John Lyon vs Merchant Taylors

[Hexagonmum]

Deciding on where to send my eldest. We've narrowed it down to to either John Lyons in Harrow or Merchant Taylors. We've visited both and like them both the same

I'd appreciate any inside info/input/opinions on both pls.

Well John Lyon is mixed whereas Merchant Taylors is a boys' school, so I should start there! Do you not have a preference for mixed/single gender education? Does DS?

@thing47

Well John Lyon is mixed whereas Merchant Taylors is a boys' school, so I should start there! Do you not have a preference for mixed/single gender education? Does DS?

It doesn't really matter to us if it's a single sex or mixed school. The extra-curricular activities at both schools are great as well as the academic side, hence me wanting the "inside info" such as what are the teachers really like, are children from either school kind, respectful or opposite??? The only bad thing I've heard so far about John Lyon is that it's a school for kids who couldn't get into the other independent schools! Is this a well known unspoken thing amongst all??

Yes it is. MTS is considerably more academic.

Hi @Hexagonmum
I have great knowledge about both JLS and MTS as I know cousins and close friends who have attended.
First of all with JLS, I would say many describe this as the "reject school" as many boys can easily get in and most who have got 50% scholarship, crazy !
The teaching is good apart from the odd occasion, but the grades aren't impressive in comparison to other independent schools in the area. Recently the school has become mixed which makes people wonder are they not getting enough applicants? I would say when my son applies in a couple of years time, JLS will be the backup last option due to these experiences.
Likewise I know many from MTS as well. It is a fabulous school with great facilities such as a state of the art DT block and lake for the boys to do sports in. Sports is heavily emphasised ranging from hockey, football.canoeing rounders etc. Other extra curriculars are encouraged such as music and drama. Every other year MTS partner with STHNS to do a lovely production. They have amazing results looking before and after covid.
As far as behaviour there are no major issues with the boys both are polite gentleman. However MTS boys are a bit more well put together as JLS boys can seem a bit rough especially around harrow shopping centre.
Hope this helps :)