Harrow 13+ entry

[Nextstep123]

Any experiences of Harrow School? Wondering what ration of applicants to places is for 13+ ? And how hard the Harrow test is.....

[BubblesBuddy]

Is your prep school not advising you of this? If DS is not at a prep, has he taken the pre test in y6? The web site takes you through the entrance procedure but most boys will be prepared by their prep schools for the exam and they will know what standard is required.

[Nextstep123]

@BubblesBuddy we have our own senior school and most go up. I don’t think we will have any help from our Prep. Head.
We are at Millfield Prep in Somerset and son County teams for 2 sports inc playing up. And A team every sport at school and told top of his year academically but we are not a pushy academic prep. Hence want to leave. Came for elder son who is in senior school. They do a great job in building a rounded child so he is a strong leader and seems to fit the bill for Harrow but the academics I know we will have to push at home more and more. We do anyway but interesting to know what other Preps would do. They will be upset to lose him here and sure a scholarship on offer so I may not even tell them for a while. Hard to know how much I can push for school help. Guess I am paying enough ! In fact think will ask !!

[northlondoncat]

It’s quite hard but by no means as hard as the London day schools, potential for boarding and what you have to offer as important as academics. Very busy school, not for the faint hearted. plenty of options for late applicants so don’t worry if past year 6.

[Nextstep123]

@northlondoncat thanks that’s really helpful. Used to very busy life 7am tennis every day for 6 days and doesn’t finish until 5pm. Older brother full boards so aware of need to be organised. Now just need to decide if boys only and traditional v Brighton or Wellington. I like something about each !!

[BubblesBuddy]

I see the problem. However, I think it is fair for you to ask. I have heard it said that Millfield is the most expensive comprehensive school in the country. However, I am sure you won't be the first prep parent to look further afield and ask for advice. If they are not keen, then you know wshere you stand. You could go to a prep that does prep for Harrow!

[Nextstep123]

I have spoken to our Headmistress and she is being very helpful. The Prep school is a fantastic school just not in the business of preparing for other schools. The Senior School is a massive Sports Academy. Wouldn’t ever describe it as an expensive Comp. We have better facilities than universities and is cheaper than many independent schools, just not academically selective which brings results and therefore expectations down. We fancy something different for younger son.

[DogsandBoysmeanMud]

Two sons at Harrow. One very sporty, clever and all rounder. Loves it and the school love him. No complaints

Second son, less able but managed to get in (they love siblings, less parents to get to know) and he is thriving too. He is more musical but not traditional music, struggled in past academically.

Harrow cater for all levels well and the support is great. Butt hey want all rounders. Boys who are as happy playing rugby in the rain, or standing on a stage, or helping severely disabled children in the community.

Full boarding means 7 days a week activities from 7am to 9pm. They are exhausted when they come home.

No flexibility in boarding it's all full boarding.

We love it and my boys are both doing well. But some do struggle with the intensity of it and some parents struggle with the hands-off parenting. House masters are in charge of boys and what they say goes.

[Nextstep123]

@DogsandBoysmeanMud did you ever look at Tonbridge or Eton ? Wondered what your perceived difference is with Harrow ?

[motherstongue]

DS left Harrow 2 years ago so can’t comment on the ratios at the present time but I can say the school was fantastic for our DS. He was and still is a quirky, intellectual type so according to many not a typical Harrow boy. He certainly wasn’t an all rounder but he still had a wonderful 5 years there. Very very busy full on school with a hefty work load and like PP said quite a hands off approach needed from parents.

[DogsandBoysmeanMud]

@Nextstep123 I looked at Eton and have friends with sons at Eton and it's , in my opinion, too big, too pushy, too posh.

Harrowvians, in the main, are mostly from nice families. All the parents seem very normal. Etonians, that I have met, have an air of arrogance that you don't see at Harrow.

Tonbridge I don't know much about as it's too far.