Harrow School Review: Fees, Rankings, And More
Harrow School is one of the UK’s top all-boys boarding schools, known for its strong academics, competitive admissions, and full-boarding experience. This article covers key aspects of the school, including academic results, entry requirements, boarding life, and extracurricular activities.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Harrow School
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Harrow
- Pupils: 837; sixth formers: 354
- Ages: 13-18
- Gender: Boys
- Religion: Christian
- Fees: £21,245 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Harrow School Results (Updated 2025)
Harrow School consistently achieves outstanding academic results. Latest 2025 results include:
- A Level: 65% A*/A
- GCSE: 67% 9-8
These results have led to excellent university placements, with Harrovians currently set to take up places at six of the eight Ivy League schools in the USA and 110 boys taking places at institutions in the QS top 100, including Oxford and Cambridge.
Teaching and Learning Harrow School
Harrow School offers a comprehensive and intellectually stimulating curriculum that balances academic rigour with personal development. The school encourages students to pursue excellence while fostering a genuine love of learning.
Lower School (Shell to Fifth Form)
In the Shell year (Year 9), students engage in a broad curriculum encompassing core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside History, Geography, Religious Studies, and at least two modern or classical languages. This foundational year is designed to expose students to a wide range of disciplines, promoting intellectual curiosity and adaptability.
As students progress into the Fourth and Fifth Forms (Years 10 and 11), they prepare for their GCSE examinations. Compulsory subjects typically include English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and Sciences, while elective options may feature Latin, Ancient Greek, Modern Languages, History, Geography, Art, Music, and Design Technology. This stage allows students to begin tailoring their academic journey according to their interests and strengths.
Sixth Form
In the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13), students usually pursue three or four A-Level subjects, selected from a diverse array that includes Economics, Politics, Philosophy, and various sciences and humanities. The curriculum is designed to provide depth and specialisation, preparing students for the demands of higher education and beyond.
Beyond the classroom, Harrow offers a ‘Super Curriculum’ aimed at extending learning beyond examination requirements. This includes opportunities for independent research, participation in academic societies, and engagement with lectures and seminars, all intended to cultivate critical thinking and a lifelong passion for learning.
Boarding Experience in Harrow School
Harrow is a full-boarding school, with all 830 boys living in one of 12 Houses. Each House has its own distinct character, complete with private gardens and facilities, fostering a strong sense of loyalty among both current pupils and Old Harrovians.
While each House has its own traditions and atmosphere, Harrow ensures a diverse mix of boys from different backgrounds, talents, and interests. Pastoral care is a top priority, with each House supported by a dedicated team, including the House Master, Assistant House Master, Matron, House Tutors, and House Visitor.
Beyond the Houses, Harrow offers comprehensive well-being support, including:
- A 24/7 Medical Centre
- A full-time Clinical Psychologist
- Two full-time counsellors
- A proactive Pastoral Support Committee, which includes senior school staff
The boarding system at Harrow provides a close-knit, supportive environment, ensuring boys receive both academic guidance and personal care throughout their time at the school.
Extracurricular Activities in Harrow School
Harrow offers a rich programme of sports, arts, and extracurricular activities, ensuring boys develop both their physical and creative abilities.
Sports play a key role in school life, with games scheduled five times a week and nearly 30 different sports to choose from. The school has extensive facilities, including sports fields, a golf course, a swimming pool, and multiple courts for tennis, fives, and rackets. Boys take part in inter-House and inter-school competitions, with many teams winning county and national championships. Elite athletes receive specialist coaching, and partnerships with Saracens and QPR further enhance the sports programme.
In the arts, boys can explore music, drama, and visual arts. They can learn instruments, join choirs, perform in plays, or take part in House Drama productions. The school hosts regular concerts, exhibitions, and performances, with Harrovians often securing places in the National Youth Orchestra and National Youth Theatre. The Old Speech Room Gallery houses an impressive collection of art and artefacts, offering boys hands-on curation experience.
Beyond sports and the arts, Harrow encourages boys to find and develop their passions, whether through academic societies, leadership roles, or unique extracurricular opportunities.
Admissions Process: Entering Harrow School
Harrow School is a full-boarding institution for boys aged 13 to 18, admitting approximately 160-165 students into Year 9 (13+) and 15-20 into Year 12 (16+) each year.
Year 9 (13+) Entry:
Applicants undergo the Harrow Test in the Spring term of Year 6, which includes a 20-minute interview with a House Master, a computerised assessment in English, Maths, and non-verbal reasoning, and a 20-minute group activity.
Year 12 (16+) Entry:
Applicants take two academic tests in subjects they intend to study at A-level, either at their current school or at Harrow, in the early part of the autumn of Year 11. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to an assessment day at Harrow, which includes further tests, interviews with senior Masters, and a seminar with a Head of Subject.
Selection Criteria:
Harrow School evaluates applicants based on academic potential, behaviour, suitability for boarding, willingness to engage in co-curricular activities, and overall character and personality.
Equal Opportunity:
The school is committed to equal opportunity and encourages parents of children with disabilities or special educational needs to provide full details during registration.
SEN Support in Harrow School
Harrow School provides dedicated support for boys with learning differences through its Learning Skills department, led by Gemma Cole, the Head of Learning Skills and SENDCo. The department works closely with House Masters, subject Masters, and tutors to ensure that each boy’s strengths and challenges are recognised and addressed.
Harrow supports boys with conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, and attention difficulties, tailoring provision on a case-by-case basis. Support may include:
- Individual or group lessons with specialist teachers
- Differentiated teaching strategies in the classroom
- Additional help with prep or study skills
- External specialist support, where needed
Boys can enter Harrow with an existing assessment or be referred for support at any time by a House Master, tutor, parent, or even themselves. The school offers formal assessments and practical strategies to help boys succeed academically and personally.
Harrow also co-ordinates exam access arrangements through its Access Arrangements Board, ensuring fair support for boys who need it. Parents of boys with additional needs are encouraged to discuss their son’s requirements with the Registrar before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions about Harrow School
Yes, Harrow is a 100% boarding school, meaning all boys live on campus in one of the 12 Houses.
Boys usually apply by Year 5 (age 9-10), with assessments taking place in Year 6 or 7. The process includes UKiset (for international students), interviews, school references, and entrance exams.
Harrow consistently achieves strong A-level and GCSE results, with many boys going on to top UK and global universities, including Oxbridge, Ivy League schools, and top Russell Group universities.
Harrow offers a wide range of activities, including nearly 30 sports, music, drama, visual arts, and various academic clubs. Boys can take part in inter-House and inter-school competitions, as well as international sports tours.
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