My son He attended The Russell School, a state primary in Chorleywood, and entered John Lyon at aged 11. Other schools we considered included Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, Chesham Grammar, Watford Grammar School for Boys, St. Clement Danes School (18th best state school in country on some measures), Merchant Taylors School, Berkhamstead School and Aldenham School. He failed the 11+ exam by the narrowest of margins (despite passing fairly comfortably on a mock exam under genuine exam conditions (nerves?)) and failed one of the three entrance papers at Merchant Taylors (expressive language and breadth of vocabulary a weakness at aged 11). St Clement Danes School (an excellent state school where most of his peer group transferred to) and Aldenham were real options (i.e. we were offered places). I ruled out Berkhamstead School because I wasn’t impressed when given a tour by the Head. Despite being a borderline entry at aged 11, my son was offered a place by the superb Head (Miss Katherine Haynes) at aged 11. Accepting that offer was the best decision I ever made.
90% of the teaching of the school has been excellent. I don’t mark something as “excellent” lightly! The pastoral care of the school has been outstanding. At the beginning of Year 9 my son had “a wobble” about a change of classmates but the school handled it superbly and in Year 10 (whilst doing the IGCSE courses he spend some considerable time in the Royal Brompton Hospital’s Paediatric Heart & Lung Ward). Sporting opportunities are great and there is a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Though my son doesn’t do music or drama, I’ve attended several of the schools productions and they are amazing.
It would be inappropriate to mention my son’s GCSE results, suffice to say that they have been described as “truly outstanding”. He could switch to any sixth form in the area (and we seriously considered Dr Challoner’s Grammar School and had discussions with their senior management team), but we opted to keep him at The John Lyon School because we don’t believe there is any school who could have delivered more “added value” over the past five years. Looking at his peer group (aged 11) I am totally convinced of this!!!!!!!!! To risk repeating myself, sending my son to The John Lyon School was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.
The Head and the teachers of this school are amongst my heroes.
Frankly, if your child behaves in an exemplary manner and is extremely conscientious this school WILL deliver incredible “added value”!!!
My Godson just got into Oxford from a state school in a coastal town because he worked hard. I have a Filipino friend whose daughter is heading in the same direction from a state comprehensive in the West Midlands. The results of children are generally commensurate with the effort they put in.
In my opinion, The John Lyon School’s “added value” cannot be beaten. It IS a “hidden gem”.