After leaving John Lyon, our former Head Boy studied Economics at the University of Warwick, followed by an MPhil from the University of Oxford. Liam’s career started when be was living in Moscow, writing for The Economist (Intelligence Unit). He joined The Financial Times as the Political Correspondent and then become the Economics Correspondent for Channel 4 News. Liam continues to write his weekly “Economics Agenda” column in The Sunday Telegraph. Alongside his successful and busy career, Liam has been a John Lyon Governor since 2016, and in 2022 also became a Governor of Harrow School and the broader John Lyon’s Foundation.

Neil studied Geography at St John’s College, University of Oxford, after leaving John Lyon. This was followed by a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education teaching qualification and MBA from UCL. Neil is currently Headmaster at Queen Elizabeth’s School, having held positions as Deputy Headmaster, Assistant Headmaster, Head of Year, Head of Geography since 2002. Amongst this he is also on the Governing Body of John Lyon School, Longfield Primary School and St Albans High School for Girls, as well as a trustee of John Lyon’s Foundation. Neil says his experiences as a John Lyon pupil and Deputy Head Boy have shaped his goals and ambitions as a school leader.

Following his schooldays at John Lyon, Shabbir studied Bsc Economics at UCL and began working in politics. He started his political career as the Economic Adviser to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, later moving to 10 Downing Street to work as a Special Adviser to the Prime Minister. Shabbir is now the Director of Intelligence at an AI start-up. Sabbir’s school experience proved invaluable for his career path, and he found it especially helpful hearing stories of guest speakers’ career paths when he was in Sixth Form. It was only fitting when he recently returned to the School as a keynote speaker to talk about his own career, as he believes it is hugely beneficial to pass those experiences on.

After leaving John Lyon in 2016, Max started driving for the Motorsport UK Academy and in his first year was nominated for the Motorsport UK Young Driver of the Year, for winning his first three races. In such a short time he has grown his career, having the opportunity to drive for a new F3 team in the British F3 series, and is now the lead development and test driver of the Formula Foundation car, as well as presenting and coaching. Max has mentioned how John Lyon gave him a confidence in himself and how key it was in forming his career today.

Mayur studied Business at the University of Nottingham, after leaving John Lyon. Always focusing on giving back, Mayur interned in Kenya and Dubai, leading him to take part in the Year Here graduate scheme focusing on social impact business. Mayur now runs Career Accelerator, a 6-figure youth organisation which has helped 1000s of young people from diverse backgrounds prepare for professional careers through employer support. Since leaving he has spoken at 2 career events and attended the most recent OLA dinner, speaking highly about the importance of feeling part of a community, reconnecting with people, making new friends and helping the younger generation.

After attending John Lyon, Shai continued his studies at the University of Abeerdeen and began his medical career. In 1992, Shai became a Resident in General Surgery at Yale University School of Medicine and since then has furthered his education and held various positions as a Consultant in Cardiothoracic Surgery, in both the private and hospital-based sectors across the US. While at John Lyon, Mr. Irvine had encouraged him to study Medicine in Scotland. Since returning to the UK, he has attended career events and mentors as he feels his experiences may enlighten certain students and help guide them towards the appropriate path in the vast expanse that is healthcare.

Whilst a student at John Lyon, Chinmay was inspired to become an orthopaedic surgeon having witnessed his father recover from a knee injury, and was offered a place to study Medicine at Oxford. Chinmay’s education continued on, completing a PhD at Imperial College and Bio Engineering, being awarded the first ever surgical PhD in knee ligament research and leading him to become a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, clinical scientist and now owning his own private clinic ‘Sports Healing’. A side from his impressive medical career, Chinmay is also an ex-professional cricketer, an Executive member and trustee of Marylebone Cricket Club and a School governor at John Lyon.

After leaving John Lyon in 2018, Harpal received an unconditional offer to the University of Birmingham to study English Literature and History – during this time he also took the advice from his English teacher and started his own blog. Harpal recalls the help of his former John Lyon teachers who were on hand to help academically and personally, teaching him to use the confidence in himself and to come out of his shell. After graduating and freelancing in journalism, Harpal was approached for the Production Secretary role on Doctors (BBC) and as of March 2024 has been the Script Secretary for EastEnders (BBC). He has currently had his name appear in the credits over 300 times, which is a huge achievement.

After leaving, Daniel went to UWE Bristol to study Business Management. He has been a full-time artist for the past 8 years, painting on leather goods such as trainers – previously collaborating directly with brands such as Jimmy Choo, Universal Music Group and Peroni. He has now become the first official ‘Artist in Residence’ in Harrods. While at John Lyon, Daniel thrived in his art classes, learning a lot from his former teacher, Lorna Hope and was awarded a fine art scholarship.