Graduate Story | From Harrow Beijing to Oxford: Fulfilling Simba’s Dream in Chemistry

At Harrow Beijing, every student’s dream is treated with care, and every effort is gently supported. The Class of 2025 exemplifies the school’s vision of Educational Excellence for Life and Leadership through their outstanding achievements.

Today, let’s delve into the growth journey of Simba H, a Class of 2025 graduate whose passion and perseverance earned him offers to study Chemistry at both the University of Oxford and Imperial College London.

Simba H

Class of 2025 Graduate

University of Oxford Offer

Imperial College London Offer

Joined Harrow Beijing since Year 10

A Journey Sparked by Passion

Finding the Path to His Dream at Harrow Beijing

Unless you’ve seen Simba’s focused expression while conducting an experiment, it’s hard to truly grasp his passion for chemistry. Unless you’ve followed his gaze as he solves a chemistry problem, you might not understand how vibrant and fascinating the subject appears through his eyes. And unless you’ve spoken with him, you can’t fully appreciate the wholehearted dedication of a straight-A* student to his learning. To Simba, chemistry is not only where his talents lie—it’s also the direction of his dreams.

Dazzling chemical reactions, complex organic syntheses… From his early secondary school years, Simba was captivated by the wonders of this science, which sparked a deep curiosity about the principles behind it.

After joining Harrow Beijing, Simba thrived in an environment that champions academic freedom. Here, teachers go beyond textbooks, encouraging students to explore and inquire. With a solid foundation in theory, students are given ample opportunities to engage in hands-on experiments, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings and deepen their understanding through experience. This approach helped Simba achieve outstanding results in practical assessments.

“During my studies, I realized I had a natural advantage in chemistry—not only a good memory, but also a strong grasp of reaction mechanisms, especially in organic chemistry,” Simba recalls. While preparing for the UK Chemistry Olympiad, Simba showed exceptional enthusiasm for organic synthesis problems. Although the competition posed a significant challenge, the chemistry teachers at Harrow Beijing provided comprehensive support, teaching content beyond the A Level syllabus and guiding him to develop advanced logical thinking skills. As a result, Simba was awarded a Gold Medal in the competition.

At the same time, he actively participated in other high-level contests, such as the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. These experiences not only enriched his academic foundation but also played a crucial role in his application and interview process for Oxford. Simba believes that the rigorous training from competitions helped him face complex problems during high-pressure interviews with greater confidence and composure.

A Growth Journey at Harrow Beijing

Where Academic Freedom Meets Pastoral Care

Simba transferred to Harrow Beijing in Year 10 from a different type of school. He admits that, compared to his previous school, Harrow Beijing truly gave him the right to choose—allowing him to focus his energy on the subjects he was most passionate about. The smooth transition from IGCSE to A Level helped him gradually build a solid academic foundation.

At the same time, Harrow Beijing is not only a fertile ground for academics, but also a safe harbour for emotional wellbeing. When he found it difficult to adapt to a certain teacher’s teaching style, the school listened attentively and made timely adjustments. During the peak of the university application period, when Simba felt overwhelmed, he marked his status as yellow in the school’s mental health system, Pulse. This immediately caught the attention of his teachers and university guidance counsellors, who provided support and companionship right away, along with consistent encouragement throughout his academic and application journey.

“This is not just a place for learning—it’s a place where I’ve become a better version of myself.” As an innately outgoing student, Simba was able to stay true to himself at Harrow Beijing. The school encourages students to express their opinions and actively participate in a wide range of activities, fully supporting their personal growth and individuality.

Thriving at Harrow Beijing

Beyond Academics

At Harrow Beijing, “holistic development” is more than just an educational slogan—it’s a core philosophy woven into every student’s journey. It was within this nurturing environment that Simba found his true direction in life.

In addition to his exceptional talent in chemistry, Simba actively engaged in a wide range of school activities beyond the classroom. He has a deep love for music, with piano playing serving as a way to relax and recharge. He also enjoys sports and is often seen giving his all on the ping-pong court. The school offers a rich array of clubs, societies, house events, and competitions, encouraging students to explore, experiment, and grow. Simba took part in academic contests, artistic performances, and various club activities—experiencing diverse roles and unlocking boundless potential.

Throughout this process, Harrow Beijing has always focused on personalized guidance, helping students establish a clear path between their interests and abilities. The mentor and teaching team are not only academic guides but also listeners and supporters in life. They listened to Simba’s thoughts, respected his choices, and helped him grow into a confident and goal-oriented young person in an environment full of freedom and challenges.

At Harrow Beijing, Simba not only discovered a deep passion for chemistry but also found a broader stage to grow—fueled by academic freedom, expert guidance, and holistic care. Here, every dream has the chance to ignite, and every effort is something to be proudly remembered.