On Friday 3 October, pupils and staff from both the Senior and Prep Schools gathered at St Mary’s Church in Harrow-on-the-Hill, the resting place of our founder John Lyon and his wife Joan, for our annual Founders Day service.

Held to commemorate John Lyon and his legacy, this year’s event held particular significance as the School also celebrates its 150th anniversary, adding an extra sense of occasion to this long standing tradition.

The service was attended by The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Harrow, Councillor Anjana Patel, along with several Old Lyonians. It was led by the Rev’d James Mosher of St Mary’s, who spoke about John Lyon’s life and the values that continue to shape the School today. Readings were shared by Ello and Amelia from Year 6, Harry (U6SCH), and Head Prefect Klara (U6LCA). Fellow Head Prefect Madisan (U6LCA) concluded the readings with an extract from The Charter.

A moving part of the service was the Laying of the Wreath, with pupils from Year 5 through to the Upper Sixth taking part in honouring John Lyon’s memory. Music played an important role, with performances from the School’s Motet Choir and Chamber Orchestra, including I Vow to Thee, My Country, the School Song Stet Fortuna Domus and the National Anthem.

As we begin a year of celebrations to mark the School’s 150th anniversary, this Founders Day offered a meaningful moment for the community to come together, honour John Lyon’s legacy and reflect on how far the School has come since its founding.