Harrow School Admissions Guide

an Overview of Harrow School

Harrow School is an all-boys independent public school located in the London Borough of Harrow. It was founded by Royal Charter in 1572 and remains one of only four all-boys boarding schools in Britain. It currently has an enrolment of approximately 830 boys, aged 13-18. Boys may apply to Harrow for Year 9 or Year 12 Entry. 

Historically, Harrow has provided free education to boys from the surrounding parish, but over the years it has come to accommodate other fee-paying pupils from outside the parish. Today, the school welcomes pupils from all over the world, with more than 35 countries represented.

Famous Harrovians and University Destinations

Harrow has a longstanding history of educating members of royal families, prime ministers, politicians, multiple holders of the Victoria Cross, George Cross, Nobel Prize winners, and famous figures in the arts and sciences. Consequently, on account of its rich history and prestige, Harrow carries a wealth of prestige and endless opportunities for Harrovians.

Just a small sample of famous Old Harrovians includes: Winston Churchill, Robert Peel, the current emir of Qatar, Lord Shaftesbury, founder of Pret a Manger Julian Metcalfe, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cary Elwes, singer James Blunt, and Sir Mark Thatcher, son of former prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

In 2019 alone, Harrovians were granted admission to seven of the world’s top ten universities, with many going on to pursue studies at Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, and many other prestigious universities worldwide, including six out of eight Ivy League schools in the United States.

What You Should Know About Harrow School

As a full boarding school, Harrow houses all pupils in closely-knit boarding houses with other boys. There are no weekly boarders at Harrow School. Furthermore, pupils must adhere to a dress code and wear one of two uniforms whilst at the school, one for everyday use and one for Sunday dress.

Pupils’ academic years are broken into three terms at a cost (for the 19/20 academic year) of £13,925 per term. Although pupils may be eligible for scholarships and bursaries to assist with the payment of these fees, these are not guaranteed and may not cover the full amount. Parents should note that these fees cover the pupil’s board, tuition, and most of the necessary living expenses.

How to Get into Harrow School

There are two main streams of entry to Harrow School: Year 9 Entry and Year 12 Entry. Academic excellence is always helpful, but Harrow does not solely consider the grades of prospective pupils for admissions purposes. Pupils should have, in any case, a strong desire to contribute to the success of themselves, their colleagues, and the School as a whole. Moreover, a capacity for learning and developing in a learning requirement such as Harrow requires resilience, independence, tolerance, and personal integrity.

Getting into Harrow School is not an easy feat. On account of its prestige as well as its limited number of places for pupils each year, Harrow School is highly competitive. Year 9 admits 160-165 pupils whilst Year 12 admits 15-20 each year. Occasionally, a place may open up in Year 10, but this should not be depended upon reliably.

Regardless of entry year, a £350 non-refundable registration fee is required. Successful applicants to Year 9 Entry must also pay a £500 acceptance fee. Pupils that have been offered a place and have subsequently accepted must also pay a deposit to confirm their interest in attending which is subtracted from the final tuition fee bill.

Year 9 Entry Application Process

Boys wishing to enter the Year 9 Entry to Harrow School should be 13 years old by the time they begin their studies. The application process begins in Year 6, however, with the ISEB Common Pre-Test. Endeavour to have your boy sit this test in the second half of the Autumn term. This test can be completed at a boy’s school or at a test centre such as the British Council. The test comprises of the following subjects:

• English;

• Maths;

• Verbal Reasoning;

• Non-Verbal Reasoning.

In addition, references from the boy’s current school should be sent to Harrow School for their consideration. Once the ISEB test and references have been reviewed, successful applicants will proceed to the second stage, whereby a House Master will interview each applicant between January and June of Year 6.

All successful applicants must complete stage three, the Harrow Test, which consists of:

• A 30-minute English and a 30-minute Maths assessment via computer;

• A 20-25 minute short essay writing assignment;

• An interview with a House Master and a Senior Master.

Year 12 Entry Application Process

Applicants to the Year 12 Entry must be 16 years old upon commencing their studies at Harrow School. There are two stages that pupils should be aware of prior to applying.

In Stage 1, the boy must select four Sixth Form subjects to study. He will then be tested on his two best-performing subjects as recommended by his school. This test can be completed at Harrow, his school, or at a test centre such as the British Council.

In Stage 2, those applicants that have been shortlisted from Stage 1 will be invited to Harrow School to participate in further tests and interviews to determine their suitability.

Should Any Boy Apply?

Any boy may apply to Harrow School. The school does not discriminate against boys based on their ethnicity, personal beliefs, religious association, disability, or social background. It does, however, require that applicants are boys of the appropriate age at either entry point.

Harrow School is also open to applications from overseas pupils, although they will need to have a good command of the English language as the language of instruction is English. Overseas applicants are not admitted based on a quota but rather individually based on merit and their suitability to study at Harrow.

Perhaps the most important qualities any boy should have are:

• Is emotionally intelligent enough to succeed and thrive in a full-board environment.

• Able to positively contribute to the School, whether in the classroom or not.

• Possess the academic vigour and potential for thriving academically, in sport, or in the arts.

• Capable of demonstrating good behaviour and leadership capacities.

If you’re thinking of applying to Harrow, get in touch with us to find out how we can help your child with the application process.