The John Lyon School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Location: Middle Road, Harrow-on-the-Hill, HA2 0HN
• Type: Independent co-educational day school
• Age Range: 3-18 years
• Head: Mrs Rose Hardy
• Annual Fees: Approximately £20,000
• Contact: 020 8515 9400
• Founded: 1876
• Registration Deadline: Contact school for current deadlines
• Exam Period: January
• Results: Early March

About The John Lyon School

The John Lyon School occupies a unique position within the Harrow Family of Schools, combining a rich 148-year heritage with progressive educational values. Located on the historic Harrow-on-the-Hill, this independent day school transformed into a fully co-educational institution in September 2021, marking a significant milestone in its evolution.

The school's ethos centres on four core values: ambition, community, creativity, and excellence. These principles shape every aspect of school life, from academic rigour to co-curricular opportunities. The all-through structure from ages 3-18 allows for seamless educational progression, whilst the school's historic ties with Harrow School provide unique opportunities and traditions.

What distinguishes John Lyon is its commitment to nurturing individual potential within a supportive community environment. The school maintains high academic standards whilst fostering creativity and personal growth. Recent developments include enhanced facilities and expanded co-curricular programmes, reflecting the school's forward-thinking approach to education.

The school's location in Harrow-on-the-Hill provides excellent transport links to central London, making it accessible to families across North West London and beyond. The historic setting offers students an inspiring learning environment steeped in educational tradition.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

The John Lyon School publishes day fees of £10,076 per term for 2026/27, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on 31 October (4pm), for 2027 entry (i.e. current Year 6 applicants for Year 7 entry September 2027). The assessment takes place on Wednesday 18 or Thursday 19 November 2026. Candidates sit a 45-minute English written exam, a 45-minute Mathematics written exam, and take part in an unprepared group activity/discussion assessing collaboration and communication, with no formal interview. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process

The John Lyon School's 11+ entrance examination takes place in January and follows a comprehensive assessment approach designed to identify academic potential and suitability for the school's demanding curriculum.

Examination Components

The assessment includes:

• Mathematics: Covering key Stage 2 curriculum with problem-solving elements
• English: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression
• Verbal Reasoning: Testing logical thinking and language skills
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assessing spatial awareness and pattern recognition

Additional Assessment Elements

Beyond the written examinations, the school considers:

• Current School Reference: Academic performance and character assessment from the primary school
• Interview Process: Selected candidates participate in interviews to assess school fit and personal interests
• Academic Scholarship Consideration: All candidates are automatically considered for academic scholarships based on examination performance

The school seeks students who demonstrate not only academic ability but also the potential to contribute to the school community and benefit from its distinctive educational approach.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry requires careful attention to deadlines and procedures:

Application Steps

1. Registration: Complete the online application form or submit a paper application by the specified deadline
2. Entrance Examination: Attend the 11+ assessment day in January
3. Interview: Selected candidates will be invited for interviews following the written assessments
4. Offers: Successful applicants receive offers by early March

Important Considerations

• Early registration is recommended due to high demand
• Financial assistance through scholarships is available for exceptional candidates
• The school welcomes applications from students of all backgrounds who can benefit from its educational provision
• Specific deadlines and requirements should be confirmed directly with the admissions office

Prospective families are encouraged to attend open events and arrange school visits to understand the school's distinctive character and educational philosophy.

Preparing for the The John Lyon School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the The John Lyon School 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.