Classpot

Nower Hill High School

Harrow, HA5 5RPSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Nov 2023
Progress 8
+0.62
Well above average
−20+2
Competition
1.3×
Oversubscribed
399 1st-choice / 311 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#356 of 3,141 nationally

About Nower Hill High School

Nower Hill High School is a large, mixed secondary in Harrow that is clearly in high demand. With 2,023 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,980, it is technically slightly over capacity, and the admissions data for 2025/26 tells the story: 1,448 applications were received for 311 places, an oversubscription ratio of 4.66. Of those applicants, 399 put it as their first preference, and 254 of those received offers. The school serves a diverse intake, with 18.9% of pupils eligible for free school meals, which is above the national average for secondary schools (typically around 15-16%) and suggests a genuinely comprehensive mix. This is a school that is clearly a popular choice among local families, and its size means it can offer a broad range of opportunities while still feeling like a community school rather than a faceless institution.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressGeorge V Avenue, Pinner, Harrow, HA5 5RP
HeadteacherJoanne Skelhorne
Local AuthorityHarrow
Number of Pupils2,023
Free School Meals (FSM)18.9%
School Capacity2,023 / 1,980 (102% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
See an example
One-off paymentNo subscriptionStripe checkout

Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

28 Nov 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Sixth Form Provision
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 25 Jan 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

13
Music RoomsArt StudiosSports HallSwimming PoolTheatreSixth Form CentreTennis CourtsDining HallLibraryAstro TurfPlaying FieldsICT SuiteChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

16

Sports

AthleticsDanceTennisCross CountrySwimmingCricketGymnastics

Clubs & Activities

Film ClubOrchestraGardeningChoirNewspaperScience ClubDuke of EdinburghYoung EnterpriseDebate

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:45 – 15:15

Source: nowerhill.org.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

Was this page helpful?

Frequently Asked Questions About Nower Hill High School

Nower Hill High School has been rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted. This means the school provides an exceptional quality of education, and pupils thrive both academically and personally.