Spiritual and religious provision

Harrow welcomes pupils from all religious backgrounds and makes provision for their spiritual welfare. Harrow is a Christian school which supports the practice of faith by all. The Chaplaincy at Harrow is ecumenical. There are two full time Chaplains, one Anglican (Father James Power) and one Roman Catholic (Father Andrew Wadsworth), who are licensed to minister at Harrow by their respective Bishops.

At the heart of Christ's teaching is an openness and hospitality towards others. As a School which takes its Christian foundation seriously, all are encouraged to examine their faith and recognise the underlying unity of all humanity - all are created in the image of God.

Faith transcends the normal categories of measurement and evaluation. Often it is only years later that we come to a greater understanding of the values with which we are brought up. If one is to resort to numbers, almost a hundred boys are confirmed each year (Anglicans and Roman Catholics); daily mass/Eucharist attendance is in double figures; many boys make their confession during Advent and Lent; between 30 and 40 boys attend the Christian Union.

Religious worship

For Catholics, Mass is celebrated daily in St Anselm's Chapel (Father Andrew Wadsworth's private chapel) and on Sundays in the School Chapel. Holy Days of Obligation are generally celebrated with Mass in the School Chapel but sometimes there are joint services with the congregation of the local parish Church, Our Lady and St Thomas of Canterbury. There are penitential services to mark Advent and Lent and in the Summer term, a Corpus Christi procession. Exposition of the Sacrament and the Rosary take place regularly.

For Church of England and other non-Catholic Christians, the Eucharist is celebrated daily in the Crypt Chapel. Morning Prayer takes place Tuesday to Friday at 8.40am. (Boys are expected to attend either the Eucharist or Morning Prayer). There is similar provision on a Sunday with either Eucharist at 8.30am and Morning Prayer at 9.45am or Sung Eucharist at 9.45am and an evening service (sometimes Choral Evensong). There is often a "dawn Eucharist" to celebrate Ascension Day. The Commemoration of the Founder takes place in the parish church (where John Lyon is buried) in October. Some Orthodox boys attend Morning Prayer during the week but Roman Catholic Mass on Sundays.

The Crescent Society exists to cater for the needs and requirements of Muslim boys and special provision, with parents' permission after discussion with the House Master, is made for those who wish to observe Ramadan.

The Jewish Society caters for Jewish boys, arranging a termly Shabbat meal and other instruction and activities as required. Boys may return home if it is the custom of the family to keep major days. This is especially so with Yom Kippur.

Along with Muslim and Jewish boys, those who are members of other world faiths attend Thought for the Day instead of Morning Prayer.

Religious instruction and spiritual development

In keeping with the National Curriculum, Harrow recognises that there is a spiritual aspect to what it is to be human. Spirituality is rooted in and expressed through our faith traditions. Faith and belief are essential elements as boys begin to reflect upon the world and their contribution to society.

There are two services of Confirmation each year for Anglicans, conducted by the Bishop of London on Advent Sunday and by the Bishop of Willesden during Eastertide. Preparation for these services begin at the beginning of the Autumn and Spring terms respectively and include a day retreat. Some contact with local home parishes is encouraged. During Lent, there are opportunities for Bible Study and reflection. The School Christian Union (Flambards) meets weekly.

Roman Catholic boys attend a weekly catechism class. Confirmation classes take place for those preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, which takes place annually, usually in the Summer. The Manning Society arranges occasional speakers and other activities of interest to Roman Catholic boys.

The Crescent Society arranges occasional meetings for Muslim boys, and for Jewish boys a visiting Jewish tutor attends to give instruction in preparation for the major festivals.

Although it is not "confessional", Religious Studies is a core subject at Harrow and all boys take GCSE at the end of the Remove year.

The role of the Chaplains

The Chaplains have a pastoral responsibility for the whole community (boys and adults); they are the parish priests of the community and in that respect they carry out the traditional priestly ministries to which they are ordained: leading the worship of the School, preparing boys and adults for baptism, confirmation and marriage and conducting funerals and memorial services when required. Both, however, also teach in the classroom and play their part in the wider life of the School on the games field, concert hall and theatre. The Anglican Chaplain has responsibility for PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education). Both Chaplains work with the Deputy Head Master and Senior Master in the oversight of the School’s anti-bullying policy and its implementation. Where appropriate, they work closely with the Medical Centre, the School Counsellor and Psychiatrist. They are available to all for guidance and counsel where appropriate, working with adults and boys.