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Rooted in centuries of history, the House System is central to Harrow’s identity, fostering loyalty, continuity and a profound sense of belonging.
The House system lies at the heart of school life, providing a close-knit community where pupils are known, supported, and challenged. Every pupil will join a House, each led by a House Master or Mistress and supported by a team of House Tutors.
The distinct Houses are guided by a dedicated House Master ensuring individual oversight and nurturing, whilst Tutors guide pupils in setting academic goals, tracking progress, preparing for university applications whilst also supporting them in developing personal wellbeing strategies and taking ownership of their emotional and mental growth.
One of the House system’s greatest strengths is its vertical structure, where pupils of all ages grow and learn together within a family-like community. Older pupils mentor younger ones, friendships develop naturally across year groups, and every pupil feels supported by a wider network of peers. The Harrow Houses also unite pupils through spirited competitions in sport, music, drama, and community events, building pride, camaraderie and a healthy sense of rivalry. This strong culture of belonging and mentorship is a defining feature of a Harrow education.
Mentorship Across Ages
Older pupils guide younger ones, fostering leadership, support, and shared growth.
Family-Like Community
A vertical House structure creates a warm, inclusive environment where friendships deepen over years.
Pride & House Spirit
Competitions in sport, music, drama and service ignite enthusiasm, teamwork and loyalty.
Belonging & Identity
Pupils develop a strong sense of belonging that becomes central to their Harrow experience.
Notable Alumni of the House
Notable Old Drurieans include the poet Lord Byron, former British Prime Ministers Lord Palmerston and Robert Peel, founder of the FA Charles Alcock, Victoria Cross recipients Teignmouth Melvill and William Montgomery-Cuninghame, the Duke of Westminster, former Head of the Civil Service Lord Butler, cricketers Nick Compton and Gary Ballance – and James Bond, the ornithologist after whom lan Fleming named his famous spy.
Notable Alumni of the House
Notable Old Elmfieldians include Prince Bovaradej of Thailand; pioneer aviator Lord Moore-Brabazon; recipient of the Victoria Cross and the Military Cross Major George Findlay; Robert Joicey Dickinson (formerly of law firm Dickinson Dees); Colonel Sir Donald Hamish Cameron of Lochiel; former Lord Mayor of London Sir Peter Studd; cricketer Alastair McCorquodale; Chairman of N M Rothschild and Sons, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild; photographer the Earl of Lichfield; founder of Pret and itsu Julian Metcalfe; explorer Tom Avery; and singer songwriter James Blunt.
Notable Alumni of the House
Notable Old Boys include pioneer aviator Edward Teshmaker Busk; founder of Exbury Gardens, Lionel de Rothschild; Danish politician Per Torben Feferspiel; Zambian politician Stewart Gore-Browne; Chief of the General Staff General Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank; author Raymond Sheffield Hamilton-Grace; anthropologist Thomas Harnett Harrisson; actors Julian Holloway, Guy Middleton, and Sir Nigel Ross Playfair; circus owners Cyril Bertram and Bernard Notley Mills; astronaut Dr Nicholas Patrick; economist Professor Arthur Cecil Pigou; physiologist and mountaineer Dr Lewis Griffith Cresswell Evan Pugh; and skier William
James Riddell.
Notable Alumni of the House
Notable Old West Acreans include writer LP Hartley;
fashion designer Charles James; member of Sir Winston Churchill’s cabinet Leo Amery; and the physicist and Nobel Prize winner John Strutt, 3rd Baron Rayleigh.
