Steeped in over 450 years of heritage, Harrow is the only British school in Hong Kong which closely emulates a typical UK boarding school experience. Families who send their children here do so for the first-rate education, network and brand. An inspiring school for the academically inclined.
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Overview
- Student numbers
- 1,600
- Curricula
- British
- SEN provision
- SEN considered case by case
- Offers boarding
- Boarding available
- Pre school provision (up to 4)
- Yes
- Religion
- Non-denominational
- Fees
- Day HK$ 201,314 - HK$ 239,070; Boarding HK$ 130,705
- Ownership
- Independently owned and operated, under license from Harrow School (UK)
Head of school
Head
Rosie McColl
Since July 2025, Rosie McColl. After her BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Oxford she completed an M Phil in Anglo-Irish Literature at Trinity College Dublin. She gained her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from
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Learn what pupils and parents really think of this school, along with our expert opinion on the headteacher’s leadership style, the school’s academic results and facilities, the focus on pastoral care, and the range of extra-curricular activities.
Entrance
A ‘huge demand’ for places (with waiting lists in operation) has been the case for several years. Fuelled by the pandemic, it cleverly positioned itself as the number one option as a British boarding school on home soil for families who were
Exit
In 2025, the majority headed to UK universities, most popular included UCL, LSE, University of Durham and King's College London. United States destinations included New York University, Columbia University, UC Berkeley UCLA and University of Southern
Latest results
In 2025, at A level 70 per cent A*/A (90 per cent A*-B). At GCSE 91 per cent at grades 9-7 (79 per cent 9/8/A*). No fewer than 33 pupils received nine or more grade 9s.
Teaching & learning
Selects bright children at entry. The school claims to place equal emphasis on academic results and providing a holistic education, which they stand firm on.
Parents, pupils and teachers (majority from UK) are all highly motivated and have high
- Curricula & qualifications
- British - A levels
- British - GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
- British - National Curriculum for England
Learning support & SEN
Mild learning needs identified and supported up to year 13; pull out assistance in designated classrooms dotted throughout the learning lounge (a study space below the library). Older years have small group or one-on-one sessions. More complex needs
Language support
Language and learning offered up to year 13 although a high level of English is essential to access the curriculum. Those that need to be supported are discreetly identified in the early years, parents informed via a telephone call and help given in
Arts & extracurricular
Twice a week, children take part in SCAs (super-curriculum activities). These happen during the school day and aim to ‘stretch and challenge or develop leadership-attributes’. They are chosen from a huge list, ranging from entrepreneur’s club to
Sport
One double games and a PE session per week are the starting point, then twice a week all students take part in SCAs, which include sport. Parents say that anyone who wants to represent the school tends to get a go. Those wishing to participate in
Boarders
Boarding is what really differentiates Harrow from other British schools in Hong Kong. A change to a weekly boarding model from year 6 has made this popular with local families and has been a ‘huge success’, not only in curbing the relentless tutor
Ethos & heritage
Harrow Hong Kong is a school steeped in history and tradition (over 450 years) seemingly with its own language (send up, school bill, ducker, call over, colours), quirks and foibles (straw boater, bluer), it is without doubt quintessentially British.
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The latest addition to the pastoral and wellbeing team is Rosie, the therapy dog. Proving to be highly popular among students as well as staff, she is probably the most well cuddled dog on campus, rivalling Ms Haydon’s dog who once made an appearance
Classroom & community
Three student leaders (head girl, head boy and a deputy) were our tour guides. The very essence of a Harrovian product: charming, enthusiastic, spirited, engaging and academically bright. Manners still work in progress.
Classed as a ‘British
- School year
- September – June, with three terms
- Student nationalities - total
- 51
- Uniform requirements
- Yes
Money matters
Day fees in line with the top international schools in Hong Kong. Weekly boarding fees and ‘annual levies’ bring the cost close to a full-boarding senior school in the UK.
Apart from the bus, and a new uniform being introduced, extra fees seem to
- Annual fee range
- Day HK$ 201,314 - HK$ 239,070; Boarding HK$ 130,705
- Fee information
- Application fee: HK$ 1,500 (non-refundable)
Capital Levy (annual, non-debenture holders): HK$ 60,000;
Lunch, snacks school bus, compulsory school uniform, weekend excursions, medical insurance, exams, trips
The last word
Steeped in over 450 years of heritage, Harrow is the only British school in Hong Kong which closely emulates a typical UK boarding school experience. Families who send their children here do so for the first-rate education, network and brand. An
Accreditations, inspections & memberships
- Accreditations/Inspections
- Council of International Schools (CIS)
BSO (British Schools Overseas inspection programme)
Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) (DfE BSO approved)- Memberships
- Independently owned and operated, under a license of the name and badge of Harrow School (UK), by a not-for-profit company registered in Hong Kong, Harrow International School Foundation Limited, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asia International Schools Ltd The Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC); Boarding Schools Association (BSA);