TR A DI T ION meets TOMOR R OW
From The Executive Leader The opening of Harrow Dubai has shown that a school is brought to life not by its buildings or prospectus, but by the daily experience of its pupils: the warmth of their relationships, the confidence with which they contribute, the care with which they are known and the opportunities placed before them. Having led the opening of Harrow Dubai, I am delighted to work alongside the Head Master and founding team in Abu Dhabi as the Harrow community in the UAE grows. Harrow Abu Dhabi will be a distinctive school, shaped by its pupils, families and remarkable setting, but it will not begin in isolation. It will benefit from the experience and emerging traditions of Harrow Dubai, while both schools remain connected to Harrow in the UK and the wider family of Harrow schools. At Harrow Dubai, we have worked deliberately to ensure that Courage, Honour, Humility and Fellowship are not simply words displayed around the school. They are expressed in how pupils treat one another, respond to challenge, contribute to their Houses and understand leadership as service. Those values, together with academic ambition, pastoral care and a co-curriculum in which every pupil participates, will also shape the experience of Abu Dhabi’s first Harrovians. I am excited by the opportunity before us and by what our schools can learn from one another as they grow together: each developing its own identity and serving its community, but united by a shared purpose and understanding of what a Harrow education should be. Mr Simon O'Connor Executive Leader of Harrow Schools - UAE
From the Head Master In 1572, yeoman farmer John Lyon obtained a Royal Charter from Elizabeth I to establish the first Harrow. Four hundred and fifty-five years later, I have the privilege of working with and for our founding families and Harrovians, to build a school of that same distinction and significance here in the capital of the UAE. Academic ambition is a defining feature of Harrow. Alongside the British curriculum, we offer a Super-Curriculum that begins where the syllabus ends: tailored to drive interest, engagement, and the ability to apply knowledge and skills in novel ways. Harrow is the newest addition to the global centre of culture on Saadiyat Island. Our proximity to world-class museums, galleries, and universities makes our address a teaching resource that invites further thinking, ideation and cultural opportunities. Achievement alone does not bring happiness and success. 'Fellowship', the capacity to notice and act, and 'Humility', the recognition of our limitations, are founding values that underpin our House system. Working with our House Staff, pupils learn leadership, mentorship, and service to others. Our pastoral care is structural, not based on good intentions alone. Passing through Harrow unnoticed is not an option. A day or week is noticeably different at Harrow. Education does not end when lessons do. Sport, arts, and academic societies are not 'extra' but integral to the Harrow experience. The co-curriculum is the other half of your child's education. Old Harrovian Jawaharlal Nehru asked of his new nation, "Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future?" A founding prospectus can only be a promise of opportunity, but I ask the same of you, our founding families and first Harrovians, as we inspire your children to excellence. Please do come and visit us; I look forward to welcoming you. Mr Adrian Frost Harrow Abu Dhabi Head Master
H
arrow Heritage
As
one
of
the
world’s
most
respected
independent schools, Harrow School offers a world-class full-boarding education to 830 boys aged between 13 and 18 on a 324-acre estate in northwest London, in the United Kingdom. Harrow aims to be at the forefront of educational
development
using
inspiring
teaching and coaching techniques, the most up-to-date technology, and top-class facilities and equipment. With a history stretching back to 1572, Harrow’s heritage enriches the daily life of the entire school community, developing in pupils, staff and parents a strong corporate spirit and a shared sense of belonging to something that transcends generations. The essence of Harrow is
this
balance
between
tradition
and
innovation, between continuity and change, between the old and the new.
Sir Winston Churchill NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Lord Shaftesbury PUBLIC SERVICE
Harrow Heritage Giants of Old Harrow’s most impressive alumni are known among the school community as the “Giants of Old”. These giants include distinguished alumni such as
Benedict Cumberbatch THE ARTS
Sir Arthur Evans SCHOLARSHIP, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Sir Winston Churchill, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, and Lord Shaftesbury, alongside members of royal families from the Middle East, Britain, Thailand, India, and Malaysia. The School’s influence extends across literature (Lord Byron, Anthony Trollope), the performing arts (Benedict Cumberbatch, James Blunt, Richard Curtis), and science and exploration (Nobel laureate Lord Rayleigh, photography pioneer Fox Talbot, astronaut Dr Nicholas Patrick, and explorer Pen Hadow).
Maro Itoje SPORT
Peter Beckwith BUSINESS AND FINANCE
O
ur Values At Harrow Abu Dhabi, the Harrow Values underpin all that we do and who we strive to be. They are at the very heart of our ethos. Our Values define our identity, driving and inspiring us to strive for excellence as individuals, so that collectively we thrive.
Courage
encourages us to innovate and take risks, inspiring change
for the better. It means challenging adversity and complacency, making the most of opportunities, putting fear of failure to one side and staying the course, even when it is difficult.
Honour
is about doing the right thing, having the highest standards
and leading by example. It involves taking responsibility and, ultimately, is what makes us worthy of the trust of others.
Humility
asks us to recognise that one's self is a work in progress
and that struggling with one's weaknesses is essential to growth. Humility increases our awareness that talent and achievement alone, however impressive, are not sufficient to succeed as a human being – and that none of us is at the centre of the universe.
Fellowship
means building binding, constructive relationships that
help us all to make a positive contribution.
Partnership with Taaleem Harrow International School Abu Dhabi marks the beginning of a landmark partnership between Harrow School in the UK and Taaleem, bringing together Harrow’s 450-year tradition of academic excellence with Taaleem’s proven dedication to delivering the highest standards of education across the UAE. At Harrow Abu Dhabi, pupils will experience a world-class education anchored in the Harrow Values of courage, honour, humility, and fellowship. With a strong focus on academic excellence, character development, and preparation for entry into leading universities worldwide, our pupils will be equipped to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape. Families who join Harrow Abu Dhabi are acknowledging the rare opportunity for their children to benefit from the very best of Harrow’s legacy, alongside the proven success of Taaleem as an education provider within the UAE - a true testament to the vision of 'Tradition Meets Tomorrow'.
Academic Ethos Harrow Abu Dhabi delivers an ambitious and rigorous education, following the English National Curriculum from the Foundation Stage (FS1 & FS2) through to Year 13. This framework sets out both the subjects taught and the standards pupils are expected to achieve at different stages, culminating in public examinations at GCSE and A-Level. We believe that true education extends far beyond examination success. From the earliest years, pupils are immersed in the Super-Curriculum, designed to inspire intellectual curiosity and nurture independent thought. Through extended reading, public speaking, competitions, projects, educational visits, and lectures from leading experts, pupils develop the habits of scholarship and creativity that define a Harrow education. Our curriculum is enriched and localised through alignment with the UAE Ministry of Education requirements, including Arabic (for native and non-native speakers), Islamic Education, and Moral, Social, and Cultural Studies. Across subjects, we actively promote an appreciation of Emirati heritage, culture, and traditions, supporting the UAE National Agenda for Education. Our aim is not only academic excellence but also the development
of
confident,
curious,
and
resilient
learners
prepared for the world’s leading universities. Across all phases and year groups, the learner experience is centered around our four Harrow Values, intertwined with the UK National Curriculum and the very best of research-based practice from around the world.
Pre-Prep In the Pre-Prep we nurture the whole child in a supportive environment that fosters curiosity, confidence and independence. Learning is rooted in play, exploration, and creativity, helping pupils develop strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and social skills. With an emphasis on pastoral care and individual attention, children are encouraged to become resilient, kind, and self-assured learners.
FS1 & FS2 Harrow Abu Dhabi provides an exceptional learning experience for children aged three to five years of age. Our play-based approach, informed by early childhood research from across the world ensures pupils have access to the highest quality of provision to fully optimise their potential for learning and development. We ensure each child’s experience fosters and enables the necessary skills and attributes in preparation for a life of service, leadership and responsibility, with a strong cultural identity and heritage. Our Early Years curriculum is aligned fully with UK Early Years expectations, whilst also offering a bespoke approach to teaching and learning through our child-led approach to curriculum design. The foundation for all learning is to strengthen communication skills, alongside supporting pupils' self-regulation and emotional wellbeing, which our Early Years practitioners do expertly, alongside developing pupils' capabilities within the core subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics and science.
Year 1 & Year 2 Pre-Prep at Harrow Abu Dhabi gives young learners the strongest start, fostering curiosity, independence, and a love of learning. In classes led by expert teachers, within inspiring learning environments, children build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and communication while developing creativity, confidence, and resilience. There is a growing focus on developing independent learning skills, empowering pupils to take greater ownership of their educational journey. With integration of pupil voice, where learners are actively involved in shaping elements of the curriculum, Harrow Abu Dhabi creates a more engaging and personalised learning experience that reflects the interests and aspirations of pupils themselves.
Prep
Year 3 - Year 8 Prep at Harrow Abu Dhabi builds on the strong foundations of Pre-Prep, offering a
In the Prep School, Harrow Abu Dhabi adopts the ethos and aims of the
rich and challenging curriculum that inspires intellectual curiosity and independent
pioneering Harrow Curriculum 2025, first introduced at Harrow School in the
thinking. Through expert teaching and a breadth of academic, sporting, and
UK. This forward-thinking programme ensures pupils are real-world
creative opportunities, pupils develop the knowledge, skills, and character needed
ready-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and adaptability needed to thrive
to succeed. Anchored in Harrow’s Values of courage, honour, humility, and
at university and in an ever-changing global landscape. Central to this
fellowship, Prep nurtures confident, well-rounded learners who are prepared to
curriculum is the Harrow Diploma, which enriches learning through
embrace the challenges of Senior School and beyond. Excursions and leadership
challenging electives, project work, debate, and research, encouraging
opportunities further empower pupils to embrace their unique talents and passions,
pupils to think critically and speak with confidence.
within the safety of the Prep learning environment.
E
xpressive Arts at Harrow Abu Dhabi
At Harrow Abu Dhabi, the expressive arts are central to school life, inspiring creativity, confidence, and cultural appreciation. From the very start, every pupil engages in music, art, and drama, with pathways to GCSE and A-Level for those pursuing excellence. World-class facilities, from studios and workshops to digital design and 3D printing, enable bold ideas to flourish. The arts are celebrated through choirs, orchestras, productions, exhibitions, and House competitions, while trips to global cultural capitals enrich pupils’ perspectives.
Guided
by
creativity,
breadth,
collaboration, and cultural exposure, Harrow Abu Dhabi nurtures not just artists, but thinkers, leaders, and innovators prepared to shape the world.
Senior Shell Year 9
Sixth Form Lower Sixth (Year 12) & Upper Sixth (Year 13)
Shell marks the exciting beginning of Senior School, where pupils transition
The Sixth Form at Harrow Abu Dhabi represents the pinnacle of school life, where pupils focus
into a more rigorous and broad curriculum designed to spark curiosity and
on A-Levels while embracing leadership, responsibility, and preparation for life beyond school.
stretch ambition. In this important foundation year, pupils explore a wide
With a wide choice of subjects, taught by specialist teachers, pupils are encouraged to pursue
range of subjects across the sciences, humanities, languages, and the arts,
academic excellence while developing independence, intellectual curiosity, and a clear sense
while also strengthening core skills in English and mathematics.
of direction for university and future careers.
Learning is enriched through enquiry, debate, and project-based study,
Beyond the classroom, Sixth Formers play a central role in the life of the school as role models,
helping pupils to develop independence, resilience, and a genuine love of
mentors, and leaders within their Houses and the wider community. They benefit from
learning. Guided by Harrow’s Values, they are encouraged to think critically,
personalised guidance on university applications worldwide, as well as opportunities to extend
take responsibility, and embrace new challenges, laying the strongest possible
their learning through the Super-Curriculum, service initiatives, and enrichment programmes.
groundwork for GCSEs and future study.
Sixth Form at Harrow Abu Dhabi equips pupils with the knowledge, character, and confidence to excel at the world’s leading universities and to contribute meaningfully to society.
Remove & Fifth Form Year 10 & Year 11 During Remove and Fifth Form, pupils embark on their GCSE journey, choosing a broad and balanced range of subjects that both reflect their individual interests and prepare them for future pathways. Alongside core studies in English, mathematics, and the sciences, pupils select from a rich choice of humanities, languages, and creative disciplines, ensuring both academic depth and breadth. Teaching at this stage emphasises intellectual challenge, independence, and critical thinking, while also developing the study habits, resilience, and personal organisation required for success in public examinations. Supported by expert guidance, pupils grow in confidence as they prepare not only to achieve outstanding results but also for the transition into the Sixth Form and the wider opportunities of life beyond.
S
port at Harrow Abu Dhabi At Harrow Abu Dhabi, sport is a core part of daily life, fostering physical health, wellbeing, resilience, and character. Through the Games Approach Model, it develops teamwork, leadership, and a strong sense of community, making it an essential element of a Harrow education. The key principles of Harrow’s sporting philosophy are:
Sport as a pillar of education – Games are scheduled within the school day, with participation compulsory for all, ensuring inclusivity and balance.
Character and leadership – Sport develops resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship, with leadership fostered through captaincy, mentoring, and House competitions.
Breadth and excellence – A wide range of sports, from cricket and rugby to football and netball, provide pathways for elite athletes while valuing recreational participation equally.
House system integration – Sport is woven into the House system, building camaraderie, loyalty, and belonging, with House matches as major events.
Holistic development and lifelong engagement – Beyond school, pupils carry forward a love of physical activity, instilling habits that promote health and wellbeing for life. With world-class sports facilities and a vibrant sporting culture, Harrow Abu Dhabi ensures every pupil benefits from the physical, emotional, and social rewards of sport.
S
uper-Curricular Opportunities Education at Harrow Abu Dhabi aims to ignite scholarship beyond the classroom through the Super-Curriculum. Pupils are invited to explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and deepen intellectual curiosity through an array of enriching experiences. The key features of the Super-Curriculum include:
Electives programme – University-style seminars, led by passionate specialists, to spark academic curiosity and independent thought.
Scholarly exploration – Debates, research projects, lectures, and cultural trips to broaden horizons far beyond conventional learning.
Critical skills development – Pupils gain confidence in communication, creativity, and critical thinking - essential for life at top universities and beyond.
Harrow Diploma – A credits-based qualification that recognises the breadth of a pupil’s academic engagement and personal growth. Harrow
Abu
Dhabi’s
Super-Curriculum
reflects
the
School’s enduring belief that education is about shaping thinkers, innovators, and leaders - not just test-takers.
L
ife at Harrow
Life at Harrow Abu Dhabi is steeped in the traditions and values that have defined Harrow for centuries. Central to this is the House system, which provides each pupil with a lifelong sense of identity, belonging, and purpose. Within this framework, leadership and service are not optional pursuits but essential pillars of a Harrow education, cultivating responsibility, humility, and a commitment to the greater good. The shared dining experience further strengthens these bonds, reflecting the school’s belief in the importance of community, fellowship, and the rituals that unite generations of Harrovians.
A
Wellbeing and Pastoral Harrow Abu Dhabi places a strong importance on personal growth and wellbeing. Every pupil will join a House, each led by a House Master or Mistress and supported by a team of House Tutors.
t home in your House
Rooted in centuries of history, with traditions maintained and celebrated, the House system, central to Harrow’s identity, fosters loyalty, continuity, and a profound sense of belonging. Essentially, Harrow Abu Dhabi's House System serves as a home away from home for the pupils whilst they are in school. The distinct Houses are guided by a dedicated House Master ensuring individual oversight and nurturing. One of the House system’s greatest strengths is its vertical structure, where pupils of all ages grow and learn together. This fosters a family-like atmosphere, encourages mentorship between older and younger pupils, and ensures deep, multi-year friendships flourish. The Harrow Houses unite pupils through spirited competitions in sports, music, drama, and community events and support in building pride, camaraderie, and healthy rivalry among them.
The House system lies at the heart of school life, providing a close-knit community where pupils are known, supported, and challenged. Tutors guide pupils in setting academic goals, tracking progress, preparing for university applications whilst also supporting them in developing personal wellbeing strategies and taking ownership of their emotional and mental growth. This strong sense of belonging and mentorship is a defining feature of a Harrow education.
D
ining at Harrow Abu Dhabi
At Harrow Abu Dhabi, dining is a cherished daily ritual, combining the traditions of fellowship with the cultivation of healthy living. From an early age, pupils
are
encouraged
nourishing
choices,
technology
lessons
to
while
make from
develop
independent, Year
6,
food
practical
skills,
nutritional understanding, and an appreciation of global food culture and sustainability. Meals are enjoyed together in the Dining Hall at long tables with their Houses, alongside House Masters, Mistresses, and Tutors. Dining is a communal occasion that strengthens bonds, reinforces the House system, and nurtures a sense of belonging. Through this daily practice, dining at Harrow Abu Dhabi becomes a cornerstone of school life, instilling values of courtesy, fellowship, and community that are central to the Harrow tradition.
L
ife after Harrow A Harrow Abu Dhabi education is a foundation for life. Our pupils will leave with outstanding academic qualifications, but more importantly, with the character, resilience, and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world. Grounded in the Harrow Values of courage, honour, humility, and fellowship, Harrovians are prepared not only for university, but for leadership and service in every sphere of life. We expect leavers to progress to the world’s most prestigious universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Ivy League institutions, and other leading destinations across the globe. They stand out not only for their academic achievements, but also for their independence of thought, articulate communication, and breadth of experience. The House system and close mentorship mean that every pupil is guided in setting ambitions, preparing university applications, and mapping their pathway beyond school. Alongside this academic support, the co-curricular and leadership opportunities at Harrow Abu Dhabi ensure that pupils develop the life skills, cultural awareness, and global perspective needed to excel. Becoming an International Harrovian means joining a distinguished global network of alumni - leaders, innovators, artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who share a lifelong bond with Harrow and with each other. This network opens doors to opportunities, connections, and friendships that endure far beyond their school years. At Harrow Abu Dhabi, life after Harrow is not just about success at university and in careers - it is about shaping confident, compassionate individuals who will make a positive difference in the world.