On Friday 2 October, pupils and staff from the Senior and Prep Schools came together at St Mary’s Church, Harrow-on-the-Hill, for our annual Founders’ Day Service, held beside the resting place of our founder, John Lyon, and his wife Joan.

This year’s service carried particular significance as we celebrate 150 years of John Lyon School, making this much-loved tradition an especially poignant moment in our anniversary year.

Led by the Head and the Rev’d James Mosher of St Mary’s, the service included readings from pupils and reflections on John Lyon’s life, legacy and the values that continue to shape our School today. The wreath was laid by the Prep School’s Head Boy and Head Girl, with pupils from Year 5 through to the Upper Sixth joining together to honour our founder.

We were delighted to welcome The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Harrow, Councillor Yogesh Teli, accompanied by his wife, alongside a number of Old Lyonians. The Mayor was particularly pleased to learn that the School’s chosen charity this year is Great Ormond Street Hospital, which is also his Charity of the Year, creating a wonderful connection between the School and the wider Harrow community.

Here’s to honouring our past, celebrating our present and looking ahead to the next chapter of the Lyonian story. 

A huge thank you to all our OLs who joined us, some travelling a considerable distance and others returning to the School for the first time since leaving. It was truly wonderful to welcome you back.