The 13+ Admissions Guide to Harrow School

Harrow School remains one of the world's most prestigious all-boys boarding institutions, educating leaders, innovators, and scholars for over 450 years. Admission to Harrow at 13+ (Year 9) is fiercely competitive, with families registering up to three years in advance.

To secure a place, applicants must successfully navigate a multi-stage process that evaluates not only academic capability but also character, collaborative spirit, and readiness for boarding life.

Breakdown of the Harrow 13+ Admissions Process

1. Registration & The ISEB Common Pre-Test (Autumn of Year 6)

All prospective candidates must be registered by May of Year 5 (or early Year 6 for late applicants). In the autumn term of Year 6, boys sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test at their current school or an approved testing centre. This adaptive online exam assesses:

English: Comprehension, syntax, and vocabulary.
Mathematics: Core numerical reasoning and multistep problem-solving.
Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning: Logic, spatial awareness, and pattern recognition.

A strong Pre-Test score, combined with a detailed confidential reference from the applicant's current headteacher, determines whether a boy is invited to the next stage.

2. The Harrow Test (Spring Term of Year 6)

Shortlisted boys attend The Harrow Test on site at Harrow School between January and March of Year 6. Unlike standard entrance exams, the Harrow Test evaluates the whole child through four distinct components:

Computerised Assessment (60 minutes): A bespoke test covering advanced English, Mathematics, and adaptive reasoning.
Classroom-Based Group Activity (20 minutes): Boys participate in a group task observed by teachers. Assessors look for active listening, team collaboration, leadership, and constructive communication rather than dominant behaviour.
Interview with a Housemaster (20 minutes): A conversation assessing character, personal interests, enthusiasm for boarding life, and alignment with Harrow values.
Interview with a Senior Teacher (20 minutes): An academically focused discussion testing intellectual curiosity, problem-solving under guidance, and lateral thinking.

3. Offers & Year 8 Common Entrance

Results are issued in April of Year 6. Successful candidates receive an A-List Offer (guaranteeing a place linked to a specific boarding house) or a B-List Offer (a waiting list allocation). All offers remain conditional upon maintaining high academic standards through Year 7 and Year 8, culminating in either Common Entrance examinations (minimum 65% across all core subjects) or the Harrow Academic Scholarship exams.

How Exceptional Academics Helps

Prepare your son for Harrow with expert 13+ tuition, ISEB Pre-Test drills, and mock interview practice with us. Email info@exceptionalacademics.com to enquire.