Boarding is at the heart of everything we do. As a full boarding school for students aged 11–18, every student lives on campus and belongs to one of our seven distinctive boarding houses:
- Churchill House (Boys)
- Nitobe House (Boys)
- Masamune House (Boys)
- Hearn House (Boys)
- Elizabeth House (Girls)
- Ogata House (Girls)
- Lyons House (Girls)
Each House is a close-knit community where students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.
Living together in the stunning natural surroundings of Appi Kogen, students develop lifelong friendships, independence, and a strong sense of belonging.
To learn more about what makes each House so unique, click on their crest below:
- House
- House Master
Nitobe House, named after the esteemed Japanese diplomat and writer Nitobe Inazo, is guided by six core values—Nurturing, Inclusion, Trust, Opportunities, Bravery, and Empathy—which form the foundation of its supportive and inclusive community.
Originally from County Cork, Ireland, Mr William Bartley holds degrees in Geography and History, Management, and Forensic Psychology, along with a PGCE. He began his career as a Housemaster and Geography Teacher in a Midlands boarding school before returning to Cork, where he served as Head Housemaster, Teacher of Geography and History, and Assistant Principal, overseeing Transition Year development. He dedicated 21 years to this role before joining Harrow Appi.
- House
- House Master
Churchill House, named after Old Harrovian and former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, is distinguished for its achievement in sport, academics, and music. Students are encouraged to pursue excellence across all areas of school life, embracing challenges as opportunities to develop character.
Mr Anthony Catto, originally from South Africa, holds a degree in Environmental Science and Geography from Rhodes University and a PGCE from UNISA. With 15 years of experience in British-style boarding schools across South Africa, China, and Malaysia, he has taught Geography and served as a Housemaster for over a decade, demonstrating his deep commitment to boarding education.
- House
- House Master
Masamune House, named in honour of the renowned medieval Japanese swordsmith Gorō Nyūdō Masamune, draws inspiration from his legacy of precision, strength, and mastery. Students are encouraged to face challenges with confidence, embrace new experiences, and approach all endeavours with boldness and integrity.
Mr Gerard Norton is the House Master of Masamune House and a Business and Economics Teacher. He has taught in several schools in the UK before teaching in an international boarding school in Brunei for the past 8 years. Prior to teaching, he was a bank manager, moved to accounting and then became a Finance Manager for a large UK plc insurance company.
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- House Master
Hearn House, named after Lafcadio Hearn, a Greek and Irish writer best known for introducing the culture and literature of Japan to the Western world. His writings about Japan offered the Western world greater insight into a still largely unfamiliar culture.
Originally from Kent, England, Mr Luke Moon has extensive boarding experience in the UK and overseas. He began at Bryanston School as a Graduate Resident, later serving as Assistant Head of Boys’ Boarding at Repton Dubai and Head of Boarding at Bryanston Prep. A former Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, he has also taught PSHE, PE, Geography, and Computer Science, with a strong commitment to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for pupils.
- House
- House Mistress
Elizabeth House, named in honour of Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II of England, embodies courage, compassion, and determination. Students are encouraged to embrace challenges and seize every opportunity offered by life at a full-boarding school in the mountains of Japan.
Originally from the UK, Ms Siana Pendlebery’s international upbringing shaped her global outlook and passion for education. A graduate of Lancaster University (PPE) and the University of Bristol (PGCE), she has eight years of experience in UK and Swiss boarding schools, serving as Deputy House Mistress and House Mistress. At Harrow Appi, she is committed to creating a warm, supportive home away from home for her students.
- House
- House Mistress
Ogata House, named in honour of Sadako Ogata, a champion of human security, development, and peace, values the strength of unity and collaboration. Students are encouraged to support one another and contribute to the wider community, recognising the impact of collective effort.
Mrs Meredith Alexander has been a teacher for more than thirty years and has had the privilege of working both in Australia and abroad. Her experiences include teaching at Jerudong International School, Brunei, The British International School of Budapest and Harrow International School, Bangkok.
- House
- House Mistress
Lyons House, named after John Lyon and his wife, founders of Harrow School UK, celebrates hard work, diligence, and determination. Students are encouraged to pursue excellence in every aspect of school life, growing and developing their talents to achieve their full potential.
Mrs Martha Rogers background includes a music degree from City University London, and six years as Deputy Housemistress at Cranbrook School in Kent, where she worked with her husband for the last 13 years.
Mr Anthony Catto
Mr Gerard Norton
Mr Luke Moon
Mr William Bartley
Ms Siana Pendlebery
Ms Meredith Alexander
Mrs Martha Rogers