Remember Harrods Sports Club? Now imagine a school standing in its place. That’s The Harrodian School.
The Harrodian School is a private day school. It is located in Barnes, South-west London. The school’s story is quite interesting.
Before The Harrodian School was here, it was the Harrods Sports Club. This club provided recreational facilities for Harrods employees. It aimed at improving their mental and physical well-being.
In 1988, the sports club closed. The site was then purchased by Sir Alford Houstoun Boswall in 1992. The Harrodian School opened its doors in September 1993.
Initially, The Harrodian School had only 65 pupils and 12 staff members. Lady Eliana and Sir Alford Houstoun-Boswall founded it. Eliana Houstoun-Boswall served as the first headmistress.
Interestingly, Mohamed Al-Fayed, the owner of Harrods, wasn’t pleased about the school using the name. He even challenged it in court.
Over the years, The Harrodian School has grown significantly. By 2011, it had around 925 students.
In 1996, Peter Thomson became Headmaster of The Harrodian School. James Hooke was promoted to Headmaster in 1999.
The Harrodian School site has a rich history. Before becoming a school, it was Mill Farm in 1670. The farm spanned 138 acres along the River Thames. In 1880, Mill Lodge became the home of Samuel Keene. He was an entrepreneur and Justice of the Peace.
The Harrodian School has expanded over the years. In 2001, the Senior School building was opened. The school opened its Sixth Form in 2002. By then, pupil numbers had reached 700.
The Harrodian School fees vary by age group. In 2021, the annual fees ranged from £16389 to £25173. Additional charges apply for lunch and insurance.
Several notable individuals have attended The Harrodian School. These include actors Robert Pattinson and Tom Sturridge. George MacKay and Will Poulter are also alumni.
The Harrodian School continues to evolve. It provides a comprehensive education for students aged 4 to 18. From its humble beginnings, The Harrodian School has become a leading independent school in London. It stands as a testament to the vision of its founders.