Harrodian was founded in 1993. Before that our riverside location on the south bank of the Thames in Barnes served as a farm, a private residence and a sports club. This time line charts the history of our beautiful site as well as Harrodian's growth into maturity over its first quarter century as a school.
1670
Mill Farm is established on 138 acres of meadows, alongside the River Thames, and is built on the site now occupied by the main school.
1880
Mill Lodge, becomes the home of entrepreneur and Justice of the Peace, Samuel Keene.
1904
A 25-acre sports club, with palatial clubhouse, is built ‘for the mental and physical betterment of Harrods' employees’.
1988
The Harrodian Sports Club closes and the site is put up for sale.
1992
The Club and grounds are purchased by Sir Alford Houstoun Boswall.
1993
The Harrodian opens with 65 pre-prep and prep age girls and boys and 13 staff.
1996
Peter Thomson, charismatic former head of Emanuel School becomes Headmaster.
1997
The first 15 common entrance pupils achieve a 100 per cent pass rate.
1999
The first Harrodians sit GCSE exams.
1999
James Hooke, Deputy Head and Director of Studies, is promoted to Headmaster.
1999
Peter Thomson becomes Principal and unofficial Pre-Prep ‘Grandfather’.
2001
The newly built Senior School building opens.
2001
First Harrodian Art Exhibition featuring work by pupils and local artists.
2002
The Harrodian opens its Sixth Form. Pupil numbers reach 700.
2002
First overseas Sports tour (Cricket and Netball) to South Africa.
2003
The Harrodian stages a tenth anniversary week of celebration.
2003
In September, Harrodian welcomes children all the way from 4 to 18 for the first time.
2003
New music department building opens; first music department international tour (to Prague).
2004
The first wave of Harrodians sit their ‘A’ Levels.
2004
The 11s take their first Easter visit to Italy, a trip now established as an annual tradition.
2007
First drama department visit to Edinburgh Festival.
2007
First Harrodian pupils play for age group national teams (Tom Joslin for football and James Middleton for Rugby).
2007
Lucy Horan appointed head of the Pre-Prep department.
2008
Harrodian wins its first Cambridge University places.
2012
First Harrodian Carol Concert at St Paul's, Hammersmith.
2013
Harrodian celebrates its 20th anniversary with a party and a large cake.
2017
New dedicated Sixth Form floor opens on top of the Senior Building.
