John Lydon, Assistant Headteacher at Salesian School Chertsey, graduated as a Doctor of Philosophy during the degree conferment ceremony at Westminster Cathedral on 20th July 2011.

Dr John Lydon with his wife, Marguerite

His doctoral thesis was entitled The Contemporary Catholic Teacher: A reappraisal of the concept of teaching as a vocation in the Catholic Christian context. Professor Gerald Grace called it 'groundbreaking and pioneering' in bringing together the fields of theology and education.

Dr Lydon gained this highest academic award while continuing his full time job at Salesian School Chertsey and a part-time job as key lecturer in the Catholic School Leadership MA at St Mary's University College London.