Harrow-on-the-Hill · HA1 3HP
AAB+ A-level
44.6%
9–7 GCSE
73.1%
Day fees
Not published
Inspection
Not yet inspected
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.
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.
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
5 High Street
Harrow-on-the-Hill
HA1 3HP
Nearest stations
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
Harrow School admits pupils at 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
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.
Harrow School offers boarding as well as day places.
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