Leading scientist Professor David Phillips opened the new Science and Drama Building at The John Lyon School – and warned of economic catastrophe for Britain unless it follows the School’s example by investing in Science education.

Professor Phillips OBE, Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London, unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of the Harrow boys’ independent school’s £3 million building.

The three-storey building is the first major project to be completed under the School’s 10-year development strategy announced last year.

Professor Phillips praised the new building, telling teachers: “It will benefit your students in a way you cannot imagine.” Yet he said that ultimately the quality of Science teaching was even more important than facilities. He highlighted the urgent need for Britain to produce more Science and Technology teachers. “We as a nation are reliant on the skills we have in this field. Unless we have the brainpower for the next two decades, we are going to be in desperate trouble,” he warned.

Professor Phillips, who is officially retired, plays his part in promoting Science by conducting 30-40 demonstration lectures to young people in schools each year. At the opening ceremony, he spoke of how much he has enjoyed his career in Science: “I can think of few other jobs where you are doing every day something that you long to do and where someone is paying you to do it!”

The John Lyon School has a strong record of nurturing young scientists and medics. Professor Phillips was invited to the ceremony as guest of honour because of his connection to former pupil Professor Andrew de Mello, who left the School in 1988 and is the youngest professor of Chemistry at Imperial College.

Headmaster Kevin Riley said: “The very bright boys that we have in this School now have the facilities to fulfil their talents.”

In addition to the construction of the new building, major internal work was carried out in the School’s existing Main Building. Together, this has created six new Science laboratories, two new Drama studios, three general classrooms, three preparation rooms and four staff offices.

The 580-pupil School is part of the Harrow School Foundation and holds its annual Easter production in Harrow School’s professionally equipped Ryan Theatre. With two new Drama studios, The John Lyon School is now one of the best-equipped schools in the country for Drama teaching.

“We have an enviable reputation for Drama,” said Mr Riley, as he welcomed VIP guests including former pupil Michael Burrell, the leading actor, former theatre director and playwright.

“The great thing about this School is that it produces all-round boys who really want to make a contribution to Society,” Mr Riley concluded.

The extra teaching space in the new building has also enabled the removal of a temporary classroom building in the School grounds, freeing up additional playground space for the younger pupils.

Construction work was carried out by builders Apex Stephens.

ENDS

• For more pictures please see our gallery in our Development section.

Issued on behalf of The John Lyon School

MEDIA CONTACTS: Mr Kevin Riley on 020 8872 8400