Schools' Head of the River Race
The Schools' Head of the River Race is the UK's largest school-age processional race and is organised by Westminster School for crews aged between 14 and 18 years old. It is held in Spring, the end of the head race season.
The race forms a leg of the national kudos of winning a rowing 'triple' in which occasionally an indefeasible Junior Eight wins this race, the National Schools Regatta, the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta or the Peabody Cup at Henley Women's Regatta.
Course
The race is held annually on the River Thames in London, England, on a course from Chiswick Bridge in Mortlake to Westminster School Boat Club flagpole in Putney. It is rowed with the tide and is in the opposite direction to The Boat Race.Race format
History
The event in its infancy offered a shortened course for smaller boats, such as J15 4s, J15 B 8's, and Maiden 4s. The shortened course ran from Hammersmith Bridge to the regular finishing post at Putney. However, CD Riches, the event's manager, changed this in 2009.Current format
The race is the largest head race of the winter season by junior crews. It attracts around 300 crews each year. Composite crews, drawn from more than one club or school, are not permitted.All categories race the same course.
In 2012, the J4- and WJ4- events were introduced.
In 2013, the Mix 4x event was introduced to the race.
In 2017, the course was considerably shortened on the day, retaining the usual start line but finishing at the bandstand shortly after Barnes bridge.
In 2020, the race was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions on 'non-essential' contact.
Records
The current record holders for the events are:Men's events
Women's events
Mixed events
Winners of all categories when last held
| Event | Winner | Time |
| Ch 8+ | Shiplake College | 16:36 |
| 1st 8+ | Monmouth School Winchester College | 17:32 |
| 2nd 8+ | St Paul's School | 17:16 |
| 3rd 8+ | St Paul's School | 18:12 |
| J16 Ch8+ | Eton College | 17:30 |
| J16 1st8+ | Bedford School | 18:14 |
| J16 2nd8+ | Eton College | 18:19 |
| J15 Ch8+ | King's College School | 18:20 |
| J15 1st8+ | St George's College | 18:42 |
| J15 2nd8+ | King's College School | 19:07 |
| W Ch8+ | Henley Rowing Club | 18:18 |
| W 1st 8+ | Portora Boat Club | 19:01 |
| WJ16 8+ | Henley Rowing Club | 19:02 |
| WJ15 8+ | Latymer Upper School | 19:34 |
| Ch 4x- | Maidenhead Rowing Club | 17:19 |
| J16 4x- | Henley Rowing Club | 18:14 |
| J4+ | Molesey Boat Club | 18:26 |
| J16 4+ | Aberdeen Schools RA | 19:18 |
| J15 4+ | Radnor House School | 19:41 |
| Mix 4x- | York City Rowing Club | 18:56 |
| WJ 4x- | Latymer Upper School | 19:17 |
| WJ16 4x- | Marlow Rowing Club | 20:09 |
| WJ 4+ | Henley Rowing Club | 20:31 |
| WJ16 4+ | Kingston Rowing Club | 20:32 |
Previous J18 eights' winners
| Year | Time | Winner | Second | Third |
| 2019 | 16:36 | Shiplake College | Eton College | St Paul's School |
| 2018 | 16:41 | St Paul's School | Shiplake College | Eton College |
| 2017 | 4:50 | Shiplake College | Eton College | St Paul's School |
| 2016 | 17:38 | Westminster School | Shiplake College | St Paul's School |
| 2015 | 17:58 | Westminster School | St Paul's School | Eton College |
| 2014 | 16:56 | St Paul's School | St Edward's School | Radley College |
| 2013 | 17:10 | Hampton School | Abingdon School | St Paul's School |
| 2012 | 16:53 | Abingdon School | Hampton School | Shrewsbury School |
| 2011 | 16:53 | Abingdon School | Eton College | Shrewsbury School |
| 2010 | 17:22 | Eton College | Shrewsbury School | Hampton School |
| 2009 | 16:47 | Eton College | Shrewsbury School | St Paul's School |
| 2008 | 9:39 | Shrewsbury School | Abingdon School | Eton College |