Ages 
The Harrodian may look like something out of 19th century literature (you could almost imagine Mr Darcy walking through the front door or wandering around the estate) but it is up-to-the-minute modern in terms of ethos, facilities and the values that the 21st century demands in terms of equality, inclusivity and diversity. Pupils are encouraged to participate, to question and to express themselves in an environment that is busy and exceptionally beautiful. Happy pupils, happy parents, happy staff. Almost boundless opportunities to get involved and to find their metiers exist for pupils while, for those who judge a school ostensibly on academic outcomes, university offers suggest the Harrodian formula works very well. Some parents might find it takes a bit of a leap of faith to accept a place at this slightly unconventional school, but those who take that leap seem unanimously delighted they did.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,035 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 186 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £19,500 - £29,970 pa
- Local authority
- London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mr James Hooke
Since 1999, James Hooke. Educated at Hampton (Grammar as it was then), geography degree from Leeds and a PGCE. Thirst for travel and a stint as a broker (including two years in Hong Kong) led, circuitously, to a two-year contract as a geography
Entrance
Currently ‘full to the brim’ according to the head. While visiting, we witnessed at least three parent tours, each comprising up to six parents. Very much the norm, apparently. This is a school that is on many peoples’ lists of potential schools and
- Open days
- See website
Exit
Majority of pupils now stay until 18 although some head off at 11+, 13+ and 16+, usually to boarding schools or single sex London day schools. School supports those who wish to move with preparation for the relevant exams although one parent told us
Latest results
In 2024, 75 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 51 per cent A*/A at A level (86 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
This is now a very big school catering for rising fives through to the upper sixth. Parents are delighted that what is on offer is a wide ranging, creative curriculum that allows individuals to build on their strengths and follow their interests but
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Roughly 10 per cent of pupils have some form of learning support and the very well-staffed learning enrichment centre on the top floor has a real sense of calm and of purpose. A parent described the floor as her daughter’s ‘little Harrodian family’
Arts & extracurricular
Walking around the ‘campus’ (because it really is so much more than just a ‘school’) it is impossible not to spot the artwork that adorns walls and display boards, not to notice the musical notes that waft through the air, and not to observe evidence
Sport
One of the USPs for this institution, a truly remarkable amount of outside space, means that almost all sport is played onsite. The open-air swimming pool, set in a bricked courtyard, is in use for about half the year. On the day we visited, we were
Ethos & heritage
The school was once the country club for Harrods' employees. Sir Alford and Lady Houstoun-Boswell bought it in 1993 and founded a co-educational preparatory school, a civilised oasis of calm in this often hectic part of south west London. The grounds
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Parents cite the ethos of the school as being its defining quality with one telling us, ‘It’s just a lovely, friendly, open school.’ Equality, diversity and inclusivity are taken very seriously as evidenced by the appointment of an EDI coordinator
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review If a pupil needs to make an urgent phone call during the school day, they must go to Main Reception, the Admin Office or Senior Office. If phone calls pertain to sports fixtures pupils must go to the Sports Department. Prep: Mobile telephones may not be used during the school day from 8.15am to 4.10pm, and never in a building. All Prep pupils must put their phone in their bag on arrival at school. Mobile phones will be confiscated (and a detention given) if a Prep pupil uses their phone without permission. Smartwatches are not permitted in the Prep School. Senior pupils may not use their mobile telephones or smartwatches during the hours from 8.30am to 4.00pm unless permission is granted to pupils to use them in lessons. There are no exceptions to this stipulation and telephones/smartwatches will be confiscated if they are used during the working day without permission. Sixth Form students may only use mobile phones in the Sixth Form Suite, the Senior Library and in the Café and phones may only be used in lessons with the express permission of the teacher. The taking of photographs or video recordings via a mobile phone is banned at all times - unless supervised by a member of staff as part of a legitimate school purpose.
Pupils & parents
A recent survey revealed that Harrodian pupils have roots in around 38 different countries and more than half of them have at least one parent born outside the UK. There is no defining this parent body in terms of careers either: there are
Money matters
Fees very much in line with competitors. Scholarships for internal candidates at 13+ and 16+. Means tested bursaries of up to 100 per cent for those entering the school at 11+ and 13+.
- Fee information
- £19,500 - £29,970 pa
The last word
The Harrodian may look like something out of 19th century literature (you could almost imagine Mr Darcy walking through the front door or wandering around the estate) but it is up-to-the-minute modern in terms of ethos, facilities and the values that
