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The history of John Lyon stretches back over 450 years to a philanthropic yeoman farmer in the village of Preston, Harrow.

When The John Lyon School was founded in 1876, it carried forward Lyon’s original vision of promoting education, alongside service and philanthropy, a mission that continues today through our partnership with John Lyon’s Foundation and John Lyon’s Charity.

Since 1991, John Lyon’s Charity has transformed the lives of children and young people across nine boroughs — Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea, and the Cities of London and Westminster — supporting their learning, growth, and development through education.

We work closely with both the John Lyon Foundation and John Lyon’s Charity to support a range of meaningful initiatives that benefit the wider community. In addition, the School raises funds for several charities throughout the academic year through a variety of events and activities.

Our chosen partnered charities:

This year, our Prep school nominated the ‘National Deaf Children’s Society’ as the chosen charity.

At John Lyon, we believe strongly in promoting inclusion, understanding and equal opportunities for all children. Many of our pupils were particularly inspired by the charity’s mission to ensure that deaf children can thrive, feel confident and have access to the support they need.

By partnering with this charity, we hope to help make a meaningful difference to young people and families who face communication and accessibility challenges every day.

Find out more about the National Deaf Children’s Society

A charity that is incredibly important to the school is ‘Brain Tumour Research’.

In 2017, Joshua Beresford-Smart (OL 2020) was diagnosed with a brain tumour called ‘Diffuse Midline Glioma’ and sadly passed away in February 2021. Joshua was known for his cheery personality and enthuasim in all aspects of sports and drama – representing John Lyon in both cricket and football. In the 2020 leavers book, there was a question asked: ‘Where do you see yourself in 10 years?‘, to which he wrote: “Raising awareness and funding for Brain Tumour Research”.

By partnering with this charity, we hope to help increase awareness for young people – currently investment in brain tumour research is lacking, despite being the biggest cancer killer of those under the age of 40.

Find out more about Brain Tumour Research

We have a long-standing partnership with the local charity, St Luke’s Hospice. 

St Luke’s provides compassionate care and support to end of life patients and their families. By raising awareness and supporting their hard work, we hope to highlight the importance of dignity, comfort and kindness at the most challenging times.

In 2023, the incoming charity prefects helped raise over £1,500 with a variety of organised events, including a ‘Go Purple’ non-uniform day, purple milkshakes morning and an online art exhibition. Since then we have continued to raise donations and awareness, with our Sixth Formers also volunteering their time as part of the Blackwell Programme.

Find out more about St Luke’s

We have a long-standing partnership with Macmillan, a charity that provides essential care and support for those affected by cancer.

For the last couple of years, pupils, staff and parents have participated in the Macmillan Coffee Morning. Through this partnership, we hope to continue supporting Macmillan’s vital work and make a meaningful difference.

Find out more about Macmillan

This year, our Charity prefects nominated the ‘Epilepsy Society’ as their chosen charity. 

Epilepsy affects many children and young people, and is often misunderstood. Through this partnership, we aim to promote inclusion, increase awareness, reduce stigma surrounding the condition, and support the vital work the Epilepsy Society does to improve the lives of those affected.

Find out more about Epilepsy Society

The Blackwell Enterprise

At John Lyon School, our commitment to public benefit is expressed through The Blackwell Enterprise. Through this philanthropic initiative, and in collaboration with Harrow School and John Lyon’s Charity, we focus our efforts on enriching and enhancing the lives of those in our local community. The work extends to and directly impacts disadvantaged young people who use our facilities and receive visits from staff and pupils, senior citizens we visit in care homes, charities and partners, and everyone in between. The Blackwell Enterprise also reinforces our values of community, leadership and overall character within our pupils and staff.

Our charitable work includes:

  • Enabling access to high‑quality learning experiences and enrichment activities and workshops for young people
  • Delivering volunteering programmes that support vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
  • Fundraising for local, national and international causes, led by our pupils and staff
  • Sharing school facilities with community partners for collaborative events and programmes
  • Responding to local community needs as required
  • Work with external agencies to raise culture capital for local children

 

Our School Partnerships

We are also proud to work with a number of local schools and organisations, including:

Roxeth Primary School Norbury Primary School St Anselm’s Primary School Horsenden Primary School Welldon Park St Jerome Bilingual School
Grange Primary School St John Fisher Primary School West Lodge Primary School St Bernadette’s Primary School Newton Farm Primary School Hillview Children’s Centre

These long‑standing partnerships allow us to share expertise, facilities and opportunities designed to support educational enrichment, wellbeing and community cohesion.

"During my Friday afternoon sessions, I help Year 6 students with a variety of academic skills including reading, arithmetic and reasoning mathematic skills in preparation for their upcoming SATs."

Year 12 Student