# Harrow International School Bangkok

Harrow International School Bangkok, shortened to HISB, is an international boarding school in Don Mueang District, Bangkok, Thailand.
HISB is a full member of FOBISIA, and is categorised as a school accredited via an approved inspectorate by the federation. In addition, the school offers IGCSE and A Levels as part of the British-national curriculum they follow.

## History
### Timeline

Source:

#### 1572

Harrow School in London is established by John Lyon under a Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I.

#### 1894

Prince Purachatra Jayakara, the Prince of Kamphaengphet, becomes a student at Harrow School in London.

#### 1998

Harrow International School Bangkok opens, marking the first Harrow School established in Asia. Thailand was selected as the location due to the historical ties between Harrow School in London and the Thai royal family. Since the late 19th century, 23 princes of the royal household, including Prince Mahidol, grandfather of the current King, were educated at Harrow School.

#### 2001

3 year after their establishment in 1998, HISB joins FOBISIA, which makes themselves among the top British international schools in Asia.
Under the leadership of Mr. Stuart Morris, the school grows to 800 students. After Mr. Morris, Dr. Mark Hensman becomes Head Master, serving for seven years before transitioning to a leadership role overseeing the establishment of new Harrow Schools in Beijing and Hong Kong.

#### 2003

Harrow School Bangkok relocates to its current 35-acre, purpose-built campus in Don Mueang. The introduction of the 'House System,' expanded boarding facilities, a robust extracurricular 'Leadership in Action' program, and a dedicated preparatory school for Years 6–8 contribute to the school's growth to 1,200 students.

#### 2004

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami devastates parts of Thailand. Harrow Bangkok staff demonstrate extraordinary courage, aiding in rescue efforts and saving lives during the disaster.

#### 2008

The school celebrates its 10th anniversary. Dr. Mark Hensman steps down and is succeeded by Mr. Kevin Riley, formerly the Headmaster of the John Lyon School in London.

#### 2011

Severe flooding forces Harrow Bangkok to temporarily relocate to various sites across the city. The collaborative efforts of staff, students, and parents ensure that lessons continue uninterrupted.

#### 2012

Mr. Kevin Riley returns to the UK to lead Bradford Grammar School. Mr. Michael Farley, previously Head Master of the British School in Tokyo, becomes the new Head Master of Harrow Bangkok.

#### 2013

A major redevelopment project, known as 'HBuild,' begins to upgrade and enhance the Bangkok campus over the next five years.

#### 2014

Thai pop rock band Bodyslam performs at Harrow Bangkok, hosting the largest concert ever held at the school, with over 1,000 attendees, including students, parents, and staff.

#### 2017

Harrow Bangkok holds its first Steinway piano concert in the newly opened Steinway Hall. The Chiu and Pullman Libraries are inaugurated, and the school celebrates its 20th anniversary.

#### 2019

In January, Mr. Michael Farley transitions to the role of Director of Group Operations for Asia International School Limited Group (AISL Group) in Hong Kong. He is succeeded by Mr. Jon Standen, who was previously the Head of Plymouth College, a UK boarding school.

#### 2023

Harrow Bangkok celebrated its 25 years of existence on September 1st. This anniversary coincides with the appointment of a new Head Master, James Murphy-O'Connor.

## Boarding

Harrow International School Bangkok provides boarding facilities on its campus in northern Bangkok. The boarding village is designed to offer a safe and supportive environment for students, fostering a sense of community and independence. The campus includes students from 18 different countries, creating a diverse and international atmosphere.
Boarding at Harrow Bangkok is seen as an integral aspect of the school's educational experience. Inspired by the tradition of Harrow School in London, which has provided boarding education for over 450 years, the Bangkok campus continues this legacy internationally.
The boarding program emphasises community living, encouraging students to learn and grow alongside peers from different cultural backgrounds. It aims to prepare students for future independence, particularly in transitioning to university life. The facilities include residential amenities close to the school's academic and extracurricular resources, allowing boarders convenient access to educational and recreational opportunities.
Boarding is a popular choice among families seeking a structured and supportive environment that complements the academic and personal development goals of their children. The program reflects the school's broader commitment to nurturing independence, resilience, and a global outlook among its students.

## Affiliations

Harrow Bangkok is an overseas franchise of the renowned private boarding school Harrow, in London, UK, operated by a private company called AISL Group. AISL Group also oversees Harrow International Schools in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
All Harrow International Schools are operated under a license granted by Harrow School in London. Close ties exist within the Harrow family, with teacher and student exchanges, interviews for the international schools being held at Harrow School, and day-to-day cooperation between staff and management across the network. Two governors from Harrow School London are on the board of governors of Harrow International Schools and they regularly visit the schools.
In 2006, HISB gained accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS). HISB is also a member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) as mentioned earlier, and the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT).

## Student body

As of 2024, there are 1,713 students, and 169 students live in the boarding house at the school.