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Celebrating our
150th Anniversary

Lyon Logo

Honour. Heritage. Heart.

As part of our 150th anniversary celebrations, we have launched the ‘Challenge 150’ across both Schools. Each form at the Senior Campus and each year group at the Prep have been challenged to raise £150 through pupil-led initiatives – from bake sales to sponsored events and beyond. Much more than a fundraising effort, the ‘Challenge 150’ initiative offers a hands-on opportunity for pupils to develop character, leadership and a strong sense of community.

As part of our 150 Hours of Volunteering, ‘The Big Feed’ brings together pupils, parents, guardians and staff in a powerful act of community support. In partnership with our catering company, Thomas Franks, this flagship initiative will provide over 1,500 meals to families in need. It is a shared moment of generosity and connection, and we hope it will become a lasting tradition for years to come.

As part of our 150th anniversary celebrations, we are delighted to invite our whole community to our 150th Summer Festival – a landmark event that brings together pupils, families, alumni and friends for an afternoon of shared celebration.

Guests will get the chance to enjoy a vibrant programme of activities, including Victorian-inspired fairground stalls and games that reflect 1876, live entertainment throughout the day, and a dedicated Fun Zone with activities an challenges for all ages. There will also be a wide selection of food stalls and local vendors, offering a range of delicious summer flavours for everyone to enjoy.

Our Time-Travel Book is a truly collaborative project, bringing together every year group, from Reception to Upper Sixth, in a shared creative journey. The narrative will feature our founders, John and Joan Lyon, as they travel across time and imagination, reflecting the voices of our entire school community. The finished book will be published digitally, with a limited number of printed archive copies preserving this unique and special collaboration.

Our Visual Timeline offers a rich and engaging journey through 150 years of school history. Showcasing photographs, documents and key milestones from the past 150 years, visualising the evolution of the school from Queen Elizabeth I Charter to the present day. Designed for pupils, families, alumni and visitors, it not only celebrates the past but also leaves room to inspire the next generation to carry the story forward.

The Digital Archive is a newly curated digital collection – where alumni, pupils and families are invited to explore our rich history. Offering a glimpse into the past, from whole-school photographs to early editions of The Lyonian magazine and so much more.

Digitalising our archive is a very long and expensive process, and as we continue to grow and upload a wider range of content, your help and contributions are necessary.

"The John Lyon School is indubitably a very fine one, and more than anything else it is a happy school, a place where people feel welcome and valued"

John Lyon's Dream, The History of John Lyon's School

"Heritage grounds us, innovation provides direction; a truly great school must hold both"

Mrs Rose Hardy, Head