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  • Independent school for boys and girls

John Lyon School: entry, tests, dates and fees

Middle Road, Harrow-on-the-Hill, London HA2 0HN

Facts checked 19 October 2026By ExamKind Editorial TeamSchool website

Can we apply, and when?

For September 2027 entry

  • Registration closes, 11+ entry

    Sat 31 Oct

    Saturday 31 October 2026, for September 2027 entry

    Checked, source: The John Lyon School, checked

  • Places

    Not published

  • Fees at 11+, day

    £10,076a term

    2026-27 school year, including VAT

    Checked, source: The John Lyon School, checked

Your next steps for 11+ entry

  1. Next: Registration closes for 11+ entry

    in 11 days

  2. Coming up: Bursary applications close

    in 11 days

    Only if you are applying for help with fees

  3. Coming up: Scholarship applications close

    in 11 days

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

John Lyon School sets its own tests and decides after them. We have not found a published pass mark, so we do not show one.

How entry works

How entry works

Ways in, and how children are assessed

John Lyon School takes new pupils at 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. Each way in has its own tests and dates.

  • 11+ entry

    How children are assessed: an English paper, a maths paper, a group activity and a reference from the current school.

    Registration closes: Saturday 31 October 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

Other ways in: 4+, 7+, 13+ and 16+Places, tests and registration for each

  • 4+ entryjoins Little Lyon’s Reception

    How children are assessed: a play-based observation.

    Registration closes: Thursday 31 December 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

  • 7+ entry

    How children are assessed: an English paper, a maths paper and taster day.

    Registration closes: Thursday 31 December 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

  • 13+ entry

    How children are assessed: an English paper, a maths paper, a group activity, a reference from the current school, own science and own subject papers. Tests are taken in Year 8.

    Registration closes: Saturday 31 October 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

  • 16+ entry

    How children are assessed: an interview, a reference from the current school and GCSE grade requirements.

Source: The John Lyon School, checked

More about entry from our guide

John Lyon SchoolJohn Lyon School: NameChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: John Lyon School is a prestigious independent school located in Northwest London, catering to students from ages two to eighteen.View the official source has five ways in: 4+ entryJohn Lyon School: OfferedChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: John Lyon’s standard entry points are at 2+, 3+, 4+, 7+, 11+ 13+ and 16+.View the official source, 7+ entryJohn Lyon School: OfferedChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: John Lyon’s standard entry points are at 2+, 3+, 4+, 7+, 11+ 13+ and 16+.View the official source, 11+ entryJohn Lyon School: OfferedChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: John Lyon’s standard entry points are at 2+, 3+, 4+, 7+, 11+ 13+ and 16+.View the official source, 13+ entryJohn Lyon School: OfferedChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: John Lyon’s standard entry points are at 2+, 3+, 4+, 7+, 11+ 13+ and 16+.View the official source and 16+ entryJohn Lyon School: OfferedChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: John Lyon’s standard entry points are at 2+, 3+, 4+, 7+, 11+ 13+ and 16+.View the official source.

4+ (Reception)

The youngest children join Little Lyon’s ReceptionJohn Lyon School: JoinsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Children must be 4 years old by 1 September in the year they are due to start Little Lyon’s Reception.View the official source for September 2027 entryJohn Lyon School: Current cycleChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Deadline for applications for September 2027 entry 31 December 2026View the official source. They have a play-based assessmentJohn Lyon School: Play observationChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: During the assessment, your child will be amongst a small group of children to take part in a variety of activities.View the official source, which generally means staff watch small children play and chat rather than set a test. Register by 31 December 2026John Lyon School: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Deadline for applications for September 2027 entry 31 December 2026View the official source. We could not confirm the assessment or offer dates, so ask the school.

7+ (Year 3)

For September 2027 entryJohn Lyon School: Current cycleChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Deadline for applications for September 2027 entry 31 December 2026View the official source, the 7+ assessment includes:

  • the school's own English paperJohn Lyon School: Own englishChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: They will also be assessed in English and Mathematics.View the official source
  • the school's own maths paperJohn Lyon School: Own mathsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: They will also be assessed in English and Mathematics.View the official source
  • a taster dayJohn Lyon School: Taster dayChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Following registration, applicants will be invited to attend a Taster Day which typically takes place in the spring term prior to entry.View the official source

The 7+ registration deadline is 31 December 2026John Lyon School: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Deadline for applications for September 2027 entry 31 December 2026View the official source, the same day as for 4+. On a taster day, a child usually joins lessons and meets staff and other pupils.

11+ (Year 7)

For September 2027 entryJohn Lyon School: Current cycleChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Key Dates for September 2027 entryView the official source, the 11+ process has four parts:

  • the school's own English paperJohn Lyon School: Own englishChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Our entrance examination is in three parts: - English written examination (45 minutes) - Mathematics written examination (45 minutes) - Group activity and discussionView the official source
  • the school's own maths paperJohn Lyon School: Own mathsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Our entrance examination is in three parts: - English written examination (45 minutes) - Mathematics written examination (45 minutes) - Group activity and discussionView the official source
  • a group activityJohn Lyon School: Group activityChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Our entrance examination is in three parts: - English written examination (45 minutes) - Mathematics written examination (45 minutes) - Group activity and discussionView the official source
  • a reference from the current schoolJohn Lyon School: ReferenceChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: If applicable, we will request a confidential reference from your child’s current Prep school.View the official source

Registration closes on 31 October 2026John Lyon School: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Deadline for 11+ applications 31 October, 4pmView the official source. The entrance assessment runs on 18 November 2026 and 19 November 2026John Lyon School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Wednesday 18 November 2026 Thursday 19 November 2026View the official source. We could not confirm the offer date, so check it with the school.

In a group activity, children work on a task together while adults see how they listen and share ideas. A school reference is a short report from the child's current school.

13+ (Year 9)

The school also takes pupils at 13+ for September 2027 entryJohn Lyon School: Current cycleChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Key Dates for September 2027 entryView the official source. Children sit the tests in Year 8John Lyon School: Pre test year groupChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: For 13+, candidates are assessed in the autumn term, when they are in Year 8.View the official source. The 13+ assessment includes:

  • the school's own English paperJohn Lyon School: Own englishChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Our entrance examination consists of four papers and a group discussion: - English written examination (90 minutes) - Mathematics written examination (60 minutes) - French or Spanish written examination (45 minutes) - Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) written examination (45 minutes) - Optional Latin written examination (45 minutes)View the official source
  • the school's own maths paperJohn Lyon School: Own mathsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Our entrance examination consists of four papers and a group discussion: - English written examination (90 minutes) - Mathematics written examination (60 minutes) - French or Spanish written examination (45 minutes) - Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) written examination (45 minutes) - Optional Latin written examination (45 minutes)View the official source
  • the school's own science paperJohn Lyon School: Own scienceChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Our entrance examination consists of four papers and a group discussion: - English written examination (90 minutes) - Mathematics written examination (60 minutes) - French or Spanish written examination (45 minutes) - Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) written examination (45 minutes) - Optional Latin written examination (45 minutes)View the official source
  • subject papers set by the schoolJohn Lyon School: Own subject papersChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Our entrance examination consists of four papers and a group discussion: - English written examination (90 minutes) - Mathematics written examination (60 minutes) - French or Spanish written examination (45 minutes) - Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) written examination (45 minutes) - Optional Latin written examination (45 minutes)View the official source
  • a group activityJohn Lyon School: Group activityChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Our group discussion is tailored to be an enjoyable experience.View the official source
  • a reference from the current schoolJohn Lyon School: ReferenceChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: If applicable, we will request a confidential reference from your child’s current Prep school.View the official source

Register by 31 October 2026John Lyon School: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Deadline for 13+ applications 31 October, 4pmView the official source, the same day as the 11+ deadline. The 13+ assessment is on 2 December 2026John Lyon School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Wednesday 2 December 2026View the official source. Deferred 13+ offers, made after an earlier assessment: noJohn Lyon School: Deferred offerChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Do you offer deferred entry? No.View the official source.

16+ (Sixth Form)

Sixth-form applicants go through:

  • GCSE grade requirementsJohn Lyon School: Gcse requirementsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: To be admitted into our Sixth Form, it is required that students achieve a minimum of 6 (I)GCSEs at Grade 6 or above.View the official source
  • an interviewJohn Lyon School: InterviewChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Following registration, applicants will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview.View the official source
  • a reference from the current schoolJohn Lyon School: ReferenceChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: 16+ selection is based upon performance in their interview, school report and school reference.View the official source

The 16+ registration deadline for the current round is John Lyon School: Registration deadline (2027)Not yet published by The John Lyon School; last checked 11 Oct 2026.The source says: Closing date for Sixth Form registration. 31 January 2026View the official source. The assessment date is John Lyon School: Assessment date (2027)Not yet published by The John Lyon School; last checked 11 Oct 2026.The source says: Closing date for Sixth Form registration. 31 January 2026View the official source, and the offer date is John Lyon School: Offer date (2027)Not yet published by The John Lyon School; last checked 11 Oct 2026.The source says: April 2026 16+ conditional offer letters emailedView the official source.

Key dates

11+ dates for September 2027 entry

The John Lyon School

  1. Next: Registration closes for 11+ entry

    in 11 days

  2. Coming up: Bursary applications close

    in 11 days

    Only if you are applying for help with fees

  3. Coming up: Scholarship applications close

    in 11 days

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

  4. Coming up: Entrance tests

  5. Coming up: Scholarship assessments

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

Dates for the other ways in4+, 7+ and 13+

4+ entry, September 2027

  1. Next: Registration closes for 4+ entry

    in about 10 weeks

7+ entry, September 2027

  1. Next: Registration closes for 7+ entry

    in about 10 weeks

13+ entry, September 2027

  1. Next: Registration closes for 13+ entry

    in 11 days

  2. Coming up: Bursary applications close

    in 11 days

    Only if you are applying for help with fees

  3. Coming up: Scholarship applications close

    in 11 days

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

  4. Coming up: Entrance tests

  5. Coming up: Scholarship assessments

    Only if you are applying for a scholarship

A year younger? 11+ dates for September 2028 entrySome are not published yet; we show what the school has said.

  1. Not published yet: Registration closes for 11+ entry

    Not yet published, checked 11 Oct 2026

  2. Not published yet: Entrance tests

    Not yet published, checked 11 Oct 2026

  3. Not published yet: Offers sent

    Not yet published, checked 11 Oct 2026

At a glance

John Lyon School in brief

tap a value for its source

Ages
2 to 18AgesChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: John Lyon School is a prestigious independent school located in Northwest London, catering to students from ages two to eighteen.View the official source
The ages the school teaches, from youngest to oldest.
Day or boarding
day school
Whether pupils go home each day or can live at the school.
Scholarships
6 kinds
Awards for a talent, such as academic work, music or sport.
Ways in
4+, 7+, 11+, 13+, 16+
The ages at which the school takes new pupils (4+, 11+ and so on).
Help with fees
Yes, up to 100%
Bursaries reduce fees for families on lower incomes, after a check of income and savings.
Registration fee
£200including VAT
Paid to the school when you register your child for its tests.

Fees

From £10,076 a term, including VAT
4+ entry, day
£6,385 a term, including VAT
7+ entry, day
£7,265 a term, including VAT
11+ entry, day
£10,076 a term, including VAT
13+ entry, day
£10,076 a term, including VAT
16+ entry, day
£10,076 a term, including VAT

Fees for the 2026-27 school year, as the school publishes them. We never add or remove VAT.

fees shown include VAT

Registration fee: £200 (including VAT).

Deposit when you accept a day place: £1,250.

Source: The John Lyon School, checked

Year group (entry point)Fee for 2026-27John Lyon School: Academic yearChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: School fees: 2026 – 2027View the official source
Reception (4+)£6,385 per term, including VATJohn Lyon School: DayChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 £6,385 per termView the official source
Year 3 (7+)£7,265 per term, including VATJohn Lyon School: DayChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Year 3 to Year 6 £7,265 per termView the official source
Year 7 (11+)£10,076 per term, including VATJohn Lyon School: DayChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Year 7 to Upper Sixth £10,076 per termView the official source
Year 9 (13+)£10,076 per term, including VATJohn Lyon School: DayChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Year 7 to Upper Sixth £10,076 per termView the official source
Sixth Form (16+)£10,076 per term, including VATJohn Lyon School: DayChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Year 7 to Upper Sixth £10,076 per termView the official source

On VAT, fees shown include VATJohn Lyon School: Vat treatmentChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Fees stated inclusive of VAT where applicableView the official source. We show each figure as the school published it for 2026-27John Lyon School: Academic yearChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: School fees: 2026 – 2027View the official source, and fees change each year. The registration fee is £200, including VATJohn Lyon School: Registration feeChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Registration Fee: £200View the official source, and the deposit for a day place is £1,250John Lyon School: Deposit dayChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: UK Confirmation of Acceptance Fee: £1,250View the official source.

Bursaries and scholarships

Bursaries up to 100% of fees
Bursaries (help with fees)
Available, up to 100% of the fees. They depend on a check of household income and savings. Income guide: £130,000 combined gross income (the school's guide figure).
Scholarships
For academic, art, drama, music, sport and stem, at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry.

Source: The John Lyon School, checked

  • Bursaries: means-tested bursaries availableJohn Lyon School: AvailableChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Each year, we offer a number of means-tested bursaries to new Year 7, Year 9 and Lower Sixth candidates as a reflection of our commitment to widen access to children of local families who could not otherwise afford the fees for a John Lyon education.View the official source
  • Largest award: 100%John Lyon School: Max percentChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Assistance, in the form of a bursary, may represent up to 100% of the feesView the official source of fees
  • Income guide: £130,000 (combined gross income, guide)John Lyon School: Income thresholdChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Conversely a family with a combined gross income of more than £130,000 may not qualify for support.View the official source

A means-tested bursary depends on family income, not on test marks. John Lyon gives its income guide as £130,000 (combined gross income, guide)John Lyon School: Income thresholdChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Conversely a family with a combined gross income of more than £130,000 may not qualify for support.View the official source. Our bursaries guide explains how a means test usually works.

The school offers academic scholarshipsJohn Lyon School: AcademicChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: All candidates who sit the 11+ and 13+ examinations will be considered for an Academic Scholarship; There is no application form to complete for an Academic Scholarship.View the official source, art scholarshipsJohn Lyon School: ArtChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Music, Drama, Sport, STEAM and Art ScholarshipsView the official source, drama scholarshipsJohn Lyon School: DramaChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Music, Drama, Sport, STEAM and Art ScholarshipsView the official source, music scholarshipsJohn Lyon School: MusicChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Music, Drama, Sport, STEAM and Art ScholarshipsView the official source, sport scholarshipsJohn Lyon School: SportChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Music, Drama, Sport, STEAM and Art ScholarshipsView the official source and stem scholarshipsJohn Lyon School: StemChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Music, Drama, Sport, STEAM and Art ScholarshipsView the official source. They come at three stages: scholarships at 11+John Lyon School: 11 plusChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: All candidates who sit the 11+ and 13+ examinations will be considered for an Academic Scholarship; There is no application form to complete for an Academic Scholarship.View the official source, scholarships at 13+John Lyon School: 13 plusChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: All candidates who sit the 11+ and 13+ examinations will be considered for an Academic Scholarship; There is no application form to complete for an Academic Scholarship.View the official source and scholarships at 16+John Lyon School: 16 plusChecked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: Closing date for Art, Drama, Sport and STEAM Scholarship applications 31 January 2026View the official source. For 11+ and 13+, scholarship assessments run on 11 January 2027, 12 January 2027, 13 January 2027, 14 January 2027 and 15 January 2027John Lyon School: Scholarship assessment date (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against The John Lyon School.The source says: 11+ and 13+ Scholarship assessments Sport: Monday 11 January (am) Art: Tuesday 12 January (am) Drama: Wednesday 13 January (am) Music: Thursday 14 January (am) STEAM: Friday 15 January (am)View the official source.

Open days

Not published yet

We could not confirm upcoming open events for John Lyon, so check the school's website or ask the admissions team.

Official documents and sources

15 sources, each kept as an archived copy

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