Even in the nineteenth century it was recognised as perhaps the most prestigious secondary school in the British West Indies, attracting boys from neighbouring islands, including Pelham Warner who later went on to become the "Grand Old Man" of English cricket.

Harrison College or "Kolij" as it is more affectionately known to its students and alumni has been a cornerstone of Barbadian education since its establishment in 1733.

The campus includes: an assembly hall; library; laboratories for music, art, physics, chemistry, and biology; two large playing fields in addition to basketball and tennis courts; headmaster's and treasurer's offices, faculty retreat and an outdoor firing range maintained by the school's cadet corps.

The Junior School (Forms 1–3) has around 360 students who take 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.

Nearly all students continue their studies at Sixth Form Level and entry is dependent on a satisfactory performance at the CSEC Examination.

The student population is divided into four houses for competitive academic and sporting events called "inter-house".

Within the school grounds there are playing facilities for include cricket, football, table-tennis, volleyball, netball, basketball, hockey, rugby, and track and field.

Strong emphasis is placed on sports and the school has produced athletes who have represented the country at the national, regional and international levels.

2000 Olympics 100 m bronze medalist Obadele Thompson and 1998 Commonwealth Games and then 400 m hurdles champion Andrea Blackett are alumni of the school.