Harrow school

[mumof420]

Hi
my friend son got into Harrow but also got into a more academic boarding ranked school. She loved Harrow but has two reservations - any help would be appreciated for her

1. Is Harrow just a “brand” name now as it is hidden from school ranking tables so assume it is not as high if it was shown? Therefore does this mean it could do better academically?

2. The school seemed to be predominantly Asian international students or attraction from international students. Most British parents seem to shying away from these big branded schools and going to schools like Uppingham etc. is this because they think it is too international or is it because they think Harrow is not as good and international parents are still buying brand over substance.

Her son loved Harrow but the other boarding school is much higher ranked so she is worried she is going for a name and not the stats?! Any advice and opinions welcome.

thank you

I never looked at any league tables when choosing a school. League tables are valued more by overseas parents who mistakenly think that by being in a school higher up the ranking that this will make their children perform better. This is wrong.
children sit exams , schools don’t.
so children who are academically able and have good self discipline with great teaching will do well in exams no matter what school they are at.
thus any given child will likely perform just the same across a number of good schools, that appear all over the ranking tables.

Harrow is a great school. Plenty will get straight As there. As in ao many schools……
League tables are more often than not a reflection on the pass mark at 13years when pupils are accepted in the first place….

My son has started attending Harrow this year. I’ve conducted extensive research and met many parents from the school. It’s not just a place for students focused solely on academics; there are highly academic students whom I couldn’t have imagined—exceptionally dedicated to their studies. Additionally, there are students who excel in sports, art, or music. I chose Harrow, and my son looks forward to going to Harrow.

Hello kenzo002, hope your son is enjoying Harrow life. My ds is going to Harrow in September, do you know anything about Rendalls house or can you please ask your son about it.
Many thanks