Harrow International School Bangkok

Harrow International School Bangkok is a British international school located in Don Mueang District, Bangkok, Thailand. Established in 1998, it operates in association with Harrow School, a boarding school for boys in London, UK. Harrow Bangkok has over 1600 students from 36 different nationalities, ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years, and it is divided into two day schools, upper and lower, following the English National Curriculum.

The school’s mission is to provide an outstanding British education in a multicultural setting, nurturing students to become independent, caring, and responsible global citizens. The school emphasizes the importance of developing character, cultivating academic excellence, and promoting well-being. Its values include courage, humility, and fellowship, and it seeks to instill these values in its students through a broad range of co-curricular activities and experiences.

The school has a strong boarding provision for students from Year 5 upwards, with newly enrolled students paying a full boarding fee of 499,000 baht per year. The majority of the teaching staff are recruited from the UK and Ireland, and the school has a strong affiliation with other Harrow International Schools in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Harrow Bangkok is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and is a member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), the South East Asia Student Activities Conference (SEASAC), and the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT).

Campus

Harrow International School Bangkok is located on a purpose-built 35-acre campus in Don Mueang, near Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. The campus is designed to offer a safe and secure environment for students to learn and grow. It includes modern classrooms, science and technology labs, music and art rooms, a library, a swimming pool, sports fields, and boarding houses.

The campus has separate sections for the lower and upper schools, with each school having its own set of facilities. The lower school section caters to students from 18 months to Year 6, while the upper school section is for students from Year 7 to Year 13. The boarding houses offer a comfortable and homely environment for boarders, with shared common areas, study spaces, and recreational facilities.

The campus is designed to promote a holistic and well-rounded education, with facilities for a wide range of co-curricular activities, such as sports, music, drama, and community service. The school also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, promote environmental awareness, and encourage responsible citizenship. Overall, Harrow Bangkok’s campus provides a conducive and stimulating environment for students to develop their academic and personal potential.

Academics

Harrow International School Bangkok offers a rigorous and challenging academic program based on the English National Curriculum. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies, as well as a broad range of elective courses in areas such as art, music, drama, languages, and physical education.

The school’s academic program is structured around a system of Key Stages, with regular assessments and testing to monitor student progress and provide feedback. The lower school (Years 1-6) follows the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB), while the upper school (Years 7-13) offers a mix of IGCSE and A-level courses.

Harrow Bangkok has a strong focus on developing students’ critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, and encourages active learning through class discussions, group work, and project-based assignments. The school also emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning and independent study, preparing students for the demands of higher education and the workforce.

In addition to its academic program, Harrow Bangkok offers a range of academic support services, including one-on-one tutoring, study skills workshops, and academic advising. The school also has a well-equipped library and a dedicated team of librarians to support students’ research and learning needs.

Overall, Harrow International School Bangkok is committed to providing a challenging and rewarding academic program that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.

Management

Harrow International School Bangkok is operated by Harrow Asia Limited, a private company that also oversees Harrow International Schools in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. The school is led by a Head Master, who is responsible for the overall management and administration of the school.

The current Head Master of Harrow Bangkok is Jonathan Standen, who joined the school in 2019. Standen has extensive experience in international education, having previously served as the Head Master of two other international schools in Asia. He is supported by a team of experienced administrators, teachers, and staff who are committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for students.

The school is governed by a Board of Governors, which is responsible for setting policies and overseeing the school’s operations. The Board is comprised of representatives from Harrow Asia Limited, as well as independent members with expertise in education, business, and other fields.

Harrow Bangkok has a strong culture of professional development, and invests in ongoing training and support for its teachers and staff. The school also encourages regular communication and collaboration between faculty, parents, and students, to ensure that all members of the school community are working together to achieve the school’s goals and objectives.

Admission

Admission to Harrow International School Bangkok is a competitive process, and the school has high academic and behavioral expectations for all applicants. The school accepts students of all nationalities and backgrounds, and admission is based on a combination of academic ability, character, and potential for success at the school.

The application process typically involves the following steps:

1. Inquiry: Interested families can inquire about the school and request more information.
2. Application: Families submit a completed application form, along with academic transcripts, test scores, and other supporting documents.
3. Assessment: The school may require applicants to take admission tests or attend interviews, either in person or online.
4. Admission Decision: The school reviews all applications and makes admission decisions based on a range of factors, including academic achievement, character, potential for success at the school, and availability of places.
5. Enrollment: Families of accepted students must complete the enrollment process, including submitting required documents and paying the enrollment fee and tuition deposit.

Harrow Bangkok has a rolling admissions process, which means that applications are accepted throughout the year, although it is recommended that families apply as early as possible to ensure availability of places. The school also offers limited financial aid and scholarships for qualified applicants.

Achievement

Harrow International School Bangkok has achieved numerous successes and accolades over the years. Here are some notable achievements:

1. Academic Excellence: Harrow Bangkok has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, with many of its students achieving outstanding results in international exams such as the IGCSEs and A-levels. In 2020, the school achieved a 100% pass rate in the A-level exams, with over 60% of students achieving A*/A grades.
2. Sports: Harrow Bangkok has a strong sports program, with students participating in a wide range of sports such as football, rugby, swimming, and tennis. The school has won numerous championships and tournaments in the region, including the SEASAC championships.
3. Arts and Music: Harrow Bangkok has a thriving arts and music program, with students participating in activities such as drama, choir, and orchestra. The school regularly hosts concerts, performances, and exhibitions, and has won awards and recognition for its artistic achievements.
4. Community Service: Harrow Bangkok places a strong emphasis on community service and encourages its students to participate in local and global service projects. The school has partnerships with several local charities and organizations, and students regularly participate in activities such as beach cleanups, food drives, and fundraising events.
5. Sustainability: Harrow Bangkok is committed to sustainability and environmental awareness, and has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. The school has won awards for its sustainability efforts and is a member of the Eco-Schools network.