Prince George’s School Search: A Royal Dilemma

The hunt for Prince George's secondary school is officially on, and it's stirring up quite the buzz.

Rumors are swirling that the young royal might enroll in a prestigious institution with a hefty price tag of £34,000 per year.

This comes amid concerns that the £47,000-a-year Marlborough College, which his mother attended, has become a bit too extravagant for the family's taste.

Royal expert Richard Eden shared insights over the weekend, revealing that the Prince and Princess of Wales recently visited St. Edward's Independent School.

This Oxfordshire establishment has caught their attention, boasting impressive facilities, including the stunning Olivier Hall—an architectural marvel reminiscent of Oxford's famed Sheldonian Theatre.

The hall has even clinched a Rebus South Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2022, highlighting its exceptional design.

But St. Edward's isn't the only contender on the Wales' list.

Just days earlier, they reportedly checked out Undul School, which aligns closely with King Charles's environmental values.

Nestled in the charming town of Undul, Northamptonshire, this £34,000-a-year co-educational school has roots dating back to 1556 but embraces a modern approach to education.

Sources suggest that the family is weighing whether George would feel comfortable boarding there starting at age 11.

Princess Catherine is particularly keen on finding a school that nurtures all her children while keeping them grounded.

There's a palpable concern that Marlborough has transformed into a hotspot for the ultra-wealthy, especially since the Middletons' attendance.

A source mentioned that the current vibe at Marlborough is markedly different from what Catherine remembers.

It now caters more to jet-set families who own villas in Ibiza and chalets in Verbier—definitely not the understated lifestyle she prefers.

The prospect of co-educational schooling is also appealing, especially since it aligns with the preferences of their security team.

As of now, it remains uncertain whether 10-year-old George will start school this September or if he'll follow in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry, both of whom attended Eton College.

However, the admissions process for these elite institutions isn't for the faint-hearted.

Initially, William was enthusiastic about sending George to Eton, conveniently located just a few miles from Windsor.

But Eton is an all-boys school, which could influence their decision.

Recently, George completed his ISEB examinations—akin to the 11-plus exams—covering subjects like English, math, and reasoning skills.

These results will be sent to top boarding schools across the country, potentially leading to further assessments and interviews based on his performance.

Discussing the interview process, James Mitchell, co-founder of Think Tutors, shed light on what George might expect.

While some interviews can be straightforward, they often serve as stress tests, gauging how candidates perform under pressure.

Candidates can't predict the questions, making it a unique challenge.

For instance, during Eton's interviews, students might face queries about their interests and motivations for choosing the school.

Mitchell elaborated on the types of questions that could arise, illustrating with a hypothetical scenario: “If you were given a million pounds, how would you spend it?” He cautioned that opting for a generic answer, like donating to charity, might come off as uninspired.

Instead, they're looking for authentic, thoughtful responses that reflect the candidate's personality and aspirations.

As the royal family navigates these decisions, it's clear that the stakes are high.

The quest for the right school for Prince George is not just about education; it's about finding a balance between tradition, values, and the modern world.