[1] He was educated in Dunblane, then schooled in Edinburgh according to the direction of his sister Lilias, Lady Fyvie until the Union of the Crowns in 1603.
He was then sent to France and went to study with Robert Balfour, Principal of the College of Guienne, and a Catholic.
[2] In August 1610 he went to London and visited his sister Jean Drummond who was an influential courtier serving Anne of Denmark.
His brother James Drummond (1586–1611), who had been created Earl of Perth died of a "hectic sickness" at Seton Palace, and John Drummond was made (by special remainder) Earl of Perth on 8 December 1611.
James VI and I was pleased with the outcome, and Drummond went to court again for several months, where (he says) his sister, now Lady Roxburghe was able to ensure that his living expenses were light.