Why Harrow School scholarships and bursaries matter

Harrow School is one of Britain’s most prestigious boarding schools, with annual fees exceeding £50,000. Harrow offers comprehensive scholarship and bursary programmes that enable talented students from all backgrounds to attend, with significant financial support available for qualifying families.

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1. Types of scholarships and bursaries at Harrow

Harrow offers several award types:

• Academic Scholarships – for outstanding academic ability, typically 10–50% fee reduction.
• Music Scholarships – for exceptional musicians, usually 10–50% fee reduction plus free music tuition.
• Art Scholarships – for talented artists, typically 10–30% fee reduction.
• Sports Scholarships – limited awards for outstanding athletes, usually 10–25% fee reduction.
• Means‑tested bursaries – can cover up to 100% of fees based on financial need.
• Combined awards – scholarship + bursary packages for exceptional students with financial need.

Detailed scholarship and bursary information

Academic Scholarships:

• Coverage: Typically 10–50% of fees, with higher percentages for exceptional candidates.
• Entry points: 13+ (Year 9) and 16+ (Sixth Form) entry.
• Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance in entrance examinations and school reports.
• Competition: Highly competitive; limited numbers awarded each year.
• Deadlines: Applications typically due autumn/winter for following year entry.
• Renewal: Usually continue through to A Level, subject to maintaining high academic standards.

Music Scholarships:

• Coverage: Typically 10–50% of fees, plus free individual music tuition.
• Entry points: 13+ and 16+ entry.
• Eligibility: Exceptional musical ability, usually Grade 8 or equivalent on at least one instrument.
• Application process: Audition, performance assessment and academic testing.
• Deadlines: Applications usually autumn/winter for following year.
• Renewal: Subject to continued musical progress and academic performance.

Art Scholarships:

• Coverage: Usually 10–30% fee reduction.
• Entry points: 13+ and 16+ entry.
• Eligibility: Strong portfolio demonstrating artistic talent.
• Application process: Portfolio submission and interview.
• Renewal: Annual review based on artistic development.

Sports Scholarships:

• Coverage: Typically 10–25% fee reduction.
• Eligibility: Exceptional ability in one or more sports, often at county or national level.
• Application process: Sports trials and academic assessment.
• Renewal: Subject to continued sporting performance.

Means‑tested bursaries:

• Coverage: Can cover up to 100% of fees based on family income and assets. Many bursaries cover 50–100% of fees.
• Eligibility: Demonstrated financial need through comprehensive means‑testing.
• Application process: Detailed financial assessment including income, savings, property and assets.
• Deadlines: Usually autumn/winter for following year entry.
• Renewal: Reviewed annually based on updated financial information.

Combined scholarship + bursary packages:

• Students can receive both merit‑based scholarships and need‑based bursaries.
• Combined awards can result in full‑fee coverage for exceptional students with significant financial need.

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2. Typical percentage of fees covered

Based on Harrow’s programmes:

• Academic Scholarships: 10–50% of fees.
• Music Scholarships: 10–50% of fees plus free music tuition.
• Art Scholarships: 10–30% of fees.
• Sports Scholarships: 10–25% of fees.
• Bursaries: 10–100% of fees, with many covering 50–100% for qualifying families.
• Combined awards: Can cover up to 100% of total fees.

Harrow has a significant bursary fund and aims to support talented students regardless of financial background.

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3. Eligibility, competition and what Harrow looks for

Academic requirements:

• Strong performance in entrance examinations (13+ or 16+).
• Excellent school reports and teacher references.
• Intellectual curiosity and academic potential.

Competition levels:

• Academic Scholarships: Highly competitive; limited numbers available.
• Music/Art/Sports Scholarships: Competitive; awards based on exceptional talent.
• Bursaries: Competitive but Harrow has substantial bursary funds available.

What Harrow values:

• Academic excellence and intellectual engagement.
• Character, leadership and contribution to school community.
• Co‑curricular talents and interests.
• For bursaries: genuine financial need and academic potential.

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4. Application process and timelines

Key timelines:

• Registration: Usually 18–24 months before intended entry.
• Entrance examinations: 13+ exams typically in January for September entry; 16+ exams in November for following September.
• Scholarship applications: Usually autumn/winter for following year.
• Bursary applications: Typically autumn/winter, alongside admissions application.

Application process:

1. Register interest – contact Harrow’s admissions office, attend open days.
2. Complete admissions application – forms, references, school reports.
3. Apply for scholarships – indicate interest, complete specialist assessments.
4. Apply for bursaries – complete financial assessment forms with supporting documents.
5. Entrance examinations – sit 13+ or 16+ exams and any scholarship tests.
6. Interviews – shortlisted candidates attend interviews.
7. Offers – combined offers typically made early in the calendar year for September entry.

Important: Harrow’s process requires early planning – ideally 2–3 years before intended entry.

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5. Duration and renewal

Scholarship duration:

• Academic Scholarships: Usually continue through to A Level, subject to maintaining standards.
• Other scholarships: Typically annual, renewable subject to continued performance.
• Bursaries: Reviewed annually but typically continue through graduation if need persists.

Renewal conditions:

• Maintaining strong academic performance.
• Continued co‑curricular engagement.
• For bursaries: Updated financial information.
• Upholding behaviour and attendance expectations.

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How Tutopiya helps students aiming for Harrow scholarships

Tutopiya supports students targeting Harrow School scholarships by:

• Preparing for entrance examinations – intensive support for 13+ and 16+ entrance tests.
• Building academic excellence – strengthening performance in core subjects.
• Developing specialist skills – supporting music, art and academic development.
• Exam technique – helping students perform under pressure.
• Long‑term planning – advising on subject choices and exam strategies.

If your child is aiming for a scholarship or bursary at Harrow School, Tutopiya can help them build the academic excellence and exam confidence needed to succeed.