Construction has begun on Harrow School's new Sports Centre, a landmark investment that reflects our enduring commitment to providing an exceptional all-round education while strengthening our contribution to the wider community.

The new Sports Centre will replace the existing facility, which was built in the 1980s, creating a modern, state-of-the-art environment to support sport, wellbeing and performance for generations of Harrovians. Construction commenced in July 2026, with completion anticipated during the 2028/29 academic year.

Representing the culmination of more than a decade of strategic investment in the School's estate, the Sports Centre follows the completion of the Biology and Chemistry Schools and the refurbishment of Shepherd Churchill Dining Hall. Together, these projects ensure that Harrow's facilities continue to match the excellence of its educational offering.

Designed to sit sensitively within its surroundings, the substantial multi-storey building will be partially embedded into the hillside and will provide approximately 7,500 square metres of accommodation. The new Sports Centre will include:

• A 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool and a separate learner pool, both with movable floors
• Two large multi-use sports halls
• Fitness and performance training suites
• A judo dojo and climbing wall
• Changing villages and dedicated team changing facilities
• Pavilion, teaching and multi-purpose spaces
• Supporting facilities, including kitchen, laundry and medical areas

Alastair Land, Head Master, said: "Sport has been at the heart of Harrow's educational ethos for more than four hundred years, and we are proud that our boys compete and succeed at the highest level across a wide range of sports. The new Sports Centre will support the full breadth of our sporting programme and will benefit Harrovians for generations to come."

The new Sports Centre will also significantly enhance Harrow's engagement with the local community. Annual free access for local schools, clubs and community partners will increase from 800 hours to 1,300 hours, with a further 500 hours available each year at cost. The new facilities will also enable greater access for visiting schools, teams and sporting organisations.

In addition, the Sports Centre will strengthen the work of Shaftesbury Enterprise, Harrow's initiative to improve educational opportunities and life outcomes for young people in the local area, enabling the expansion of programmes that support our community.

Sustainability has been a key consideration throughout the design process. The building has been designed to achieve levels of energy efficiency that significantly exceed current standards, while the surrounding landscape will be enhanced through extensive planting and ecological improvements. Existing mature trees will be carefully protected, additional trees will be planted to increase biodiversity, and a comprehensive construction management plan will minimise disruption to the School, neighbouring residents and the wider community while maintaining public access where possible.

The new Sports Centre is being funded through the School's existing resources together with the continuing generosity of our donor community. We are deeply grateful to all those whose support is helping to make this project possible. As with all major capital projects at Harrow, construction of the Sports Centre will not affect School fees, which are used solely to support the School's day-to-day operations.

The new Sports Centre represents an important investment in Harrow's future. It will provide an outstanding environment for teaching, training and competition, enriching the educational experience of our boys while creating exceptional facilities that will benefit the wider community for many years to come.