Full Name
Neil Enright

What year did you leave John Lyon (Class of)?
1996

What did you do after leaving John Lyon?
After leaving John Lyon I went on to St John's College, Oxford, to read geography and subsequently took my Post-Graduate Certficate of Education teaching qualification at the University of London's Institute of Education. I was awarded my National Professional Qualification for Headship in 2007 and an MBA, from the University of London, in 2010.

Can you describe what you have done in your career so far?
My first teaching post, in 2000, was at St Gregory’s RC Science College, Kenton, where I taught Geography and was also Gifted & Talented Co-ordinator and the college’s Co-ordinator for the Government’s Excellence in Cities programme. In September 2002, I moved to Queen Elizabeth's School in Barnet, where I have since remained. Before my appointment as Headmaster in 2011, I held positions as Deputy Headmaster, Assistant Headmaster, Head of Year and Head of Geography. I fulfil a number of additional roles on a voluntary basis including on the Governing Body of John Lyon. I am a trustee of John Lyon's Foundation too which enables me to be involved in governance at Harrow School and with John Lyon's Charity. Currently, I also serve as a governor at Longfield Primary School in North Harrow, St Albans High School for Girls and on the board of Ashmole Academy Trust in Southgate.

How did your experience at John Lyon prepare you for/or shape your future?
My time as a pupil at John Lyon was incredibly happy. I am grateful for the lifelong friendships I forged with my peers and for way in which my teachers nurtured in me a love of learning. The broad curriculum, expert teaching and investment in pastoral care and enrichment opportunities set me up to thrive and be happy at university and beyond. My positive experiences as a pupil at John Lyon have certainly shaped my goals and ambitions as a school leader.

What has been your proudest achievements so far?
It was certainly a proud moment when I was invited to join the board of governors at John Lyon in 2016.

What was your fondest memory from being at John Lyon?
There are so many happy memories from my seven years at John Lyon. I enjoyed each of the sections in the School, but I think the Sixth Form experience was a highlight for me. My teachers guided me to the A-level subjects which best suited my academic interests (English Literature, French and Geography) and my learning was enriched with so many co-curricular opportunities, particularly, in my case, within the music and drama departments. I gained from the leadership roles which were offered, learning so much from my time as Deputy Head Boy and from leading the student body's charity fundraising.

Are you still involved with the School and if so, in what way and why is it important for you to be involved in this way?
I believe it is important to sustain a connection with the people and places which have shaped my present. I will always want to be an active and engaged Old Lyonian. In recent years it has been a privilege to have the opportunity as a governor to give something back to John Lyon and to play a small part in its stewardship for the benefit of today's and future Lyonians.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a current pupil?
I would share the same message that I promote to the pupils in my school: keep an open mind about where you may head professionally (and in all respects) in your lifetime. Be excited, rather than concerned about the fact that the world of work is evolving so quickly and that you are preparing to be brilliant in roles which are impossible to predict. Recognise and work on the important tools you will need to thrive: emotional and social intelligence; cognitive agility; an entrepreneurial spirit; a creative, innovating mindset and digital literacy. Lyonians are fortunate to be at a great school; they should get stuck in to the huge array of opportunities on offer and be confident that in doing so, they will achieve brilliantly, making wonderful, lasting friendships and memories along the way.