Alumni Return｜With First-Hand Experience as a Mirror, They Bring Insights on Growth, Dreams, and the Power of Choice.

As the new academic year began in September, Harrow Beijing welcomed a special homecoming: several recent alumni who have just embarked on their journeys at world-renowned universities – including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University College London (UCL), and King’s College London (KCL) – returned to campus. They visited Year 11, 12 and 13 classrooms to engage in face-to-face discussions with current students about what it truly means to “look ahead to university.”

This was not a lofty monologue about elite universities, nor a dry lecture on college applications. Instead, it was a heartfelt exchange rooted in personal experience—sharing insights on how to effectively prepare for A Level exams, how to choose GCSE subjects strategically, how to manage time and emotions during stressful periods, and how to navigate the very real challenges, transitions, and growth that come with life at university.

Alumni Return: Sharing First-Hand
Experience to Guide the Next Generation

“Should I join more school clubs?” “Is it better to decide on my future major earlier?” “Will joining extracurricular activities affect my academic performance?” — these are the kinds of questions almost every Year 11 student asks themselves. As they prepare for the upcoming GCSE exams and A Level subject choices, alumni offered a variety of answers: some encouraged younger students to be brave and try new things, even subjects that seem unfamiliar, as they might plant the seed for future aspirations; others stressed the importance of engaging with university guidance counselors early to clarify direction and avoid detours. Perhaps there is no single correct answer, but their stories reveal a shared truth — growth is not about rushing to the destination, but about exploring and building step by step along the way.

It was wonderful to be back at Harrow and to see so many familiar faces. Application season can be intense and stressful for our Sixth Formers, but it is important to stay committed to your goals and maintain a positive outlook throughout the process. Dream big and believe in yourselves; good things will follow. I wish them all the very best of luck with their university applications!
— Linda Z, Class of 2024

For students moving into Years 12 and 13, the challenges suddenly become much more demanding. The very first piece of advice alumni shared was: “Never wait until the last minute!” They encouraged students to start preparing their university applications early and to balance heavy coursework with application deadlines. More importantly, they reminded younger peers not to limit themselves—be bold, try new things, and push beyond boundaries. Some alumni described how they managed interview nerves and discovered a unique perspective for their personal statements after countless revisions; others shared how they bounced back from unexpected setbacks and ultimately achieved breakthroughs. Listening to these stories, one realizes that what truly matters is not just the outcome, but the courage and resilience they demonstrated in the face of challenges.

It was a pleasure to join Linda Z at a recent alumni event to share our experiences with the Year 13 students, covering everything from university applications to life on campus. I spoke about the confusion and setbacks I faced at the start of my application journey, and how I gradually regained confidence and adjusted my mindset to ultimately achieve a satisfying outcome. To all the sixth formers, I hope you won’t be disheartened by temporary challenges—stay focused and trust the process. Wishing you all the very best in the upcoming application season. May you receive offers from your dream universities and excel in your final exams.
— Vovo N, Class of 2023

University Guidance: From Harrow Beijing to the World’s Leading Universities

In addition to attending world-class universities, these returning alumni also represent a wide range of disciplines – from STEM and humanities to the arts and music. Their presence reflects not only individual success stories, but also the outcomes of Harrow Beijing’s comprehensive university guidance programme.

What lies behind these impressive offers is a deeply structured and highly personalised support system that Harrow Beijing provides to every student.

As early as Year 9, students begin receiving university planning support through the PSHE programme and a range of career talks tailored to different year groups. They are introduced to personality assessments and career exploration platforms to help them discover suitable pathways. In Year 12, every student is paired with a dedicated university guidance counsellor, who works closely with the student and their family to co-create an individualised application strategy.

Harrow Beijing’s university guidance team is not only highly experienced and globally informed, but also maintains close connections with admissions officers from top universities around the world. During this year’s alumni return, a representative from University College London (UCL) also visited campus to provide one-on-one consultations for students and parents—further underscoring Harrow Beijing’s extensive access to international university resources.

A Level：Clear Pathways, Rigorous Academics

Among the many international curricula available, Harrow Beijing continues to adopt the A Level programme – and for good reason. For students, A Levels serve as a focused academic roadmap: three to four core subjects form the foundation for in-depth study and clear academic progression. Students are no longer overwhelmed by overly broad subject requirements, but instead work within a well-defined syllabus and a consistent assessment framework that enables them to truly master each subject.

A Levels are widely recognised for their structured design, academic depth, and clear progression routes. The programme allows students to specialise in subjects they are genuinely passionate about, fostering a strong knowledge base and analytical thinking. This focused approach helps students not only reach higher levels of academic achievement, but also align their studies more directly with future university majors and career aspirations. With fewer subjects to take, students can go further in each, building mastery rather than breadth.

Harrow Beijing offers around 20 A Level subjects each year, and the results our students achieve continue to make us proud. A Level examinations are not the destination, but a stepping stone toward university. That’s why we care not only about top grades, but also about ensuring our students are well prepared to meet the expectations of their chosen universities—and to thrive in some of the best institutions around the world.

Looking back on this meaningful alumni homecoming, we didn’t just hear vivid stories of university life—we also saw a clear roadmap from Harrow Beijing to top global institutions. The alumni’s sincere advice and heartfelt encouragement have given current students greater clarity and confidence as they continue on their journey.

This is what Harrow education truly stands for: transforming rigorous academic experiences into personal growth, and shaping students who not only succeed on global stages, but also return with gratitude to inspire those who follow.