23 Nov Harrow School
Harrow’s Legacy of Leadership and Achievement
Founded in 1572 under a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I, Harrow School is one of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished boarding schools. Located in Harrow on the Hill, London, it has shaped generations of leaders, including Winston Churchill, Jawaharlal Nehru, and King Hussein of Jordan. Harrow combines a deep respect for tradition with a progressive approach to education, offering a nurturing environment where boys aged 13 to 18 can thrive academically, personally, and socially.
Academic Excellence: A Scholarly Tradition
Harrow’s academic program is meticulously designed to challenge and inspire. The curriculum spans a wide range of subjects, including humanities, sciences, modern and classical languages, and the arts. This comprehensive approach prepares students for higher education and global leadership roles.
Approximately 20% of Harrow’s teaching staff, affectionately known as “beaks,” hold doctorates. This fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity, encouraging students to engage deeply with their subjects and develop critical thinking skills. Harrow also offers tailored support for students pursuing competitive examinations and elite University places.
University Success
Harrow boys consistently secure places at top-tier universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League schools. The school provides extensive support for university applications, including guidance on personal statements, interview preparation, and entrance exams, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their academic futures.
Admissions: Preparing for Harrow
Harrow’s admissions process is rigorous and competitive, requiring early preparation to succeed. The school offers two main entry points:
- Year 9 (13+ Entry): Applications begin three years prior, typically in Year 6.
- Year 12 (16+ Entry): A limited number of places are available for Sixth Form entry.
Key Stages of the Admissions Process
Stage 1: Registration (Year 5)
Families must register their sons by the end of Year 5. This early commitment ensures that applicants can participate in the Harrow Test.
Stage 2: Harrow Test (Year 6)
This assessment evaluates English and Mathematics skills, alongside an interview with a House Master and a group activity. The test is designed to gauge academic potential and suitability for Harrow’s rigorous environment.
Global Education Testing’s Role: We offer tailored assessments to identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring students are fully prepared for this critical stage.
Stage 3: Common Entrance Examination (Year 8)
Applicants take the Common Entrance Exam or Harrow’s bespoke entry tests in subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science. These exams assess the depth of knowledge and readiness for Harrow’s academic challenges.
Global Education Testing’s Role: By providing early Educational Psychology Assessments, we ensure students have access to accommodations like extra time, enabling them to showcase their true abilities.
The Cost of a Harrow Education
For the 2024/25 academic year, Harrow School’s fees are £17,850 per term, encompassing boarding, tuition, textbooks, a stationery allowance, and laundry services.
This totals £53,550 annually. Additionally, a non-refundable registration fee of £350 is required upon application. While these fees cover the core educational and boarding expenses, parents should budget for extra costs such as uniforms, extracurricular activities, and educational trips. Harrow offers scholarships and means-tested bursaries to assist families with financial needs, potentially covering up to 100% of tuition fees.
Ensuring Your Child Stays Ahead
The Unfair Advantage Others Already Know
Did you know that up to 42% of private school students in the UK and USA are granted extra time in exams? This isn’t just about fairness—it’s how smart families give their children the edge to outperform others. Extra time—ranging from 25% to 150%—isn’t limited to a single exam; it applies to admissions tests, Common Entrance, GCSEs, A Levels, IB, SAT, GED, IELTS, and even university entrance exams and interviews.
This additional time allows students to refine answers, approach tasks methodically, and deliver polished responses. Without it, many bright students are competing at a disadvantage.
Preparing Early for Harrow’s Rigorous Process
Harrow’s admissions tests are designed to separate good students from exceptional ones. Families who invest in early Educational Psychology Testing identify not only learning barriers but also hidden strengths. By understanding these factors early, students are equipped with tailored strategies and accommodations that enhance their performance. This approach doesn’t just level the playing field—it tilts it in their favor.
Global Competition and Elite Universities
Top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard aren’t just looking at grades—they’re seeking polished applications and performance under pressure. Exam accommodations, such as extra time or technology aids, give students the opportunity to present their best selves in competitive scenarios. Families who utilize early assessments ensure their children shine during critical moments, from the Common Entrance to A Levels and university interviews.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Harrow awards up to 45 scholarships annually in areas such as Academics, Music, Sport, Art, Drama, and Design Technology. These scholarships typically cover 5% of the tuition fees. For families requiring additional financial support, Harrow offers means-tested bursaries that can provide up to 100% fee remission.
Life at Harrow: Beyond the Classroom
Boarding and Pastoral Care
Harrow is a full-boarding school, providing a vibrant community where students live and learn together. The school’s 12 boarding houses each have a distinct character, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. House Masters and pastoral teams ensure that every boy receives individual care and support.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Harrow’s extracurricular program is expansive, offering over 80 activities ranging from sports to the arts and leadership development. Students can join clubs, participate in drama productions, compete in sports, or even learn beekeeping. The school’s extensive facilities include cricket pitches, a golf course, and a state-of-the-art music center.
Traditions and Ceremonies
Harrow’s traditions are integral to its identity. The boys wear the iconic Harrow straw hat and attend Speech Day and Founder’s Day, events steeped in history that reinforce the school’s values and community spirit.
Supporting Diverse Learning Needs
Harrow is committed to inclusivity, providing accommodations for students with learning differences such as dyslexia and ADHD. These accommodations, including extra time during exams, ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
Extra Time in Exams: A Game-Changer
Educational Psychology Testing can unlock potential in even the brightest students. High-IQ individuals often mask learning challenges, which may surface under the pressure of exams.
With proper accommodations—including up to 150% extra time—students can demonstrate their true abilities. Harrow applies these accommodations across all major exams, including GCSEs, A Levels, SATs, IB, GED, IELTS, and university entrance assessments. This transformative support allows students to approach tests with confidence, ensuring their performance reflects their true capabilities.
Global Education Testing: Empowering Harrow Families
Early Assessments for Lasting Impact
Global Education Testing specializes in identifying learning differences and providing actionable strategies to enhance academic performance.
Early Educational Psychology Assessments allow families to implement tailored support programs, ensuring their sons excel in Harrow’s competitive environment.
Other parents are already taking advantage of professional assessments to unlock their child’s full potential. Imagine your son competing in an exam where others get extra time to refine their work. That’s what happens when you don’t act early. Waiting too long to address potential challenges could cost your child their place at this prestigious institution. Early action ensures they’re prepared for every step of the journey.
Success Stories
A Harrow parent shares, “Global Education Testing’s assessment highlighted my son’s unique learning needs. With extra time accommodations and targeted support, he not only secured a place at Harrow but also thrived academically and personally.”
Preparing for the Future
Our services extend beyond admissions, equipping students for success in all academic pursuits. From GCSEs to university entrance exams, we provide the tools and confidence needed to achieve their highest potential.
Special Educational Needs Provision at Harrow School (UK)
At Harrow School, the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) leads the Learning Skills department, providing tailored support for students with diverse learning profiles, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, and attention-related challenges. The SENDCo collaborates closely with House Masters, teachers, and parents to develop individualized support plans, which may encompass one-on-one or group lessons, differentiated classroom instruction, and access arrangements for examinations. This comprehensive approach ensures that each student’s unique needs are met, fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.
Harrow School embodies the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, offering a world-class education that prepares boys for leadership and success. With its rigorous academics, rich traditions, and commitment to inclusivity, Harrow continues to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Partnering with Global Education Testing ensures that every student has the support and opportunities to thrive in this prestigious institution.