# Can Harrow School survive Britain's millionaire exodus? > One of the world's most prestigious boarding schools is expanding globally as UK wealth dries up and taxes soar. - Title: Can Harrow School survive Britain's millionaire exodus? - Summary: One of the world's most prestigious boarding schools is expanding globally as UK wealth dries up and taxes soar. Harrow School is betting its future on… - Keywords: harrow school, british boarding schools, private education, uk tax policy, millionaire exodus, international expansion, harrow new york, labour government, vat on tuition, non-dom tax regime, school closures, educational licensing - Source: Vanity Fair — https://vanityfair.com/story/british-boarding-school-expansion - Author: Ashley Baker - Published: 2026-09-22T18:33:50.346+00:00 - Read time: 3 min - Topics: harrow school, british boarding schools, private education, uk tax policy, millionaire exodus, international expansion, harrow new york, labour government, vat on tuition, non-dom tax regime, school closures, educational licensing ## A 450-year legacy in peril Harrow School, founded in 1572, educated Winston Churchill and six other British prime ministers. Now it faces an existential crisis as the UK's wealthiest residents flee. ## The tax shock that changed everything In January 2025, the Labour government imposed a 20% VAT on private school tuition. Harrow's annual fees jumped to 65,970 pounds, nearly double the UK median salary of 39,039 pounds. ## Millionaires are leaving Britain The UK scrapped its non-dom tax regime in April 2025, allowing wealthy residents to avoid British taxes on overseas income. An estimated 442,000 millionaires remain, down from over one million in 2020. ## Private schools are closing fast Since January 2025, UK private schools have lost 30,000 pupils and about 100 independent schools have shut down entirely. The sector is in freefall. ## International students now dominate Harrow reports 20% of students come from overseas. One alumnus estimates the real figure is closer to 50%, a dramatic shift from when international students were rare. ## The global licensing strategy Harrow operates 18 international schools across seven countries and 14 cities. These schools generated 5.9 million pounds in net income for the main school in 2024-2025. ## Asia is Harrow's stronghold Harrow's brand is particularly strong in Asia, with 12 schools operated by AISL: 10 in China, one in Japan, and one in Bangkok, which opened in 1998. ## Expansion into the Middle East In 2024, Harrow announced a deal with Taaleem to open six schools across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. ## The ambitious New York gamble Harrow New York opened on a 170-acre oceanfront property in Oakdale, Long Island in September 2025. The school invested 100 million pounds but enrolled only five to eight students per grade. ## A historic mansion, few students The campus features a mansion built between 1897 and 1900 for Frederick Gilbert Bourne, president of Singer sewing machines. But demand remains strikingly low. ## Why New York families aren't interested Educational advisors say New York families want established local schools like Horace Mann or Spence, not a British import. Harrow New York already cut fees to 50,544 pounds for day students. ## A fundamental mismatch Harrow School is boys-only and teaches A-levels. Harrow New York is co-ed and offers the International Baccalaureate. The schools share little beyond the name. ## A cautionary tale from London Wetherby-Pembridge, a London school hybrid, opened in New York in 2017 with a 45,000-pound tuition. It closed in 2023 after failing to attract enough students, despite a headmistress from the original school. ## Even alumni can't afford it anymore A Harrow alumnus who became an investment banker wanted to send his sons to Harrow but couldn't justify the cost. He chose London day schools instead, calling the fees ridiculous. > I just couldn't afford it. And that's ridiculous. ## A school betting on survival Harrow is pursuing alternative revenue through summer programs, event rentals, and a partnership with Downe House girls' school. But international licensing remains its best hope. ## Key takeaway Harrow School is betting its future on international expansion because wealthy British families can no longer afford its 66,000-pound annual fees.