A large emphasis is put on creativity at John Lyon and our well-resourced Music, Drama and Art departments are extremely well regarded in their ability to allow pupils of all ages to shine.
As well as all three Departments offering a full academic curriculum, with GCSEs and A-Levels available in each, Art, Drama and Music all work closely and regularly with pupils who choose not to pursue the creative arts in the classroom, but who are engaged in clubs and societies, concerts, plays, performances and exhibitions.
Art
The John Lyon Art Department offers a creative and professional working environment filled with professional equipment. Our facilities include a suite of computers in every classroom featuring extensive art and graphic packages, as well as a print and animation studio. A darkroom and studio lighting ensure that we can support and foster budding photographers.
Our pupils’ artwork is displayed in the Mall Gallery located in the central spine of John Lyon. We have at least five major art exhibitions every year.

A-Level Art students on a visit to Margate

Painting rocket cars as part of Year 7 STEAM curriculum

Dhanesh and Zak during a Royal Academt 'attRAct' class

Year 9 pupils exploring embroidery to develop a stitch-work self portrait.

A Year 7 Art class

A portraiture lesson


A Sixth Form Art student works with local primary children

A life drawing masterclass

Portrait work in a School exhibition

A-Level students on an Art trip to Margate

Art Club

Practising Linocut design


Drama
In our Drama department, we have two fully equipped studio spaces, perfect for rehearsal and smaller performances. For larger productions, there is a full drama rig in the Boyd Campbell Hall. Full-scale musicals, such as 2017’s South Pacific, are put on at Harrow School’s 350-seater Ryan Theatre or at local theatres such as the Watersmeet. Extensive relationships with local girls’ schools ensure that we can offer a full range of dramatic productions and pupils interested in developing their skills both on and behind the stage can get involved from their early years.

2018 musical: Anything Goes

Bringing paper to life in a puppetry masterclass

Shakespeare Schools Festival: Macbeth

Peter Shaffer's Royal Hunt of the Sun, 2018

2017 musical: South Pacific

An A-Level examined performance
Music
The Music department has earned itself a strong reputation for both its breadth and quality. The John Lyon Music School houses a 120-seater recital hall equipped with two Steinway concert grand pianos, a state-of-the-art recording studio and eight individual practice studios. The Motet Choir regularly sings Evensong at cathedrals around the UK. The Lyonian Chorus, Motet Choir, String Orchestra and many ensembles ensure that pupils of all abilities and musical interests are well catered for and encouraged.

Trying out the clarinet

The Motet Choir sings at Founder's Day service

Performing at Spring Concert

On stage with Harrow School pupils

Performing at Autumn Concert

Helping local primary school children

The Pride of Lyon's sing at 2018 Christmas Concert

Singing in St Mark's Square, Venice

Singing Evensong at St Paul's Cathedral

Rock Band at Autumn Concert

Performing to an appreciative audience