Clubs & Societies

Academic

Alexander Society promotes interest in military history. It is named after Field Marshal Alexander (The Head Master’s 19061), the highest-ranking Old Harrovian in the British Army. The Society regularly welcomes speakers on military campaigns, military theory, and personal views and memories.

Architecture Society is dedicated to the appreciation and study of architecture in all its manifestations.

Astronomical Society explores the universe using the School’s own observatory. The Rayleigh Observatory’s telescopes, cameras and filters are research standard, and members gather, whenever the weather allows, to observe and photograph the Moon, planets and even galaxies tens of millions of light years away.

Biology Society hosts talks from outside speakers and organises visits to, for example, scientific meetings at London Zoo.

Classical Society is for boys interested in the ancient world. Its activities include lectures from top university professors, visits to sites of interest in the UK and abroad, and Classical readings and competitions.

Computer Science Society looks at the construction and performance of hardware used in computer systems, from the humble raspberry pi to cutting-edge gaming machines, and allows members to build, configure and maximise their own desktop machines.

Cross Curricular Lecture Series takes place in the autumn term. Talks in the series are loosely based around a common theme but delivered from a variety of academic perspectives. Previous themes have included ‘the nature of evidence’, ‘origins’, ‘current myths’, ‘the nation’, ‘great rivalries’, ‘genius’, ‘decisive moments’, ‘collaboration’, ‘luck’, ‘the Great War’ and ‘creation and creativity’.

Da Vinci Society organises talks from guest speakers concerning topics in engineering and physics. It also supports boys’ engineering projects.

Debating Society provides a forum for young speakers to develop this important skill to a high level. The main focus is the annual, year-long inter-House Junior and Senior competitions. Motions are generally drawn from current affairs but the finals are always abstract and more challenging. The best debaters are entered for inter-school competitions.

Dissection Society lets Sixth Formers interested in zoology, medicine or veterinary medicine dissect organs and organisms that they do not encounter in their A-level Biology course.

Engineering Education Scheme offers Lower Sixth boys an opportunity to work in teams with an engineering firm on a real engineering problem. The scheme involves a residential university workshop and culminates in a finished report and assessed presentation day.

Essay Club was founded in the 1850s and still meets in the Vaughan Library. Members take it in turns to write and deliver an essay on a subject of their choice for discussion with the group.

French Society aims to educate boys about some of the cultural nuances surrounding France and the Francophone nations, shedding light on the way of life and some traditions and philosophies of the people in those countries.

Geography Society puts on lectures and trips, with its aim being to widen understanding beyond the Geography curriculum. Speakers range from Old Harrovian explorers, university lecturers and government scientists to the boys themselves.

Geopolitics Society debates contemporary geopolitical issues, enabling boys to broaden their knowledge of current affairs and to practise their research, analysis and argument skills.

German Society is to promote and encourage linguistic and cultural interests concerning the German-speaking regions and beyond.

Gore Society holds lectures on topics related to Religious Studies.

Innovation and Design Society is associated with anything related to engineering, with a particular emphasis on the role of design in the creation of products.

Italian Society broadens boys' understanding and appreciation of Italian language, culture, society and history through events inside and outside of School.

Junior Laborde Society is named after Dr E.D. Laborde, a former Harrow beak who first introduced Geography into the curriculum. At its regular meetings, two boys from the Shell, Remove or Fifth Form deliver talks with either a geographical or adventurous theme.

Junior Pigou Society is the Lower School economics and business society.

Law Society discusses legal issues, listens to talks by practising lawyers and visits court to observe cases. It also offers preparation for the Law Studies Test (LNAT) and university interviews.

Linguistics Society aims to explore the complex and intriguing concepts behind the creation, formation and uses of all languages.

Mathematical Society arranges speakers on diverse mathematical topics, with financial mathematics a particular focus. It aims to provide boys with a flavour of the financial industry and of the skills needed to be successful in this very competitive job market.

Medical Society gives boys an introduction to medicine, a popular Harrovian career choice. Members visit hospitals and museums, and attend regular talks by visiting speakers.

Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the workings of the United Nations. Boys act as delegates, representing the views of nations and pressing on global issues, while engaging in constructive debate to resolve them. The Society participates in a number of MUN conferences, both in the UK and abroad.

Modern Languages Society attends galleries, theatres and cinemas, and hosts speakers and travelling theatre companies. It also organises trips to Europe and further afield; these are usually homestay visits that combine linguistic study with a cultural programme of events.

Natural History Society identifies and surveys plants, animals and fungi on the School estate; records the timing of seasonal events in a national database; and organises talks and trips.

Palmerston Society is named after the fifth of Harrow's seven Prime Ministers, Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (Dr Bromley’s 1795²). It is run by Sixth Form boys and regularly hosts politicians, political commentators and members of the House of Lords.

Peel Society is named after Old Harrovian prime minister Sir Robert Peel and is the history and politics society for boys in the Shell, Remove and Fifth Form.

Philosophy Society offers informal seminars on key philosophical issues, such as Scepticism and Utilitarianism. These usually involve a philosophical reading, followed by a debate. It also welcomes guest speakers.

Pigou Society is named after the famous Old Harrovian economist Arthur Pigou (Mr Marshall’s 1891³). It attracts speakers from economics, business and finance, and engages boys in discussion on these fields.

Property Society attends site visits to large developments and meets some of the biggest developers in the UK.

Psychology Society covers the breadth of psychology, from neuroscience to sociology, encountering legends of old like Carl Jung, but also modern-day experts such as Albert Bandura.

Scientific Society hosts speakers on science and technology, and the annual Rayleigh Lecture is usually delivered by someone of international standing. Visits to museums, hospitals, research centres and lectures are part of the annual programme. All members present their own talks to compete for an annual prize, and boys in the Upper Sixth are supported in independent investigations.

Somervell Society is the School's law society and arranges talks by barristers, solicitors and corporate lawyers.

Trevelyan Society, named after the eminent historian and Old Harrovian George Trevelyan (The Grove 1893³), is the School's history society. It regularly hosts talks by professional historians.

Turing Society focuses mainly on code breaking and increasing puzzle-solving skills and non-verbal reasoning.

Arts and Culture

Buck Society promotes the appreciation of music in the widest sense. Named after Percy Buck, the Director of Music at Harrow in the first quarter of the 20th-century, it allows boys to explore music and the ideas and personalities surrounding it.

Curtis Film Society is dedicated to art-house cinema. Each term explores a theme (such as Hitchcock, war films and films about food) through guided yet informal discussions.

Culinary Society founded by Sameer M Murjani (Moretons, 2015), focuses on the exploration of Global Cuisines, Cultures, Trends and Traditions. Members are able to develop their understanding, talent, passion and palette through discussions, tastings and experiences with leaders and innovators in the Culinary field. In addition to learning, Culinary Society Members will also have the opportunity to give back to Harrow’s community by participating in an annual charity event, entitled “Cooking with Compassion.” Recent trips have been to the ‘Taste of London’ festival, the ‘London Chocolate Show’ as well as the ‘Great Taste Awards’, London.

Evans Society is for boys who are interested in ancient history and archaeology.

Fox Talbot Society is named after William Fox Talbot (The Head Master’s 1911²), Old Harrovian and pioneer of the first photograph. It runs an annual digital photographic competition, for which entrants’ work is exhibited in the Pasmore Gallery, in Junior and Senior sections.

The Harrovian is the School newspaper. Published every week during term time since 1888, it provides boys with a platform to debate, practise their journalistic skills, record events, and comment upon aspects of School, community and national life. It is subscribed to by the University Libraries at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as by The British Library and The National Libraries of Scotland and Wales.

Golland Society promotes engagement by boys with Harrow's rich and extensive collection of archives and generally to raise awareness of the School's history.

Headley Grange Society is devoted to pop culture and the effect it has on our society. There is a particular focus on literature, music, art and history.

Improvisation Society allows boys to participate in drama with no script.

L.P. Hartley Society, named after one of many famous literary Old Harrovians, fosters creative writing in all its forms, meeting to discuss members’ work and to produce short stories, poems and plays.

Music Production Society meets regularly in the Recording Studio where boys collaborate on work and aim to produce their own tracks which are then released to the School community.

Old Speech Room Gallery Arts Society immerses boys in the day-to-day running of the Gallery, including exhibition curation and conservation. It also arranges visits to exhibitions elsewhere.

Oriental Film Society aims to promote exposure to and enjoyment of Asian films.

Pasmore Society, named in honour of Old Harrovian artist Victor Pasmore (Bradbys 1923), invites practising artists to talk about their work and exhibit in the Pasmore Gallery, and makes visits to their studios.

Photography Club meets weekly as an open studio to help boys improve their digital photography skills and learn traditional darkroom processes.

Rattigan Society is the School's drama society. Founded in 1983, it is named in honour of Old Harrovian playwright Sir Terence Rattigan (The Park 1925²). Alongside its productions (see Drama for more information), the Society also organises visits to professional theatre and welcomes distinguished practitioners to deliver its Annual Lecture. The Junior Rattigan Society allows boys in the Shell and Remove to prepare for their own annual production, and learn about acting and drama.

Sculpture Society encourages members to think laterally and creatively, and provides opportunities to acquire new skills, create and exchange ideas.

Shell Reading Group meets in the Vaughan Library to discuss and review classic and contemporary books and films, and to play book-related games, puzzles and quizzes, based on themes chosen by its members.

Sheridan Society, named after the celebrated Old Harrovian playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1762), fosters an interest in literature and encourages boys to write. At its meetings and some public performances, members read poems, plays and short stories, discuss their own creative work and listen to favourite lyrics and music. The Society also sees plays in London and invites professional poets to read.

Summerson Society is named in honour of the Old Harrovian architectural historian, Sir John Summerson (Rendalls 1918³). It invites speakers from the fields of art history, curating and restoration, and makes visits to galleries and buildings of interest.

Tea Society is dedicated to the appreciation of tea and consists of lectures on the history of tea and its flavours, or tasting sessions dedicated to finding your favourite tea.

Theatre Production Crew plays a vital role in supporting stage productions put on by the Drama Department at Harrow.

Westwood Society is the School's fashion society, allowing the designers and stylists of the future to express themselves.

Sport

Butler Society invites notable sportspeople and those involved in all different aspects of sport to speak, and its members also attend sports events. The focus is on understanding sports success as a product of a whole team's contribution - both those on and off the field.

Coarse Fishing Society loans kit to boys wishing to fish Park Lake.

Fly Fishing Club aims to introduce younger fisherman to the art of fly tying and casting, and to let them put these skills into practice on expeditions across the country to lakes, rivers and streams.

Marmots is one of the oldest clubs in the School. It makes up to six climbing trips a year to crags in places such as the Peak District, the Lakes, Portland Bill and Wales. The culmination of the year is often a week-long climbing trip to destinations further afield.

Motorsport Society discusses all things motorsports or motoring in general. Its primary activities are talks and trips.

Sub-Aqua Society is a scuba-diving club based around learning about and participating in scuba dives here and around the world.

Personal Development

Amnesty International is the largest and most widely respected organisation campaigning for human rights in the world. The affiliated group at Harrow takes part in a variety of campaigns, mainly through letter writing.

Athenaeum Society is for the intellectually curious in the Lower School. It is named after Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom. Boys in the Sixth Form are invited to present subjects of interest to members of the Lower School.

Atlantic Society discusses American and Canadian politics, culture and society and the relationship that these countries have with the United Kingdom. It also celebrates American and Canadian holidays, hosts lectures and organises visits to prominent cultural attractions.

Board Games Society offers boys gaming of a more cerebral nature, specifically German-style Eurogames such as Wallace, Knizia, Puerto Rico or Power Grid.

Brabazon Society is named after the aviation pioneer John Moore-Brabazon and is dedicated to promoting and furthering interest in aviation and aeronautical matters.

Buddhism Society welcomes boys to come and practise their religion freely within a community of boys who share similar beliefs.

Caledonian Society holds formal Scottish reeling events with girls schools.

Caspian Society enlightens Harrovians about the history, culture, and political and economic significance of the countries surrounding the Caspian Sea, namely Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and part of Russia, as well as those of the Caucasus region. This is achieved through lectures, meals and cultural events and outings.

Cheese Society promotes the awareness and appreciation of all things cheesy. It meets for tastings, discussions and excursions to, for example, Paxton & Whitfield, Churchill’s preferred purveyor of fine cheeses.

Chess Club provides an opportunity to play socially but also welcomes an external coach who runs training sessions for those interested in improving their game.

Cookery Club, run by a professional chef, teaches boys introductory cooking skills.

Crawley Society is the School's current affairs discussion society. Through lectures, trips, quizzes, debates and discussions, the society aims to explore contemporary events that are happening around the world.

Driving lessons are available for boys aged 17 and over. Trusted and experienced instructors first teach them to drive in Harrow and the surrounding boroughs, and then on motorways, once they have passed their practical exam.

Drone Society is a place for constructive interaction across year groups. They aim to inspire young engineers by introducing them to the incredible field of DIY racing drones.

Fitzroy Society celebrates Australian and Kiwi history, tradition and culture.

Flambards is Harrow's Christian forum and it exists to help boys investigate the truths about Jesus taught in the Bible. At meetings, a guest speaker explains a passage of scripture and then fields questions.

Harris Journalism Society is dedicated to the discipline of journalism.

Harrow Notes is a half-termly magazine written by boys and consisting of short articles and editorials about life on the Hill and long-form articles and opinion pieces about life off the Hill.

Hibernian Society celebrates and promotes Irish culture in all its forms. It welcomes speakers, and arranges trips and activities to appreciate and experience Irish history, festivals and traditions.

Hispanic Society focuses on all aspects of Spanish and Latin American culture and language.

Hindu Society is for Hindu boys and others who are interested in Hinduism. It arranges talks about aspects of Hinduism and visits to local temples and other places of interest.

Horticultural Society explores the boundaries of the natural world within the School grounds with an emphasis on practical experience.

Jewish Society gives support and instruction to Jewish pupils. It marks major Jewish holidays and there is a Shabbat evening each term.

Manning Society promotes events of interest to Catholic Harrovians. The Society is named after the most prominent Old Harrovian Catholic, Cardinal Henry Manning (Mr Evans’s 1821³), the second Archbishop of Westminster.

Middle Eastern Society seeks to explore the historical, cultural and political aspects of the Middle East while looking at the area's global and regional significance.

Nassau Society showcases speakers and events for those with ties to or an interest in the history, culture and languages of the ‘Low Countries’: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Nehru Society is named after Jawaharlal Nehru (The Head Master’s 1905³), Old Harrovian and first Prime Minister of India. It fosters understanding of the culture, politics and society of the Indian sub-continent, meeting for films, lectures, visits, meals and cultural events.

Oriental Society promotes greater understanding between the Occidental world and the Far Eastern cultures of Japan and China. Activities include trips to martial arts performances and to the Japanese Embassy to learn about the tea ceremony; calligraphy; kimono dressing; Japanese cuisine; Yabusame (Japanese samurai archery on horseback); and a Chinese New Year banquet.

Perceval Society represents and explores African and Caribbean values, history, current affairs and culture. It is named after Spencer Perceval (1774), an Old Harrovian Prime Minister who was a supporter of the abolition of slavery and a founding member of the African Institute.

Pickthall Society is the Harrow School Islamic society, where boys are welcome to come and practise their religion within a community who share similar beliefs.

The School Farm’s 60 acres of permanent pasture is home to English Longhorn cattle, Shetland sheep, chickens, donkeys and a Harris Hawk. In it, boys gain hands-on experience of modern organic livestock husbandry and grassland conservation management through activities such as animal handling, tractor driving, hedgerow planting, poultry breeding and biodiversity monitoring. The Farm is a valuable asset for boys who are interested in a veterinary or land management careers, or who simply love animals and the countryside.

Scrabble Society encourages language enthusiasts from the Fifth Form upwards, offering friendly games several evenings each term.

Seal Society is dedicated to the production of the School's historical magazine.

Shaftesbury Enterprise encompasses all Harrow School's charitable and partnership work in the local community and beyond.

Sixth Form Club gives Upper Sixth boys an opportunity to relax and enjoy some food and drink on Saturday nights, in the company of a supervising Master.

Slavonic Cultural Society is for boys studying Russian or with an interest in the culture, history or current affairs of Central and Eastern Europe. It organises cultural trips, talks and meals to celebrate festivals, sometimes inviting Russian students from other schools.

Spear Harrow Society. The Spear Programme helps disadvantaged young adults by teaching them the skills necessary to find employment. Spear Harrow Society members volunteer at these sessions and organise and host celebration evenings for those graduating from the programme.

The Harrovian is the official weekly School newspaper. As one of the longest-standing newspapers in continuous print and one of the most frequent newspapers published by an academic institution, it serves as both a font of information and a source of historical record.

Turf Club is a horse-racing society that educates Harrovians about the industry, including breeding and training, through trips to racing stables and studs in Newmarket and Lambourn, and to Sunday racing.

Universal Challenge is Harrow’s hotly contested inter-House quiz competition. Based on the format of the BBC’s University Challenge, it is a fast and furious test of general knowledge in which teams compete not only for the prestigious Guild Challenge Cup but also for the right to take on a team of teachers in an entertaining finale.

Video Game Society allows boys to discuss topics such as the design, development, content and marketing of video games through lectures given by boys or guest speakers.