Harrow School
Harrow School
Harrow, England
Harrow School is one of the few remaining full-time boarding schools exclusively for boys in the UK. With excellent academic results, great sporting success, a strong theatre culture and an impressive art department, Harrow is undoubtedly one of the country’s top addresses. No wonder demand is high: around 600 boys compete each year for just 160 places.
The Details
The Academics
Harrow School is regarded as one of the academically strongest boys’ schools in the UK. The results speak for themselves: in 2023, pupils achieved 75% top grades in GCSEs and A-Levels; in 2024, two thirds of A-Level results were A\* or A.
In recent years, the curriculum has been modernised: boys take option subjects that teach critical thinking and provide a broad understanding of the world. Digital and future-relevant skills are now an integral part of the teaching. Instead of carrying piles of books, Harrow pupils now walk around with laptops – the shift towards a paper-light school is tangible.
Languages Taught
Latin, Greek, German, French, Italian, Russian, Mandarin and Japanese.
The Boarding
100% of pupils board full-time – no exceptions. There are no day pupils or flexi-boarding. The twelve boarding houses are small microcosms, each with its own distinct style. This is largely shaped by the Housemasters, whose attitudes and leadership set the tone – from very formal to completely relaxed. From Year 11 onwards, every pupil has their own room.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Harrow School is one of the oldest, most traditional and prestigious boarding schools in England – no, in the world! Some parts of the school feel more like a museum than a classroom – such as the impressive Fourth Form Room, whose wooden panels bear the signatures of generations of pupils, from the legendary poet Lord Byron to actor Benedict ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Cumberbatch. Parts of the Harry Potter films were also shot here.
Academically, Harrow is first-class. Many teachers have studied at Oxford or Cambridge themselves and see teaching as a true vocation. Around 15% of pupils go on to attend one of these two universities – an exceptionally high figure.
Sport holds a very special place at Harrow. Rugby, cricket and football are among the most competitive sports. There’s also a long list of other high-level sports including tennis, golf, judo and fencing.
Another flagship of the school is music, especially choral singing. The school choir regularly performs at prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall in London.
Weaknesses
Harrow School sometimes has a reputation for being a bit snobbish. However, during our visit, we were met with exceptional warmth from both teachers and pupils. Our advice: visit the school yourself and form your own impression. That way, you’ll quickly know whether Harrow is the right fit for your son.
Important to know: application deadlines are long and strict, and Harrow is not very flexible regarding entry years or early admissions. Demand is high, and the school has no reason to make exceptions. If you’re considering Harrow, it’s best to plan well in advance.
Location
Harrow School is located in the historic town of Harrow-on-the-Hill in northwest London. The train connection to the city centre is excellent.
London King's Cross - 45 mins by train
One of the very few truly outstanding destinations for boys’ boarding schools in the UK.
The Fourth Form Room isn’t just a classroom – it’s the heart of Harrow’s history. For centuries, Harrow pupils have carved their names into the wooden panels here, including famous Old Harrovians like Winston Churchill and Lord Byron.
Take a look at similar schools
Eton College
Radley College
Winchester College
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