A Legacy
Since 1733
Harrison College has shaped generations of students, leaders, athletes, and old scholars. Kolij Lions carries that pride forward through basketball, mentorship, fellowship, and service.
The Beginning
Harrison College was founded in 1733 and takes its name from Thomas Harrison, a Bridgetown merchant. The school was originally intended as a public and free school for poor and indigent boys of the parish. From those early beginnings, Harrison College grew into one of Barbados' most respected educational institutions.
For nearly three centuries, the school has stood on Crumpton Street in the heart of Bridgetown — a landmark of Barbadian education, culture, and community. Its halls have witnessed the island's history unfold, from colonial times through independence and into the modern era, shaping the lives of generations who passed through its gates.
School Motto
"In Deo Fides"
Trust In God
For generations of students and old scholars, the motto has represented faith, discipline, purpose, and the pursuit of excellence. It is a reminder that the Harrisonian spirit is built on something deeper than achievement alone.
Introduced
From Tradition to Progress
For much of its history, Harrison College was an all-boys school. In September 1980, co-education was introduced, marking an important step in the school's development and opening a new chapter in the life of the institution.
The transition reflected a broader evolution — one that saw Harrison College grow from its 18th-century origins into a modern, inclusive, co-educational secondary school while preserving the traditions and standards that had defined it for nearly 250 years.
A School of Excellence
Over the years, Harrison College has earned a reputation for academic achievement, leadership, public service, culture, and sport. Its students and old scholars have contributed meaningfully to Barbados and beyond, carrying the Harrisonian spirit into many fields of life.
Academic Excellence
Harrison College has consistently been among the top-performing secondary schools in Barbados, with a long record of outstanding academic achievement and scholarship.
Leadership & Service
The school has produced prime ministers, public servants, community leaders, and professionals who have shaped Barbados and the wider Caribbean region.
Sport & Culture
From basketball to cricket, athletics to music, Harrison College has fostered excellence in sport and the arts, building well-rounded students with deep school pride.
Old Scholar Pride
The bond between Harrison College and its alumni is one of the school's defining features. Old Harrisonians maintain deep ties to the school and to each other.
Sport, Spirit, & Community
Sport has always played an important part in the life of Harrison College. Through basketball, cricket, athletics, football, netball, volleyball, hockey, swimming, and other activities, students have learned discipline, teamwork, resilience, and school pride.
The Kolij Lions Basketball Club continues this tradition by bringing old scholars together through basketball, friendly competition, mentorship, and support for current students.
Basketball at Harrison College
Basketball has become one of the defining sports at Harrison College. The school's programme has produced multiple championship teams across age groups — from Under-13 to Under-19 — and its players regularly represent Barbados at the national level.
The Kolij Lions name has become synonymous with disciplined, exciting basketball. The programme emphasises not just athletic development but character — producing student-athletes who excel on the court and in the classroom.
A Brief Timeline
Harrison College is Founded
The school opens its doors, founded through the vision of Thomas Harrison, a Bridgetown merchant who sought to create a public and free school for poor and indigent boys of the parish.
A School Takes Root
The school begins as a public and free school connected to the vision of Thomas Harrison, gradually establishing itself as a cornerstone of education in Barbados.
Co-Education Introduced
In September 1980, Harrison College welcomes its first cohort of female students, marking a significant milestone in the school's evolution and opening a new chapter.
A Leading Co-Educational School
Harrison College continues to grow as one of Barbados' leading co-educational secondary schools, maintaining its tradition of excellence while embracing the future.
Kolij Lions Carries the Pride Forward
The Kolij Lions Basketball Club brings the old scholar spirit to life through basketball, fellowship, mentorship, and service — connecting past, present, and future Harrisonians.
The Legacy Lives On
Every generation adds something to the story of Harrison College. For Kolij Lions, that story continues on the basketball court, in mentorship, in school support, and in the friendships that keep old scholars connected.
The history of Harrison College is not only something to remember. It is something to carry forward.
Motto: In Deo Fides — Founded 1733 — Crumpton Street, Bridgetown, Barbados