Key Information Summary
- School: Harrow School
- Address: 5 High Street, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Middlesex HA1 3HP
- Type: Independent all-boys boarding school
- Age Range: 13-18 years
- Number of Students: 850+
- Main Entry Point: 13+ (160 places annually)
- Registration Deadline: End of Year 5
- Assessment: ISEB Pre-Test, Harrow Test, Common Entrance
About Harrow School
Founded in 1572, Harrow School occupies a magnificent 324-acre estate in northwest London and represents the pinnacle of British independent education for boys. This historic institution has educated numerous Prime Ministers, Nobel laureates, and global leaders, maintaining its position as one of the world's most prestigious boarding schools.
Harrow's unique House system creates a close-knit community where boys develop lifelong friendships and leadership skills. The school's distinctive traditions, including the iconic boater hats and Songs, foster a strong sense of identity and belonging. With exceptional facilities including a purpose-built Science Schools, state-of-the-art Sports Complex, and the renowned Speech Room, Harrow provides an unparalleled educational environment.
The school's commitment to academic excellence is matched by its emphasis on character development, with every boy encouraged to discover and pursue their passions through an extensive co-curricular programme. Harrow's global outlook and strong Old Harrovian network provide exceptional opportunities for future academic and career advancement.
The 13+ Assessment Process
Harrow's 13+ admissions process is highly competitive and begins when boys are just nine years old. The multi-stage assessment evaluates academic potential, character, and suitability for boarding life:
Stage 1: Registration (Year 5)
Parents must complete online registration and pay the £375 non-refundable fee by the end of Year 5. Early registration is essential as places are limited.
Stage 2: School Reference (Year 6)
Harrow requests a confidential reference from the candidate's current school, assessing academic performance, character, and potential contribution to school life.
Stage 3: ISEB Common Pre-Test (Autumn Year 6)
Boys take adaptive online assessments in English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. This computerised test adapts to each candidate's ability level.
Stage 4: Harrow Test (Year 7)
Shortlisted candidates attend Harrow for comprehensive assessment including:
• Two 15-minute interviews with teaching staff
• Computerised English and mathematics assessments
• Handwritten essay under timed conditions
• Group activities to assess collaboration and leadership potential
Stage 5: Offers (Late April/Early May Year 6)
Results are categorised as:
• A1 List: Firm offer with specific House allocation
• A2 List: Firm offer with House confirmed later
• B List: Waiting list offer
• C List: Unsuccessful application
Stage 6: Final Confirmation (Year 8)
Successful candidates must achieve required standards in Common Entrance examinations or Harrow Scholarship papers.
How to Apply
The application process requires careful planning and preparation over several years:
Year 5 (Age 9-10): Complete online registration at harrowschool.org.uk and submit the £375 registration fee. Attend an Open Morning to familiarise yourself with the school.
Year 6 (Age 10-11): Harrow requests a school reference in autumn. Boys take the ISEB Pre-Test at their current school. Begin preparation for the next assessment stage.
Year 7 (Age 11-12): Shortlisted candidates attend the Harrow Test day. This comprehensive assessment evaluates academic ability, character, and potential fit with the school community.
Year 8 (Age 12-13): Successful candidates prepare for and take Common Entrance examinations in subjects including English, mathematics, sciences, French, Latin, history, and geography.
Throughout this process, maintaining strong academic performance and developing well-rounded interests significantly enhances application prospects. Boys should demonstrate leadership potential and the resilience necessary for boarding school life.
How Taylor Tuition Can Help
Taylor Tuition's extensive experience with Harrow admissions provides families with the specialist guidance necessary for this highly competitive process. Our personalised approach ensures each candidate is optimally prepared for every assessment stage.
ISEB Pre-Test Preparation: Our expert tutors provide targeted preparation for the adaptive online assessments, developing strong foundations in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English, and mathematics whilst building test familiarity and confidence.
Harrow Test Excellence: We prepare candidates for the school's unique assessment format through mock interviews, timed essay practice, computerised test preparation, and group activity simulation to develop collaboration skills.
Common Entrance Mastery: Our subject specialists ensure thorough preparation across all required subjects, with particular focus on achieving the high standards expected by Harrow's academic departments.
Character Development: Beyond academic preparation, we help boys develop the leadership qualities, intellectual curiosity, and personal confidence that Harrow values. Our guidance includes interview preparation, personal statement development, and co-curricular planning.
Strategic Timeline Management: We provide families with detailed preparation schedules, ensuring optimal timing for each assessment stage whilst maintaining balance with current school commitments and personal development.
Our proven track record with Harrow admissions, combined with our deep understanding of the school's values and expectations, positions Taylor Tuition as the ideal partner for families pursuing this exceptional educational opportunity.
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