Independent SeniorboysBoardingOfsted · Not yet inspected
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Harrow School

Harrow-on-the-Hill · HA1 3HP

AAB+ A-level

44.6%

9–7 GCSE

73.1%

Day fees

Not published

Inspection

Not yet inspected

School website

Harrow School is one of England's most iconic full-boarding schools for boys, founded in 1572 under a royal charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I. Set on a hill above north-west London, its 300-acre campus combines historic architecture — including the original Fourth Form Room — with modern facilities, creating an environment steeped in tradition yet forward-looking in its ambitions. The school's distinctive uniform of straw boaters and dark suits remains a visible symbol of its identity. Harrow occupies a unique place in British education, having shaped prime ministers, poets, and global leaders across five centuries.

  • Exceptional breadth of co-curricular opportunity — from the renowned Harrow Arts Festival to elite sport — within a full-boarding community
  • A powerful alumni network and brand recognition that opens doors globally, particularly in finance, law, politics, and the arts
  • The house-based boarding structure provides a genuine community of care and lifelong friendships across 12 boys' houses
  • Strong Oxbridge and Russell Group university placement, supported by dedicated academic mentoring and university preparation
  • Historic campus in a safe, elevated village setting with outstanding facilities and easy access to central London

Who thrives here

Boys who thrive in a full-boarding environment — curious, resilient, and willing to be stretched both academically and through the school's rich traditions of service, leadership, and performance. The school particularly suits those who benefit from structure, ritual, and a strong peer culture of aspiration.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports65th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peersno dataPastoral & wellbeing50th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeIndependent Senior · Boarding
Founded1572
Number of pupils832
Pupils with SEND216
Age range13–18
GenderBoys
Boarding fees£50.5k/yr (inc. meals)
AssociationsHMC, ISC, Eton Group, G20 Schools
Settingsuburban
LocationThe school sits atop Harrow Hill, a short taxi or walk from Harrow-on-the-Hill station (Metropolitan line), placing central London approximately 30 minutes away. The school runs its own transport arrangements for key exeats and half-term periods.
EthosChurch of England

Contact & visit

5 High Street

Harrow-on-the-Hill

HA1 3HP

www.harrowschool.org.uk
02088728000
Mr Alastair Land, Head Master

Nearest stations

Harrow-on-the-Hill10 min
Harrow & Wealdstone12 min
South Harrow15 min

Notable alumni

Winston Churchill

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Lord Byron

Romantic poet

Robert Peel

Prime Minister and founder of the Metropolitan Police

Jawaharlal Nehru

First Prime Minister of India

Benedict Cumberbatch

Actor

King Hussein of Jordan

Monarch

James Murray

Lead editor of the Oxford English Dictionary

Angus Deaton

Nobel Laureate in Economics

Recent investment

Renovation and expansion of science facilities
Ongoing capital programme under Harrow 450 fundraising initiative targeting bursaries, new buildings and heritage restoration
Speech Room restoration and heritage conservation programme
Enhanced arts and performance spaces

Frequently asked questions

How do you get into Harrow School?

Harrow School admits pupils at 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Harrow School's exam results?

At Harrow School, 44.6% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 73.1% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Harrow School a boarding school?

Harrow School offers boarding as well as day places.

What parents say

Frequently praised

The depth of co-curricular provision is exceptional — boys discover new passions they never knew they had

The house system creates a genuine family atmosphere; house masters are accessible and caring

Boys leave with remarkable self-confidence, articulacy and social polish

The Old Harrovian network is genuinely powerful and lifelong friendships are formed

Academic teaching is stimulating and goes well beyond exam preparation

Common concerns

!Fees are among the highest in the UK and the full boarding model means limited flexibility for families who want more regular contact

!The strong traditions and rituals can feel overwhelming for boys who struggle to fit the Harrow mould

!Some parents note that the social set can be narrow and that the school's wealth profile creates a particular cultural bubble

!Competition among boys — socially and academically — can be intense and not every boy thrives under that pressure