoyed a visit to the Gruffalo Trail, which was a big hit and a perfect way to end the term.
Forest School adventures at Sudbury Fields
Our Forest School, which takes place at our Sudbury Fields campus, continues to be a firm favourite amongst our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils. Rain or shine, they eagerly board the School bus each week to head to the fields, ready to explore and learn outdoors through exciting activities.
From scavenger hunts and tree identification to outdoor art and building structures with natural materials, pupils enjoy a wide variety of hands-on learning experiences. One of the highlights this term was a bird-themed session during the RSPB Big Bird Watch. This UK-wide event tracks garden bird populations, and it was a great opportunity for our pupils to learn about birds. They explored bird nests, discovered what birds eat and worked together to build a large bird’s nest. Some pupils even made bird feeders by threading cheese and apple onto wire, while others shaped their own clay birds.
Other memorable moments included spotting a woodpecker hard at work, discovering a yellow brain fungus and learning how to tie knots. Reception pupils practised tying overhand knots with special ropes, while Year 2 worked on reef knots. Pupils also played games such as ‘Ostrich Tag’, which helps develop spatial awareness, and ‘Eagle Eyes’, a fun activity that sharpens observational skills.
With spring approaching, one of the sessions looked at signs of the season. Pupils took on the role of ‘bud hunters’, searching for buds on different trees. It was wonderful to see their excitement as they explored the site, eager to learn about the new life emerging in the environment around them.
Our pupils thoroughly enjoy these outdoor sessions, which help them build important life skills, such as teamwork, communication, leadership and resilience. They also foster a deep curiosity about the natural world, encouraging pupils
World Book Day
In celebration of World Book Day on Thursday 6 March, pupils brought the magic of literature to life as they came in dressed in a fantastic array of characters from their favourite books. This year’s theme, ‘Read Your Way’, encourages everyone to embrace the joy of reading by letting go of expectations, was central to all the activities our pupils from Nursery to Year 6 took part in.
Aly, Fathima and Amaroo from the Senior School led an engaging assembly for
the Prep School community, discussing their favourite books and highlighting the importance of reading. It was a fantastic way to start the day, as the younger pupils thoroughly enjoyed learning from the senior pupils.
Throughout the rest of the day, pupils took part in many other activities, such as making bookmarks, designing characters, creating book covers and lots of discussions about their favourite books. Pupils also took part in cross-year group reading, which was a great opportunity for them to pair up with different age groups and enjoy reading together in a relaxed and informal setting.
It was great to have so many parents and guardians involved for World Book Day, with several of them joining us during the week to read to pupils during breaktimes and lunchtimes. Mrs Chatrath, Head of Prep also took the opportunity to share her favourite stories with the pupils. Head of School, Mrs Hardy also visited the Prep School to read to the pupils. These sessions were a big hit, bringing joy to the pupils and fostering a real sense of community.
to learn more about their natural environment. Forest School is a fantastic way for our pupils to connect with nature and grow in confidence while having fun!
Friends of LA update
We are excited to announce the addition of a new playground, which has been warmly received by our pupils.
This new space offers plenty of opportunities for fun, exercise and creative play, and many pupils have already told us that it’s quickly becoming their new favourite spot!
This addition would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the FLA-PP (Friends of the Lyonian Association) at the Prep School, a group of parent/guardian volunteers who organise events and activities that directly support the School community. Thanks to their various fundraising efforts, we have been able to provide resources like this new playground.
Most recently, the FLA-PP hosted a Valentine’s Day bake sale, raising over £240 for the School. We would like to extend our thanks to the FLA-PP for their ongoing support. Their efforts truly make a difference and we are grateful for all they do.
Musical Mash-up
Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 took to the stage for a spectacular musical extravaganza, showcasing all their hard work from Music and Drama lessons this term. Performing with confidence and enthusiasm, they delighted a hall full of proud family members.
A special thank you to Mr Haswell, Head of Music (Prep School), and Miss Shah, Head of Drama (Prep School), for their dedication in preparing the pupils for these fantastic performances.
School trip highlights
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Matilda
Year 3 enjoyed a visit to the theatre to see ‘Matilda the Musical’. The trip, which involved using public transport, was an exciting adventure that provided our pupils with the unique opportunity to experience a live performance. A fantastic time was had by all, captivated by the unforgettable songs, compelling storyline and exceptional performances.
Year 4 recently visited the Dulwich Picture Gallery for a day of creativity and exploration. They toured the gallery, searching for hidden clues in the paintings, and took part in an art workshop focused on mark-making. The Dulwich Picture Gallery, the oldest public art gallery in England, was built in 1811 and houses a diverse collection of artwork from around the world. Our pupils enjoyed their visit and learned about art, creativity and history.
Nursery Gruffalo Trail
Year 5 adventure on a Treasure Trail
Year 5 embarked on an exciting two-mile Treasure Trail, starting at Harrow-on-the-Hill station and going on to explore the historic Harrow School grounds and their equally historic chapel. Along the way, they admired stunning architecture, views and local heritage, while tackling 20 challenging clues in small groups. This cross-curricular trip, combining Geography, History, and problem-solving, provided a hands-on learning experience that enhanced their knowledge of the area, as well as their teamwork and critical thinking skills. It was a truly memorable adventure for our Year 5s!
On Thursday 20 March, Nursery excitedly set off for a special trip to The Gruffalo’s Trail at Horsenden Farm. The day was all about connecting with nature and exploring the magical world of the Gruffalo, while also learning some fun, hands-on gardening activities.
The pupils kicked off the adventure by doing some composting and discovering some mini beasts, and then sowed seeds for summer flowers. They ended the day by following the Gruffalo’s Trail through the woods, meeting characters and enjoying excerpts from the tale.
It was a day of learning and outdoor activities, giving the children enjoyable experiences and a greater appreciation for nature.
Swimming Gala
Our Prep Pupils are progressing well in swimming, with a standout victory in their gala hosted by Aldenham School in February.
Boys and girls from Year 4 to Year 6 competed in individual events, with results contributing to an overall school leaderboard. Our Year 6 swimmers in particular delivered impressive performances – Aadam, Shiven, Sebastian, Rayan, Tia and Meher truly stood out.
We look forward to seeing all our Prep swimmers in action again at the Senior pool during their inter-house swim gala later in the summer term.
Pupils take part in first Biathalon at St Helen’s School
Just before the February half-term, eight Year 6 pupils represented John Lyon in their first Biathlon event hosted by St Helen’s School.
The event featured a 50m swim followed by an 800m run. Despite having no experience in combining multiple sports, everyone involved made a great success
of the event. The participants pushed themselves in the swim, gaining valuable insight into the pace they would need to sustain during the run that followed.
Congratulations to all those who took part, with special recognition going to Ello, who triumphed in the 800m race. Aadam, Meher, and Sophia also delivered outstanding performances, showing
incredible skill and determination. Building on the success of this event, we will be incorporating Biathlon training into our summer term PE carousel, giving all pupils the chance to try their hand at the sport. Who knows — we might even host a Prep School Biathlon of our own!
New Year; New You! Promoting healthy eating habits
After gathering valuable feedback from pupils, parents and staff, it became clear that the food options available at break times were not fully aligned with our commitment to promoting healthy eating.
Therefore, from the start of the spring term, we overhauled our existing breaktime menu options to offer healthier choices for our pupil body.
We collaborated with our catering team, Holroyd
Howe, utilising their experience in managing the Sixth Form’s snack preferences to create a fresh, nutritious menu that focuses on wholesome snacks.
The new selection includes yogurt and granola pots, flapjacks, protein bars, dried fruit, cereals and more! These options aim to offer a better alternative to the processed foods
traditionally found in break-time snacks.
Many pupils already bring fruit snacks from home, and we have noticed that apples at lunchtime are a popular choice.
This is a strong foundation to build upon over the academic year.
Speakers share perspective on ‘Why’ at Talks-on-the-Hill
Our seventh annual ‘Talkson-the-Hill’ event, held on Wednesday 12 February, was another huge success. This year’s theme was ‘The Power of Why’.
Organised by our Excellence team, in collaboration with the Lyonian Association, the event is a highlight in the School calendar, bringing together the John Lyon School community and our neighbours from in and around Harrow-on-the-Hill for an evening of inspiring ideas and reflection.
This year, our Boyd Campbell Hall was filled with energy as our Head Prefect
Jack (Sixth Form) and Inaara (Year 8), introduced our distinguished external guests: Joseph Cumberbatch (OL 2010), Winner of Channel 4 and Netflix production ‘Crazy Delicious’; Simon Barcessat, Executive Partner at IBM; Cllr Peter Smallwood OBE, Ruislip Councillor and Former President of the National Conservative Convention; Sandeep Nahata, Managing Director at TalentTeam Ltd in addition to our own Mr Clarke, Teacher of Biology and ex-professional rower, and Sixth Form student, Abdul-Kareem.
The diverse range of themes discussed included politics, artificial intelligence, sports, food and science, offering
something of interest for everyone in the audience. It was a thought-provoking and inspiring event, highlighting the power of inquiry and the impact of asking ‘why’.
Harrow International School Bangkok
Through John Lyon School’s membership of the Harrow Family of Schools we are very fortunate to be able to partner with the Harrow International Schools across the globe. Harrow Bangkok and John Lyon have a long-standing Year 9 exchange programme where a number of pupils at both schools attend the other school for two weeks.
This year, 14 Year 9 pupils, accompanied by Mr Lewis and Mrs O’Connell, flew over to Thailand. Harrow Bangkok partnered each John Lyon pupil with a “shepherd” pupil to ensure they found their way around the Bangkok campus. Our pupils attended 7 days of lessons which matched many of their usual UK subjects with the addition of a special programme of Thai culture.
Over the fortnight, several evenings were also spent at the School in their Boarding “Hub” which provided dinner and an opportunity for pupils to relax with their shepherds and other new friends. On other evenings we managed to soak up some of the wider Bangkok culture with dinners at the Baiyoke Sky Tower overlooking the nighttime cityscape and the River Tree set against the fabulous backdrop of the setting sun over the Chao Phraya River.
During the middle weekend, the team
relocated to Kanchanaburi, a small town west of Bangkok. This is home to the Bridge over the River Kwai made famous by the film. We learnt about how the Japanese rapid expansion in Thailand and Burma necessitated the need for a railway to be built at tremendous pace, were awestruck by the many graves in memory of the thousands of prisoners of war who gave their lives by the brutal conditions building the railway and walked over the famous bridge. A true highlight of the trip was a morning spent paddleboarding down the River Kwai with everyone managing to master the balance required, eventually!
The trip was a huge success with many new friendships formed and most of our team returning with enough swapped Harrow Bangkok ties to open a branch of their uniform shop in London! Harrow Bangkok were incredibly welcoming and we are grateful to their staff and shepherds for all their efforts in coordinating the many facets to our visit.
Planning is already underway for next year’s exchange with many of Year 8 eager to be picked to represent us, more details will follow next term.
As part of the two-way exchange, John Lyon warmly welcomed a group of pupils from HS Bangkok to London. Between engaging school days with their peers at John Lyon, the pupils from Thailand
had the opportunity to explore some of London’s most iconic attractions, including the London Dungeon, the London Eye, and a Thames Cruise, all followed by delightful dinners in the city. They also visited the Natural History Museum, and enjoyed a theatre experience watching ‘The Lion King’. In addition, they took a trip to Oxford, which included a visit to the University and Windsor Castle. This enriching experience not only gave the visiting pupils a glimpse into UK school life at John Lyon but also provided valuable insights into British culture.
Outstanding achievements in the Cambridge Biology Challenge
Three John Lyon pupils were highly commended as part of the Cambridge Biology Challenge, which was organised by Homerton College, University of Cambridge.
Astera, Dami and Simi all Year 10 pupils, were all highly commended in round two of the challenge. In addition, Simi received a badge of merit, signifying that the judges were particularly impressed by a specific area of her entry – specifically, her discussion of ‘Holly’ methylation.
VEX Robotics Competition
In February, three John Lyon VEX IQ Robotics teams participated in the regional VEX IQ Rapid Relay competition, each with high hopes of qualifying for the VEX IQ National Robotics Championships.
The teams designed their own unique robots to tackle the same challenge for the competition and it was a fantastic outcome for the School overall. Two out of the three teams secured spots at the Nationals, with Team 33363C, taking first place and earning three awards: the Excellence Award, the Robot Skills Award and the Tournament Champion Award. The Excellence Award is especially notable as it is determined by judges and reflects their admiration for the team’s robot and overall performance.
Team 33363B, finished in fourth place, which not only boosted their world ranking but also earned them a place
at the Nationals. They were honoured with the Judges Award, recognising their perseverance and commitment in developing their robot.
Unfortunately, Team 33363A, encountered several setbacks throughout the day. Despite the challenges, the team demonstrated incredible resilience, working tirelessly to repair their robot. Their determination and teamwork throughout the competition were truly commendable.
Congratulations to all the teams on their strong performances! At the time of writing this, Teams 33363C and 33363B were preparing for the National Championships!
Visit to the British Film Institute
Year 10 and Year 11 French pupils visited the British Film Institute (BFI), Southbank, for an opportunity to gain some practical insights into French culture.
They watched and discussed a collection of short French films and documentaries on the theme of identity and belonging, including ‘Swagger’, a documentary about the lives of eleven teenagers and how they view their identity and belonging within their community.
The documentary was very insightful as we saw the perspectives of pupils our age from different walks of life. The format of the movie was different from anything I have ever seen, which made the viewing experience very enjoyable. Overall, it was a great trip, which strengthened our understanding of French language and culture.’
Dhyan (Year 10)
Visiting the renowned institution of the BFI was a unique experience. It was a memorable day out, which has inspired us, filling us with a deeper appreciation of not only culture and identity but also the French language.
Naiya (Year 10)
2025 John Lyon Chess Championship
The John Lyon Chess Championship returned this term for its third year, bringing together the School’s best chess players for a battle of skill and strategy.
This year’s final match saw reigning champion Tiger (Year 10) face off against challenger Yash (Year 10) on a sunny Thursday afternoon in early March.
Before reaching the final, players compete in the Chess Candidates Tournament, a tough competition where the winner earns the right to challenge the champion. This year, Yash dominated the tournament, setting a record by winning all seven games.
The final saw Tiger and Yash face off in three intense matches, with Yash ultimately securing the title of John Lyon
Chess Champion for 2025 with a 3-0 victory. Tiger fought hard until the very end, displaying impressive resilience and determination, but it wasn’t his day. Yash’s skill and consistency, from capitalising on blunders to winning pawns and maintaining pressure, were key to his success.
Congratulations to both competitors, and a well-deserved win for Yash
Co-curricular activity spotlight: Debating Club
The Debating Club at John Lyon continues to thrive, offering pupils valuable opportunities to develop their skills through friendly matches as well as competitive tournaments.
This term, the senior debate squad participated in a series of friendly matches against Godolphin and Latymer School, experiencing both victories and defeats while debating motions concerning the regulation of AI and the lowering of taxes to boost growth. Both teams are eager for further competition next term. The team also competed in the Nehru Cup, a prestigious debating tournament
hosted by Harrow School on Sunday 2 March. Facing schools such as St Saviour’s & St Olave’s, Bromsgrove School, Radnor House Sevenoaks, Claremont High School Academy, St Albans High School for Girls, St Helen’s, Harrow School, University College School, and Ashmole Academy, they secured wins in some of their four matches. Topics debated included online education, whether the NHS should charge patients for preventable injuries, the introduction of a ‘not proven’ verdict in criminal trials, the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the ethics of a hypothetical situation in which it was possible to buy extra years of life. The team gained valuable experience and looks
forward to building on these lessons in future competitions. Friendly competitions are planned next term with Harrow School, St Helen’s, Radnor House Sevenoaks and St Albans High School for Girls.
Beyond competition, debating enhances critical thinking, communication and confidence. These are skills that benefit pupils academically and in everyday life. We hope to spark further interest across all year groups and continue growing the club.
Skiing success at the Snow Centre
This term, a group of adventurous John Lyon pupils and staff took to the slopes to hone their skiing skills at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead.
Some were complete beginners, taking their first tentative steps on the snow, while others were more experienced skiers, looking to refine their technique under the guidance of the Snow Centre’s expert instructors. Everyone had a productive and enjoyable session, with the improver group even progressing from the junior slope to the main slope. The staff also had a great time brushing up on their skills, with some rediscovering their snowplough technique after not skiing
for quite some time. It was a successful visit, one that will remain a highlight of the Outdoor Pursuits programme in the future.
Green4Life: John Lyon’s Role in Harrow’s sustainability initiative
Sustainability is a key focus for our School and a year ago, we began collaborating with several primary and secondary schools across Harrow and Harrow Council to develop initiatives aimed at making the borough, including our schools, greener.
We have been proud to host these collaborative sessions at John Lyon, which have contributed to the creation of the
Green4Life Harrow Charter. This charter outlines four key areas: Waste, Transport, Nature, and Energy, with an emphasis on fostering greener habits within our school community and at home, while also encouraging our pupils to adopt more sustainable practices across these areas.
At the start of the spring term, John Lyon, alongside the other schools, launched a Green4Life Charter poster competition. Open to all schools in Harrow, the competition invited pupils to create
Beekeeping Club
As the warmer weather approaches, there is growing excitement in the Beekeeping Club as the chance to add John Lyon School to the ‘Swarm List’ approaches!
We are hoping to secure one swarm of bees and purchase a colony outright. These can then be introduced to the beehives at Sudbury Fields that have now been painted ready for action.
At the same time, the club is now looking into what they might make using the bees’ products. They have tried various possibilities, ranging from rolled, moulded and dipped candles to cosmetics such as honey and lavender soap, honey and peppermint lip-balm, avocado and cocoa lotion bar and beeswax furniture polish.
posters showcasing the charter. There was an incredible response from across a number of schools in the borough, as well as some from a number of pupils at the Prep and Senior School.
We look forward to sharing the winning design in our next edition, along with an update on the progress of a dedicated website for schools which, will serve as a resource of information to help schools bring their sustainability efforts to life.
House Art Competition
This year’s House Art Competition theme was ‘Women in Art’, inviting entries that explored the art styles of female artists, women as subjects, and women as role models.
The competition received a positive response, with participation from all year groups in the Senior School, as well as staff. At the time of writing, the entries were in the judging stage. To highlight the variety and creativity of the submissions, we present a small showcase of the entries here.
Drama Production: Refugee Boy
The Drama Department’s latest production, ‘Refugee Boy’, based on the novel by Benjamin Zephaniah and adapted for the stage by Lemn Sissy, is about a boy named Alem who is forced to leave his country to escape war. The story is told from Alem’s perspective and explores the difficulties refugees face.
It was, once again, a well-executed production with excellent performances all round from the cast of pupils from Year 7 to Year 10.
Musician of the Year
A moving rendition of Heitor Villa-Lobos’s ‘Prelude No.5’ saw Aly (Year 10) take the title of John Lyon’s Musician of the Year.
The Year 10 guitarist delivered a nuanced performance that kept the audience on the edge of their seats throughout, as well as mesmerising and delighting the guest adjudicator Mr Sean McWilliam, Head of Music Technology at Harrow School and former John Lyon School teacher. Mr McWilliam praised Aly for his very emotional and sensitive interpretation of this Brazilian composer’s work.
In the Grades 1 - 4 category, singer Soma (Year 10) won the competition for his emotive performance of ‘Bring Him Home’ from ‘Les Misérables’.
The competition saw 19 entrants perform across two categories: Grades 1- 4 and Grades 5 - 8 with each performer having been the winner of a category in the House Music Competition earlier in the term.
We had some very varied and excellent performances from Leanne (Year 9), who sang ‘I’m Not The One’ by Sam
Smith, and Leila (Year 9), who performed ‘Sea Echo’ by Sally Adams on the flute. The audience was also treated to debut performances by Aman (Year 9) on the guitar, Hayley (Year 7) on the cello and Leah (Year 7) on the drums.
Alongside Mr McWilliam, the Classical genres were judged by Mr James Aiken from Queen Elizabeth’s School and the Popular genres by Old Lyonian, Bertie Atkinson. The judges had an incredibly difficult task, as the level of skill and talent across the 19 performances was exemplary.
A big thank you to our judges and congratulations to all the performers on a spectacular evening of music.
Since writing this article we are saddened to hear news of the passing of Mr Joe de Mello who we were honoured to have at the recent Final and to whom the de Mello Cup is named after and presented to the Musician of the Year winner.
An unforgettable evening with the London Symphony Orchestra
On Wednesday 5 February, a music enrichment trip provided our pupils with the opportunity to experience the powerful emotions of ‘Walton’s First Symphony’, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, at the Barbican Centre.
The concert, part of the ‘Half Six Fix’ series, was both educational and entertaining, showcasing the orchestra’s exceptional talent. Each movement was played to perfection, making it an unforgettable experience for our aspiring musicians. During the evening, they learned that Walton composed this symphony after a turbulent love affair, with the first three movements reflecting his emotional turmoil with the music building to a dark intensity, only to be lifted by the triumphant final movement.
It was a memorable and insightful evening for all.
Pride of Lyons joins choirs for Mahler’s ‘Resurrection Symphony’
Our Pride of Lyons choir had the incredible opportunity to join the combined choirs of Harrow School and Francis Holland School in performing Mahler’s Second Symphony, ‘Resurrection’.
Premiering 130 years ago in 1895, this symphony was Mahler’s first to feature singers alongside the orchestra. Known for its complexity, it is a piece typically performed by only the most accomplished orchestras and choirs, making it a true honour for our choir to be part of such an extraordinary experience.
WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SPORT
As another hugely successful term of sport comes to a close, we are proud to reflect on our pupils’ outstanding achievements across a range of disciplines. With girls’ netball and boys’ hockey taking centre stage as our major sports, we have witnessed impressive performances, teamwork and dedication on and off the field. Beyond these flagship sports, our diverse programme continues to offer pupils opportunities to stay active and engaged, through archery, badminton, cross country, table tennis, football, swimming and water polo.
At a time when physical activity levels across the UK are at their lowest, it has never been more important to champion the benefits of sport, fostering not only physical wellbeing but also teamwork, resilience and school spirit.
As public examinations draw nearer for our older pupils and summer assessments approach for younger year groups, the evidence is clear that staying active plays a vital role in boosting concentration, reducing stress and, ultimately, enhancing academic achievement.
After an extremely wet spring, we hope that we have turned the corner and can begin planning for what promises to be another busy summer term of cricket, tennis, and athletics. When things do get tough, progress comes from being willing to have a go and get it wrong, whether that is in sport or just life in general.
Smashing Success: Badminton round-up
Badminton at John Lyon has seen significant growth this year, with more pupils eager to learn and enhance their skills.
We have had the privilege of welcoming back Sonish Hathi, an Old Lyonian, who has generously volunteered his time and expertise at our Monday lunchtime squad training sessions. Our team has competed
Netball
Since its introduction four years ago, netball at John Lyon has flourished, establishing itself as the major spring term sport for girls.
Enthusiasm for the game just keeps on growing, with pupils from Year 7 to Year 10 dedicating themselves to training and development and taking part eagerly in competitive matches.
With a packed fixture list, the School
in national cup tournaments, with pupils impressively winning matches against opponents up to five years older than them. It is fantastic to see their dedication and passion for badminton continue to grow alongside their abilities. The future of badminton at John Lyon looks bright, particularly across our junior section with our squad of Ishaan, Ali, Alan and Armaan all Year 7 and Rudra (Year 9).
competes in regular matches against strong opposition, including the highly competitive Harrow Borough League. One of the highlights of this term was our Year 7 netball team who finished 3rd in the Borough tournament; the first time that we have medalled since the inception of netball at John Lyon. A huge congratulations to Year 7’s Lara, Asika, Anika, Leah & Shivani.
At the time of writing, our Year 8 and Year 9 girls were preparing for their Borough tournaments.
Mr Adam Ling Director of Sport
A memorable netball experience with the London Mavericks
Ten girls from Year 7 to Year 10 with a passion for netball enjoyed an incredible opportunity to experience elite-level netball with the London Mavericks, a team that competes in the Netball Super League.
During the session with Mavericks players, the girls participated in drills to refine core techniques, engaged in an interactive
workshop on attacking tactics and teamwork, and received valuable tips on how to outsmart opponents and protect their goal through practical learning.
The experience concluded with some mini games, with the Mavericks assisting and coaching from the side-lines. It was a great afternoon, and the girls left feeling inspired with new ideas and strategies to apply in future games.
Swimming remains our fastest growing competitive sport, with pupils participating in five swim meets since the start of the academic year. Seventy pupils train regularly from 7.30am each morning, while our performance squad push themselves until 6pm every Friday. All of this dedication is driven by the goal of honing their skills and speed in a sport where every second counts!
This term we hosted our very first girls’ swim gala alongside Northwood College with some hugely impressive performances from Dhiya and Lara in Year 7, Erin in Year 9 and Nishka in Year 10. In our boys’ teams, we have some extremely talented individuals who continue to show improvement in the
Swimming Football
Building upon the success of the autumn term, our football programme has continued to provide John Lyon pupils with a wealth of opportunity to enjoy ‘the beautiful game’.
In the Seniors, in addition to the twomonth unbeaten run of the 1st XI team led by captain Finlay (Upper Sixth) our U16s have made it through on penalties to the semi-final of the Harrow Borough Cup following some excellent saves by Sacha (Year 10). We have over 50 pupils competing within our Internal League; whilst in the Juniors, our U14s continue
water including Thomas (Year 7), Malek (Year 8), Finn (Year 9), Arjun Dev, Walter, Shlok, Tiger, Mattice, Josh and Jacob in Year 10 and Aaran (Year 11).
For the first time this year, our Senior House swimming gala became an ‘open’
event that showcased our strongest swimmers throughout the School. With races over 50 metres, it allowed our elite swimmers to challenge themselves against other talented individuals in a sport where age is simply a number.
to progress well to the semi-final of the Harrow Borough Cup.
The U14 girls were unlucky to be eliminated from the Harrow Borough Tournament, despite some excellent goals from Hafsah (Year 8). They only lost one match, to the eventual winners, Nower Hill. With the continued growth of women’s football nationally, we are excited to incorporate girls’ football into our summer term sports programme, which is expected to generate significant interest among our female pupils.
Hockey
Our Senior School hockey season this year was a great success, with some impressive wins, strong performances and noticeable growth with both experienced players and newcomers, creating a good balance of skills across the teams.
There were some close wins, especially in challenging matches where the team’s determination stood out and key players took on leadership roles both on and off the field, inspiring their teammates to perform their best.
The season was not just about improving skills, it was about building a sense of teamwork and creating lasting memories. Special mention goes to 1st team captain
Sai (Sixth Form) for his leadership, and to Oliver (Year 11), who stepped in for his injured brother Louis (Year 11) and did an excellent job in goal.
Both the U18 and U15 teams reached the regional national finals, which was a great achievement. The U18s showed strong teamwork and individual skill, earning a well-deserved spot in the finals. Our U15s, while younger, played with impressive maturity and technical ability to secure a place in the regionals. Both teams were well led, with Ollie (Year 10) guiding the U15 team and goalkeepers Pavel and Vanshh (both in Year 10) playing key roles.
This season was one of the most exciting and successful in recent memory.
Year 10 DofE volunteers working together to develop our junior sports programme
This term, a group of dedicated Year 10 pupils have been volunteering with the Sports department as part of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Each week, they have supported our Year 7 and 8 training sessions, assisting with
coaching and leading small group activities with enthusiasm and commitment. Their hard work not only enhances our Sports programme but also helps them develop valuable skills in teamwork, communication and organisation. These
are key skills we aim to continue fostering in the years to come.
We are especially grateful to Alicja and Ria for their support with girls’ netball, and Adam, Nyle, Shayan, Pavel and Zayn for their dedication to boys’ hockey.
Sports Awards – Autumn Term
As we look back to the end of the autumn term, we recognise the achievements of our pupils across our winter sports.
Girls Hockey
Team Manager’s Player Highlight Award
12A Theodora Leah 12B Dhiya Shivani
13A Elareiss Anoushka
13B Aanya Nicole & Catherine 14 Harshiney Erin 15 Elsie Fathima
Boys Football Team Manager’s Player Highlight Award 12A Jack Daniel J 12B Dhilan J Aryan 12C Kaylan Aaron 12D Saim Shiv P 13A Jayden Kobi 13B Ron Ethan 13C Rian K Haadi 13D Aman Yaseen 14A Callum Raphael 14B Ayaan Faeez 14C Jason Salikh 14D Husain Kushal 15A Rehan Nikhil S 15B Nyle Oliver 15C Ollie Tanav 15D Vanshh Mriksh
Careers
Inspiring career paths during National Careers Week
In recognition of National Careers Week, which took place the week commencing Monday 3 March, our Careers team organised several enriching events to inspire and spark career aspirations amongst pupils from Year 7 through to Sixth Form.
The week kicked off with a special celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), where our female pupils and sports scholars had the unique opportunity to hear from a panel of incredible women from the Hilton Group (Pauline Wilson, Vice President, Hilton; Kelly Andrews, Director of Revenue Management, Hilton and Nicola Smith, Director of Operations, DoubleTree by Hilton) and 21-yearold professional cricketer Liv Bell from Lancashire County Cricket Club.
The panel shared invaluable lessons on personal growth and development, emphasising the importance of embracing your differences, staying open to new opportunities and persevering with your passions – even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. Their message was to pursue what you love. For many of the women, their careers at Hilton were driven by their love for travel, learning about new cultures, a passion for food and beverages, and a shared set of values with the organisation. Liv Bell spoke about her own journey, revealing how her love for sport
and socialising with friends motivated her throughout school, never imagining that she would one day combine those passions in a professional career in cricket.
I loved how the women speakers spoke about their school experience, what they studied and how it didn’t necessarily link to their careers.
Year 7 pupil
I liked learning about the different steps the women leaders took to get to where they are, about their determination and how they didn’t settle for the easy path.
Year 10 pupil
Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable is something I took away from the session.
Lower Sixth pupil
The events continued, as we welcomed Dr Conor Taylor (OL 2014) to host a Medicine Careers Clinic. Dr Taylor provided a detailed overview of the pathways to a career in medicine, along with insights into the various roles within the field. His tips were highly appreciated by pupils and, given the overwhelming interest, we hope to welcome him back for another session in the future to continue inspiring our budding medical professionals.
It was fascinating to hear about the teachers he idolised and who were his role models and how he carried the values he learnt at school forward in his life.
Lower Sixth pupil
In addition, pupils were invited to attend lunchtime sessions on ‘A Career in Humanities’ led by Ms Livesey, Head of Sixth Form, and ‘Finding Your Dream Career’ presented by Mr Fletcher, Head of Business. These sessions provided pupils with valuable guidance and encouragement to explore different career paths and discover the opportunities that lie ahead.
The events during National Careers Week showcased a variety of career paths through insights from professionals in the field. We hope that our guest speakers have inspired pupils to reflect on their passions and consider how they can transform those interests into future career aspirations.
Choosing a Career event
With the purpose of helping students explore their best career options, our Careers department hosted a ‘Choosing a Career’ event on Wednesday 12 February.
Mr Fletcher, our Head of Careers, employed the ancient Japanese philosophy of IKIGAI –which is about finding one’s true purpose in life. Students were challenged to self-reflect and take agency in exploring their inner passions within the context of an unpredictable employment landscape.
Concentrating on four key areas around ‘what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs and what you can be paid for’, we explored the challenging task of finding purpose and career direction.
Safia Malik, Senior Programme Manager from InvestIN, spoke about skills and how to gain and strengthen them through work experience. Ajaz Hussain, Careers Consultant at Brunel University, enthused both students and parents to think critically and learn more to broaden their career horizons.
The interactive session was truly entertaining and everyone went away inspired – a truly educational experience for our students.
Universities Fair
We held our Universities Fair on Friday 28 February in a packed Boyd Campbell Hall, in which we welcomed over 38 delegates from universities – including the Russell Group –apprenticeship experts and employers. The experts advised and guided pupils in Year 10 and above on their future options for further study and careers. With several pupils from local schools invited to join us, the hall was full of lively discussions about courses, A-Levels, personal statements and UCAS.
Exploring STEAM careers
On Thursday 13 March, we hosted a STEAM careers event to mark British Science Week, in which we provided a unique opportunity for pupils in all year groups to explore the diverse and growing field of careers in these areas.
As technology continues to shape the future job market, the importance of STEAM disciplines in developing critical skills, such as problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking, has never been more evident. The interactive event, with its panel-style Q&A format, offered valuable insights into how these fields provide both exciting career opportunities and essential employability skills.
We were thrilled to welcome several experts to share their experiences, including Old Lyonians Yayha Bachelani (OL 2013) who began his career in
pharmacy and is now an influential maths teacher, Brindon Bagirathan (OL 2011), the CEO of Zestige Private Healthcare who talked about immersive technology, Neal Kanabar (OL 2014) a Mechanical Design Engineer, who traveled from Stockholm,
Sweden and shared insights into designing batteries for electric vehicle and our very own Head of
We thank all who attended and made the event a success!
Sixth Form work experience opportunities
A focus for the Careers team is to build strong networks and partnerships with our community of Old Lyonians, encouraging their involvement in supporting our work experience programme for Sixth Form students. These opportunities span a range of industries, including healthcare, hospitality, technology, finance and more.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Dr Sadat Edroos (OL 1997), Sachin Patel (OL 1998), Rory Jackson (OL 2007), Louis Lavers (OL 2009) and Amir Bhogal (OL 2015) for their generous support, providing our Sixth Form students with some incredible opportunities this term.
We invite Old Lyonians, as well as parents and guardians, who would like to get involved or have work experience opportunities to offer, to get in touch with the Careers team at careers@johnlyon.org.
Art, Gemma Holland.
Lyonian Assocation
It has been a pleasure to welcome Old Lyonians (OLs) back to the School this spring term. Their involvement continues to grow as they generously give their time, supporting a variety of careers events and other initiatives across the School. It is wonderful to have them here, sharing fond memories of their time at John Lyon and the invaluable lessons they have carried into their careers and lives. We extend our sincere gratitude to them for their continued support.
The Friends of the Lyonian Association, made up of our parent community, has been actively involved at the Prep School this term. From organising a successful Valentine’s Day bake sale to planning events for the summer term, their efforts have been invaluable. One notable project funded by the Friends of the Lyonian Association is a new playground at the Prep School (see page 10 for details). Parents and guardians of pupils from the Senior campus will soon outline their fundraising plans for future initiatives.
In other news, preparations are under way for the School’s 150th anniversary. We are excited to bring the entire School community together to celebrate this significant milestone and we will share more details soon about the events and initiatives planned.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen the bond between the School and our Old Lyonians, fostering meaningful connections and creating more opportunities to reconnect, celebrate and engage with the John Lyon community. For more information or to get involved, please visit our website or contact Bharti Bhikha, Head of Alumni Relations.
Coming up in the summer term
• 5, 10, 20 Years On Reunion: Friday 23 May 2025
• 25 & 30 Years On Reunion: Friday 27 June 2025
• OL Charity Tournament in memory of Joshua Beresford-Smart: Wednesday 25 June 2025
Supporting John Lyon’s Growth and Legacy
At John Lyon, our success is built on the dedication of our pupils, parents, staff and alumni. Their ongoing support enables us to provide exceptional experiences for current and future pupils.
Fundraising plays a key role in our development, funding projects that enhance both academic and co-curricular activities. Recent efforts have helped fund a new playground at the Prep campus and wellbeing spaces that support pupils’ mental and emotional health.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Contributions help us fund scholarships, improve facilities and offer opportunities that help pupils reach their full potential.
We invite you to join us in shaping the future of John Lyon. Whether through a donation, legacy gift or participation in fundraising initiatives, your support makes a lasting impact.
For more information email lyonianassociation@johnlyon.org or scan the QR code.
OLs Spotlight
We would like to thank all the OLs and friends of the School who have joined us on the Hill this term for our Goldhawk Lectures, Talk-on-the-Hill event, music performances, and career events to name but a few. Their time and support have been greatly appreciated, and we value the contributions they have made to our pupils’ experiences.
The 111th Old Lyonian Annual (OLA) Dinner
The 111th OLA Dinner took place on Friday 14 March, in the New Memorial Dining Hall, with over 90 Old Lyonians in attendance for a memorable evening.
The event began with the Head Prefect team leading tours of the School, where guests were impressed by the progress and extensive facilities that the School now offers.
The Head, Mrs Rose Hardy, welcomed guests with a heartfelt speech, followed by OLA President, Paul Matarewicz (OL 1976), who took a moment to remember those OLs no longer with us. Grace was said by Paul before dinner was served.
It was wonderful to see a greater number of recent alumni attending, sparking lively conversations across generations and discussions about life after John Lyon.
A huge thank you to the Sixth Form Head Prefect team of Jack, Finn, Pranay, John, Wesley, and Madisan for supporting with registrations and conducting the School tours. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to meet a breadth of OLs from various industries to gain insights and develop interpersonal skills.
Several OLs have since written to express their enjoyment of the evening and to pass on their compliments to the catering team for an excellent meal.
Frankie Bennett (OL 2016) – Goldhawk
Robin Goodger (OL 2019) – Goldhawk
Conor Taylor (OL 2014) – Goldhawk
Josh Kettle (OL 1997) – Goldhawk
Joseph-Benjamin Cumberbatch (OL 2010) – Talk-on-the-Hill
Bertie Atkinson (OL 2010) – Judge for Musician of the Year event
Neal Kanabar (OL 2014) – Careers event
Brindon Bagirathan (OL 2011) – Careers event
Yahya Bachelani (OL 2013) – Careers event
Obituary for Brian Simmons
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Simmons, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and esteemed educator, who passed away on Christmas Eve 2024, at the age of 81.
A graduate of London University, Brian had a long and distinguished career, spanning 32 years at John Lyon School, where he was Head of Mathematics for 16 years. His legacy as a teacher and leader in education is one of excellence, dedication and inspiration. His passion for mathematics and his ability to make the subject engaging and accessible to all pupils left an indelible mark on generations of pupils.
During his time at John Lyon, Brian was highly regarded by both his pupils and colleagues. Throughout the 80s and 90s, his reputation for outstanding GCSE and A-Level results was well-known, with his classes often achieving exceptional pass rates, including 100% A* and A grades. His work with the most talented pupils, particularly those targeting places at Oxford and Cambridge, was widely recognised, and his ability to challenge and inspire them set him apart.
In addition to his teaching, Brian played an instrumental role in shaping the future of mathematics education. He was invited to join the Maths Committee for the Oxbridge and Cambridge Exam Board, where for several years, he helped revise the A-Level syllabus, a role that would impact millions of students.
Brian’s impact at John Lyon went beyond academic success. He was known for his enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to his pupils’ growth, not only in mathematics but also as individuals. His leadership fostered a strong sense of teamwork across his department, and his ability to inspire both pupils and colleagues made him a cherished figure at the School. He was a valued mentor to younger teachers, many of whom went on to become Heads of Departments. He was also a passionate sportsman, with experience as a referee, umpire and games master.
Brian’s contributions to education were further honoured with the establishment
of the Simmons Award for Mathematics at John Lyon School, an annual award given to pupils who showed the most enthusiasm for the subject he loved so much.
A dedicated family man, he supported his wife’s rise to headship and played a full role in their family life during their years in London, Wiltshire and finally, Dorset. Brian retired from teaching in July 2003, with his final years at the School requiring him to commute from Salisbury to London each Monday morning on the 5.23am train, which he never missed in nearly 10 years of travel! In his retirement, he taught himself to play the bass guitar and maintained a keen interest in the stock market. In later years his interests broadened to music and art, but mathematics remained his main passion. He would often revisit old papers and
continued to challenge himself to solve the most complex mathematical problems. He is survived by his wife Rosemary, children Emma and Jonathan and grandchildren Jay, Jenna, Tabitha and Frank.
Brian leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of mathematicians and educators.
Set in 25 acres of beautiful parkland at the Sudbur y Fields campus, our Nor th Pavilion is available to hire .
The venue offers:
- Kitchenette (ser ving only)
- Seating for up to 60 people
- AV and Presentation facilities
- Toilets and changing facilities
- Car parking for up to 80 cars - Space for a marquee - Balcony with panoramic views overlooking London
For more details on availability, please contact: lettings@johnlyon.org
