Harrison College is a co-educational grammar school. Founded in 1733, the College takes its name from Thomas Harrison, a Bridgetown merchant, who intended it to serve as "A Public and Free School for the poor and indigent boys of the parish".
It remained an all boys chool until the early 1980's when co-eduction was introduced.
Harrison accredited by the Ministry of Education of Barbados. Students gain entry to the school on the results of a competitive examination at the age of 11+ years. The school has the fortune of receiving the top performers in this examination, which accounts for its high academic reputation.
At the end of their Fifth year they write the General Certificate of Secondary Education examination set by the Caribbean Examinations Council(CXC). This examination has replaced the Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level examination and is a equivalent standard. Two years later, at the end of their Upper Sixth form year, students write the Cambridge General Certificate of Education at Advanced Level. Typically, Harrison College maintains a minimum 75% pass rate at CXC and 70% at 'A' Level. Since 1990, 150 students have attained Barbados Scholarships and Goverment Awards.
The school's population is approximately 825 and there are 426 girls.The Junior School(Forms 1-3) has 363 students who take a broad band of subjects which include English, French, Spanish, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Integrated Science, Geography, History, Woodwork, Metalwork, Music, Art, Religious Studies, Technical Drawing and Physical Education.
In the Fourth Year all students start a two year course leading to a Certificate of Secondary Education. English, Mathematics, one Sceince subject (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), French or Spanish, History or Geography are cumpulsory, and the choice of two other subjects from Foreign Languages, Science, History or Geography, Art, Technical Drawing, Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, and Information Technology. Most students take eight subjects.
Nearly all students continue their studies at Sixth Form Level and entry is dependent on a satisfactory performance at the CXC Examination. There is great flexibility of choice at Sixth Form Level as a widespread of subjects is offered to suit a wide range of interests, University requirements and ability.
Students in the Sixth Form write three or four subjects and the General Paper.
The college has sixty faculty members, including part time staff, fifty-three of whom have Bachelors Degrees and ten of these hold Masters Degrees.
The academic year has thirty-seven weeks and is divided into three terms in the traditional model: Michaelmas Term, Hilary Term and Trinity Term. Detailed reports of students are sent to parents at the end of each term. In addition, Mid-term reports are sent to parents of students in forms 1-5.
The great majority of those leaving Harrison College persue some form of Higher Education, going to Universities in and Colleges in the U.S.A,Canada,the United Kingdom and the University of the West Indies(U.W.I). A specially appointed Guidance Councellor is on staff and one of the duties attached to this post is to advise students on the choice of careers.
Grade point averages are not used. Instead, marks in individual subjects are reported by means of percentages and in Forms 1-5 the student's rank in each subject is reported by means percentages and in forms 1-5 the student's rank in each subject is reported. The Mathematics and Science programmes of Harrison College can be regarded as Accelerated programmes.
Within the school gronds there are adequate playing facilities. A wide variety of games including cricket, football, lawn-tennis, table-tennis, volleyball, netball, basketball, hockey, and swimming is offered. Competitive fixtures are arranged with local club teams as well as other teams.
Strong emphasis is placed on athletics and the school has produced athletes who have represented the country at Caribbean, regional, world and Olympic levels. Current world record holder for the 100m dash Obadele Thompson is an alumnus of Harrison College. Albeit wind-assisted, Obadele's record is a blazing 9.69 seconds.
Music plays a very important role in the life of the school. The Harrison College ensemble has given public performances at home and overseas.
The following societies and clubs are also available for students' membership:Chess Club,Photographic Club,Science Club,Key Club,Enviromental Club,Debating Society and Inter-School Christian Fellowship. There is an active Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and students are encouraged to join the scheme and work towards medals.
There is an active P.T.A and Alumni Association.
The Board of Management is actively pursuing a plan to refurbish and upgrade the total plant as the school moves into a new century.
School uniform is compulsory and relevant information is sent to parents prior to the entry of their sons/daughters/wards to the school.
The College crest and motto "In Deo Fides" symbolise the tradition and values of an outstanding 'heritage' school.