House System

The Heart of Harrow

Modelled on the best practices of Harrow School, London, from Pre Prep Phase (age 5), every Harrow student, belongs to a House. Each House has its own distinctive name, a House colour, House flags and House Mistress or Master.

The House offers students a smaller, closer community within the school, broadening the range of activities and support available. House events include: Sports Days, Charity Events, Dance and Music Competitions and various Sports Competitions. In these numerous activities, community pride finds expression in a healthy competitive spirit.

A key strength of the House system is the vertical integration of different aged pupils. This creates a ‘family’ unit within which responsibilities are assigned to older students to care for and support their younger peers.

The House system is the most distinctive characteristic of a Harrow education and is central to the school’s culture and success. The development of House communities is characterised by strong bonds and support networks within each House. The House Master or Mistress and Form Tutor knows each member of the House extremely well, allowing for close monitoring of academic performance as well as pastoral support. Therefore, if and when there is a problem the student will swiftly receive well judged, individualised and effective support to get back on track.

Joanne Dunphy

Head

NPQH
Senior Examiner, Cambridge International
Inspector, ISI

Ms Dunphy brings over 20 years of leadership and teaching experience across some of the UK’s leading schools, including public, independent, and girls’ schools. She previously held a senior leadership position at the prestigious Cheltenham Ladies’ College.

She pursued advanced studies at the University of Oxford and has extensive expertise in strategic leadership, school operations, and academic improvement. Under her leadership, schools have achieved notable progress in overall performance and student achievement.

Ms Dunphy is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and aspirational school culture. As an educational leader with an international outlook, she strives to achieve a strong balance between academic excellence and holistic student development.

Tina Quan

Teaching Assistant

Tina graduated from Worcester University. She has over 5 years teaching experience. In Tina’s opinion, teachers should be students’ friends as well as their masters. A teacher is a person knowledgeable also a good sample for students.​