Occasional Places are spaces available into non-formal entry points or joining a Year group mid-year.
John Lyon’s standard entry points are at 2+, 3+, 4+, 7+, 11+ 13+ and 16+. However, from time-to-time, Occasional Places do become available throughout the academic year for a multitude of reasons.
Before registering for an Occasional Place, please email our Admissions Team at [email protected] – including your child’s full name, age, current school and the parent/guardian’s contact details.
To start your John Lyon educational journey, most families attend either our Prep School Tours or our Senior School in Action Mornings, depending on what Year Group you are looking for.
These events offer prospective families a first-hand glimpse into our ethos, values and educational philosophy. Including a tour of the school, experiencing the day-to-day in the classroom, and the chance to speak to members of our dedicated staff and Senior Leadership Team.
Book a Prep School Tour 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 applicable).
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.
Registration Form
Prep School Admissions
For Year 1 and Year 2 Entry, families are invited to attend a Taster Day, providing your child the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a Lyonian.
During their Taster Day, your child will complete age-appropriate assessments in reading, writing and mathematics. Each child will also have time to play, interact with other pupils and engage in informal conversation, allowing us to gain a well-rounded understanding of their interests, confidence and readiness for life at John Lyon.
For Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 Entry, children will be assessed in English and Mathematics, as well as taking an online Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT).
The CAT assessment is designed to evaluate a range of skills, including verbal and non-verbal reasoning, perception, memory and problem-solving. Together, these assessments help us to understand each child’s academic profile and potential.
Senior School Admissions
For Year 8 Entry, applicants will be assessed in English and Mathematics, as well as attending an interview with a Senior teacher.
For Year 10 Entry, applicants will be assessed in English, Mathematics, French or Spanish and Science, as well as an optional Latin examination. As we follow the IGCSE curriculum, we also have to consider the availability of relevant GCSE subject options.
If applicable, we will request a confidential reference from your child’s current Prep school.
Please note: if a place is not immediately available, families may be offered the opportunity to join a waiting list.
Successful applicants will receive an offer letter containing 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 |
