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What If School Could Feel Like Home

Choosing a school is about much more than

what happens in the classroom.

For families considering boarding,

the question is even bigger:

Where will my child feel at home?

Where will they be supported?

And where will they have the space to grow into the person they are capable of becoming?

At Harrow Shenzhen,

boarding is designed to be part

of the education itself — a place where

learning, friendship, independence

and wellbeing come together every day.

There is something special about being part of a boarding community.

Students wake up knowing their friends are nearby. They learn together, share meals, take part in activities, support one another and become part of a House community that feels genuinely their own.

Over time, the little things matter: learning to manage their own time, preparing for a busy day, helping a friend, taking responsibility for their House, or simply knowing that there is always someone around to talk to.

These are experiences that build confidence, resilience and independence — qualities that cannot be taught through a textbook alone.

For many families, one of the biggest advantages of boarding is surprisingly simple: time.

Without a long daily commute, students have more time to sleep, study, exercise, enjoy activities and connect with friends.

Evenings are structured around supported prep and study time, giving students the space and guidance to stay on top of their work without carrying the full weight of homework and revision on their own.

And when the books are closed, there is still plenty of life beyond study.

From sport and music to House activities, enrichment programmes and trips, our boarders are encouraged to make the most of everything Harrow Shenzhen has to offer.

Perhaps most importantly, our boarders are never simply “left to get on with it”.

Our Heads of Boarding House and boarding team provide consistent pastoral guidance and support, working closely with academic and pastoral colleagues to understand each student’s individual needs.

It means that when a student has a great day, someone is there to celebrate it.

When something feels difficult, someone is there to listen.

And when they are ready to take their next step towards independence, someone is there to encourage them.

Boarding also offers students a deeper connection to the wider Harrow community.

Living alongside students from different Houses creates friendships that extend well beyond the school day.

Everyday conversations, shared experiences and House life naturally encourage students to communicate more confidently in English and become comfortable in an international environment.

This is where the Harrow Values — Courage, Honour, Humility and Fellowship — become part of everyday life, not simply words on a wall.

We also believe that learning to use technology responsibly is an important part of growing up.

Our Boarding Device Policy is designed to create a focused learning environment while helping students develop healthy and responsible digital habits. The policy follows a graduated approach, with boundaries becoming more flexible as students mature — giving older students greater independence while maintaining appropriate guidance for younger students.

Each evening, students hand in their devices — including laptops, mobile phones, smartwatches and other electronic communication devices — to duty staff for safekeeping.

It is not simply about putting devices away. It is about creating space for sleep, study, conversation, friendship and genuine connection, while helping students understand how to use technology safely and responsibly.

From September 2026, our new Harrow Horizon Programme will give students even more opportunities to challenge themselves, with activities including skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing and bouldering.

Students can work towards certificates and competitions, with achievements contributing towards their Harrow Diploma Activity.

For boarders, these experiences are right on their doorstep — another opportunity to discover new interests, challenge themselves and find out what they are capable of.

Ultimately, boarding is about much more than where a student sleeps.

It is about giving young people the opportunity to take responsibility, try new things, build meaningful friendships, overcome challenges and discover what they are capable of — within a community that is there to support them.

That is what we hope boarding at Harrow Shenzhen can offer:

A home away from home.

A community to belong to.

And a place to grow with confidence.

Carol Yeung

Senior Director of Boarding

and Community at Harrow Shenzhen

“Every student who walks through our doors brings something unique. Our role is to nurture that uniqueness, celebrate it, and give each child the space to flourish. Boarding at Harrow is not merely a place to stay – it is a place to grow, to discover, and to become.”