The John Lyon School is planning to create a new Sixth Form Centre in its oldest building.

The project is the second stage in the Harrow independent school’s ten-year Estates Strategy, which began with the construction of a new £3m Science and Drama Building completed in late 2008.

The Head, Miss Katherine Haynes, said: “I am delighted that the Governors have given their approval to this ambitious yet prudent project, which will transform our Sixth Form facilities and bring new life to Old Building – John Lyon’s first and only building when it was opened by Harrow School in 1876.

“A strong Sixth Form is key to any senior school’s success and this project will give Old Building a very strong Sixth Form identity, combining the School’s heritage with state-of-the-art facilities.”

“Although the national economic situation remains difficult, the Governors’ priority is to continue with a carefully thought-out investment programme aimed at improving the School’s facilities and building on its acknowledged strengths in areas such as academic achievement, the arts and sport.”

The Sixth Form is currently accommodated in the Red House, which is located across Middle Road. The School’s main office accommodation, including the Head’s wing, will move to the Red House.

It is hoped that contractors will be able to begin work on site this year.

Miss Haynes said that work to repair the roof of Old Building would have been necessary in the near future, so it was sensible to carry out the refurbishment of the building at this time. She added that further improvements under the Estates Strategy are also in the pipeline. “The first part of this next phase of our estates strategy is the refurbishment of Old Building, leading on at a later date to the construction of a new Music School to replace the existing facility.”

ENDS

Issued on behalf of The John Lyon School

MEDIA CONTACTS: Miss Katherine Haynes, Head of The John Lyon School, on 020 8872 8400