To start your John Lyon educational journey, most families attend our Open Day that takes place in the Autumn Term, or to one of our School in Action Mornings.
These events offer prospective families a first-hand glimpse into our ethos, values and educational philosophy – including a pupil-led tour of the campus, a talk from the Head, Mrs Rose Hardy, and the opportunity to speak to members of our dedicated staff and Senior Leadership Team.
Book a Senior School in Action
Registration marks the formal start of your John Lyon journey. Please note: our registration fee is £180, inclusive of VAT, and is non-refundable.
As part of the registration, you will be asked for a copy of your child’s passport and their latest School report.
If you are applying from overseas and will not be able to travel to the John Lyon School to sit the entrance examinations, please contact the Admissions office before registering your child.
Key Dates for 2027 entry
| Deadline for 13+ applications | 31 October, 4pm |
| Deadline for Scholarships | 31 October, 4pm |
| Deadline for Bursaries | 31 October, 4pm |
Following registration, applicants will be invited to attend the 13+Entrance Examination in the November or December, whilst your child is in Year 8.
All candidates who sit the Entrance Examination will be automatically considered for an Academic Scholarship based on their scores.
Our entrance examination consists of four papers and a group discussion:
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Our group discussion is tailored to be an enjoyable experience. They are not formally interviewed, instead, they discuss a topic within a small group, which may be academic or based on current affairs. This allows us to get to know your child better and for them to share their interests, ask questions, and engage in an enjoyable, supportive setting.
If applicable, we will request a confidential reference from your child’s current Prep school.
Children must be 13 years old by 1 September in the year they are due to start John Lyon.
13+ Scholarship Assessments dates will be published on the 1 September 2026.
Music, Drama, Sport, STEAM and Art Scholarships candidates will be invited back at the latter of the Autumn Term or start of the Spring Term, for their assessment and to meet with the Head of Department.
Successful applicants will receive an offer letter the Friday before the February half-term, as well as an invite for families to attend our Offer Holder event.
Your offer letter will contain a link to our Acceptance portal. You will be asked to read our Terms & Conditions, print, sign and return the Confirmation of Acceptance form and pay the Confirmation of Acceptance Fee.
Please note: the Confirmation of Acceptance fee is refundable when your child leaves the School.
Our Annual Update on Fees and Optional Extras are available here.
Admission fees
| Registration fee (inclusive of VAT were applicable) | £180 |
| Confirmation of Acceptance fee (inclusive of VAT were applicable) | £1,200 (UK Resident) £3,600 (Overseas resident) |
How has the co-ed move worked out?
The move has been very positive, for all our pupils and entire community. Pleasingly, from an academic perspective, girls and boys are thriving in our co-ed environment. They are also flourishing in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities such as Sports, Drama and Music. Our concerts and drama productions now have a wider variety of participants, which has been enriching, and we are also able to enter a number of Sports fixtures as we have boys-only, girls-only and mixed co-ed teams. Higher education, the workplace and indeed life is diverse and rich. We believe that school shuld be the same and we are preparing children to succeed here and beyond their studies.
Can I apply for both scholarship and bursary?
Yes, you can apply for both at the time of registering your child.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, please see scholarship application forms for criteria.
When will 11+ examinations take place?
For 13+, candidates are assessed in the autumn term, when they are in Year 8.
What are your selection criteria?
13+ selection is based upon performance in our entrance examinations, school reports, school reference and group discussion/interview.
When will I hear about results/offers?
We will email the results to you in the second week of February.
Is lunch included in the school fees?
Yes, unlike most other schools in the area, we do not charge extra for lunch.
If my child is unsuccessful in securing a place at 11+, can they reapply at 13+?
Yes, we encourage families to try again at 13+.
Do you offer deferred entry?
No.
If my child is unsuccessful in their scholarship assessment, will there be another opportunity for them to apply?
Yes, once they become a pupil, teachers can recommend them for the scholarship.
Do the candidates get assessed in verbal and non-verbal skills?
No.
How do I get access to sample papers?
Sample papers are available on our website here.
Do you offer a coach service?
We offer a comprehensive coach service, which is heavily subsidised by the School and takes pressure off families at drop-off and pick-ups. We encourage use of our coaches for not only your convenience and ease, but also for our collective sustainability efforts. To read more, please click here.
