The Harrodian School
The Harrodian School is an independent day school in Barnes, south-west London. Formerly the site of Harrods Sports Club, the original premises has been extended and converted for educational purposes. The school opened in September 1993 with just 65 pupils; by 2011 the roll had grown to 925.
History
The school was founded by Lady Eliana and Sir Alford Houstoun-Boswall with 65 pupils and 12 staff.
Until 1988 the site had been a clubhouse and sports ground for employees of Harrods department store, and known as the Harrodian Club. While the store's owner Mohamed Al-Fayed sold the grounds, he was not happy that the school took the name, and in fact challenged this in court.
Eliana Houstoun-Boswall was the founding headmistress, but in 1996 was left by her husband after her affair with a teacher became public. The publicity again prompted Harrods to object to the school's perceived connection to them. She has gone on to found another independent school - Hampton Court House.