With 450 years of Harrow’s legacy as our foundation, we empower our people to make a difference—whether by nurturing future leaders or driving the engine behind our world-class education.
Welcome to Harrow Guangzhou. As the Head of School at Harrow International School Guangzhou, my aim is to create a nurturing, pupil-first environment where every child feels genuinely seen and understood—not just noticed in the classroom, but known in a meaningful way. I want our pupils to feel that they belong, that their strengths are recognised, and that they are supported with care, patience, and genuine belief in what they can become. When children feel safe and valued, they find the confidence to reach for more, academically and personally, and I want that for every one of our children.
I want our school to be a place where excellence is not simply an expectation, but a culture, built through innovation in our teaching, whole-child development, and the high standards we hold for both pupils and staff. Curiosity will be welcomed. Effort will be celebrated. And progress will be something we work towards together, with encouragement at every step.
I hope our pupils leave Harrow not only with strong learning, but also with resilience, curiosity, and the belief that they have something unique to contribute.
Ruth Whymark, Head Mistress
OUR COMMUNITY- OUR SCHOOL
The Harrow Guangzhou community will be a close one. Our children will be generally academically able; most children will have learned English as a second or even third language, though mostly very capable indeed; and they will have a wide range of cultural backgrounds, though most will have a Chinese cultural heritage.
Families will have high expectations but will be very supportive and committed to the school. We will be an exceptionally open community, believing that relationships are the core of everything in life, and so we will develop strong connections to our families through communications and events that draw parents, grandparents and wider families into our school.
All of the AISL Harrow schools share a commitment to community, and you will find the same approach to engaged families in every one of our schools. It really does make a difference.
OUR COMMUNITY- GUANGZHOU
Guangzhou is one of China’s, and one of the world’s, great cities. It is one of the country’s four “Tier 1” cities, and has long been the political, cultural and economic capital of Guangdong, the large, heavily-populated and vibrant region that lies to the west of Hong Kong. With a population of over 20 million people, there is always something to do and someone to see.
Guangzhou was the first city in China to make substantial international connections and it has retained that tradition into the 21st century. Known for its manufacturing, it has a growing strength in high-tech industries; but you will find it an open, green place, banyan trees and vegetation growing in every imaginable space. It has a laid-back feel, and its warm climate means much of life is enjoyed in the open.
Living costs are very inexpensive. The metro is extensive and. Taxis or Didis are much, much cheaper than in Europe. Accommodation is paid for by the school, and food is plentiful, inexpensive and easily available.
Other shopping in Guangzhou is everything you would expect. It includes the street markets selling tourist souvenirsand antiques, all the way to Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermes (for those inclined). Uniqlo, Muji and IKEA are also everywhere. If you fancy a trip to Lane Crawford, Hong Kong is just an hour away by high-speed train. Most shoppingis done online, though, and you will be battling a Taobao addiction before too long. China is largely cash-free too, and you will find that side of life very easy to navigate. Pretty much everything you need can be done through WeChat and Alipay. And maybe Taobao. And Dianping. All apps you will get to know and love.
Finally, Guangzhou is one of the best-connected cities in Asia. It has a large international airport that connects it to allmajor cities in China and most in East and South East China. It also has direct connections to most European cities, Australia and New Zealand through China Southern, China’s best domestic airline.
Hear From Our People
From: Harrow Hengqin, Head of Lower School
To: Harrow Guangzhou, Founding Head of Lower School
Harrow Guangzhou, Founding Deputy Head Academic
Harrow Guangzhou, Founding Deputy Head Pastoral
Careers & professional learning
Professional Development at AISL Academy
AISL is committed to nurturing the growth of both academic and non-academic staff. To support this, AISL Academy was established in 2021 as AISL Harrow’s strategy partner to provide a dedicated centre for staff learning and professional development across the AISL family of schools.
Join Us & Stay updated
Safeguarding statement
Our network of schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
All adults in the school community are expected to follow its Child Protection procedures and are required to undertake safeguarding checks. AISL Harrows is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all irrespective of all characteristics protected by the Equal Opportunities Commission and all other applicable ordinances.
