More than 500 pupils, parents and members of the John Lyon community gathered in the Harrow School Speech Room for the evening on Monday 2nd July.

Giving the evening’s main speech, Guest of Honour Mr Liam Halligan, told a number of stories about his time at the School, from entering as an Academic Scholar in the first year to leaving as Head Boy in 1987.

The award-winning economics journalist and broadcaster impressed on pupils the huge benefits of being a John Lyon boy, receiving an education which is highly academic, but which also encourages participation and excellence in Music and the Arts, in Sport, and in many other areas. Above all, he said, John Lyon has always valued boys as individuals and as pupils move through the School and then on to university and the work place they should cherish that individuality and not be afraid to accept difficulties and change on their paths to success and happiness.

Mr Halligan managed to offer sage advice and give great inspritation, despite only having been asked to give the Guest of Honour address on the morning of Speech Day, after Andrew Carwood OL, Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral, sadly had to withdraw through illness.

The evening was also notable for the musical offerings before and during the ceremony, for short speeches by the Head and Chairman of Governors, and for a confident final address to the School by Head Boy Thomas Salter.

Hundreds of books were awarded as prizes to boys in all years who had shown excellent commitment and attainment in Academic, Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular pursuits throughout the year.

After the ceremony, prize winners and their families gathered back at School in the Red House Gardens for a reception.