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Why Sports Are Essential at Harrow

For over 450 years, Harrow has believed that excellence isn’t just built in the classroom—it’s shaped on the sports field. At Harrow, sports are an integral part of our holistic education, helping students develop physical strength, resilience, teamwork, and a never-give-up attitude—qualities needed to lead.

Upper Sports Day:

A Celebration of Spirit

At Harrow Shenzhen, we provide professional-level sports experiences for every student. Recently, our Upper School Sports Day brought out the best in our students as they competed in everything from sprints to tug-of-war, showcasing the Courage, Honour, Humility, and Fellowship we value.

Clovis Year 9

I had an enjoyable experience last Friday. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Physical Education department for organizing this event and officiating the games we participated in. Additionally, playing alongside my friends from my house and other houses was highly entertaining, and we certainly worked up a good sweat.

The tug-of-war during Sports Day was a remarkable display of courage. Standing in line, we faced our strong opponents with determination. As the match commenced, each pull required immense strength and bravery, even in moments of fatigue. We did not give up; instead, we discovered our inner strength. This courage ultimately led us to victory and fostered a profound sense of unity among us.

Conny Year 9

Sally Year 10

The competition that stands out most vividly in my memory is dodgeball. The game began with intense energy, as the opposing team struck with considerable force, nearly overwhelming us. However, we remained resilient and did not give up. Ultimately, we defended our tower successfully and emerged victorious.

Why Does Harrow Prioritise

Sports Like No Other?

Unlike many schools where sports are merely an extracurricular activity, Harrow integrates sports into its very DNA, investing in world-class facilities, elite coaching, and unparalleled competition opportunities:

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Exclusive Sporting Events | Competing on a Global Stage

From local events to international stages, Harrow students compete at the highest levels.

AISL Harrow Rowing Regatta

AISL Harrow Games

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State-of-the-Art Sports Facilities | Training at a Professional Level

Olympic-standard swimming pool, sports hall, professional athletics track, football pitch, golf suite and modern fitness centre.

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World-Class Coaching | Elevating Sports Education

Experts who not only teach skills but instill sportsmanship and perseverance.

David McKay

Whole School

Head of PE

Graduated from Chichester University with a bachelor’s degree with QTS in Physical Education. He has been teaching PE for 26 years (from teacher to Director of Sport), as well as being a pastoral leader for 9 of those years. He has taught in the UK, New Zealand, Qatar, Prague and Malaysia as well coaching football in the USA and NZ.

Scott Greenwood

Whole School

PE Teacher +

Head of House

Scott Greenwood earned a bachelor’s degree in sports development and Physical Education and earned his Graduate in teaching from the University of Auckland. Scott has worked in the UK, New Zealand and China.

Nicholas Rapana

PE Teacher &

Head of House

Nick completed a four-year teaching degree at Canterbury University, specialising in physical education. After teaching in New Zealand for three years, he joined Harrow as a whole school Physical Education teacher and House Master of John Lyon House.

Sophie Velthooven

Lower School

PE Teacher

Miss van Velthooven is an educator hailing from New Zealand who specialises in Physical Education, Health and Outdoor Education. With a Physical Education degree from Otago University and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning from Canterbury University. She brings eight years of teaching experience to Harrow Shenzhen. For three of those years, she served as a Pastoral Leader, emphasising the holistic development of her students.

Michael Sun

Whole School

Bilingual PE Teacher

Michael have been studying master’s degree Program of Physical Education in South China Normal University. He has more than seven years International school teaching experiences in different countries.

Why Choose Harrow Shenzhen?

Because We Excel in Every Aspect.

At Harrow Shenzhen, we shape future leaders who are not only academically outstanding but also physically strong, mentally resilient, and deeply collaborative. This is why sports will always be an integral part of a Harrow education.

If you want your child to

develop a mindset of perseverance,

access world-class athletic resources,

and seize unparalleled growth

opportunities—Harrow Shenzhen

is the ultimate choice.

Harrow Shenzhen extends the warmest of welcomes to all prospective parents and pupils at its Open Events. You will have the chance to meet key staff, visit our outstanding facilities, interact with current pupils and see for yourselves just what makes our School so different.

Please find the upcoming dates of our events below:

Event : Early Years Centre Open Events
Date : 9:30am – 11:00am, Wednesday