Eton College
Eton College
Eton, England
Eton College is the most prestigious boys’ school in the world – a top-tier boarding school par excellence. No other British school has produced as many prime ministers. Teaching, facilities, and the range and quality of extracurricular activities are all outstanding. But Eton is not reserved solely for the privileged few from wealthy families: 30% of pupils receive financial support, with some even benefiting from full scholarships. However, competition for a place is fierce – around 1,000 applicants compete for 250 spots.
The Details
The Academics
Eton College is a phenomenon. In 2024, pupils achieved an impressive 92.7% top grades (9–7) in their GCSEs and 76.6% A grades at A-Level – results that stand out even among the UK’s leading boarding schools. Particularly popular subjects include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics and History.
During our last visit, we met Mr Dror Yuravlivker, the passionate and inspiring Head of History. If the other teachers are equally committed – and we assume they are – then Eton’s reputation as an academic powerhouse is well deserved. Since the 1990s, Eton has consistently ranked among the top three schools in the UK for offers from Oxford and Cambridge.
Languages Taught
Latin, Greek, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Arabic, Japanese and Italian.
The Boarding
All boys are full boarders and live in one of 25 houses, each home to around 50 pupils. The accommodation is practical, cosy and pleasantly understated – anyone expecting golden taps is in the wrong film. Meals are eaten in the individual houses and form an essential part of daily life, shaping the community spirit and strengthening social bonds. The houses also regularly compete against each other in sports, music, drama and academic challenges.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Eton College is without doubt an academic heavyweight. But we were equally impressed by what happens beyond the classroom. Eton is a boys-only boarding school – with everything that entails. Daily life, teaching and the entire structure are designed to give young men space to grow. Here, they are given responsibility, freedom and a vast range of opportunities.
The so-called co-curriculum is not only wide-ranging but also thoughtfully designed. Whether debating, entrepreneurship, volunteering or one of the 80-plus pupil-run societies, the boys are encouraged to try things out, grow and contribute.
Sport is a central part of life at Eton. Games are played on six afternoons a week. The choice ranges from traditional sports like rugby, cricket and hockey to rowing, sailing, golf, fencing, football, rounders and the legendary Eton Wall Game – a unique version of rugby played only here.
Theatre also plays a key role at the school: productions are ambitious and often powerfully engaging. Music is equally strong – from orchestra and jazz band to rock group, with the traditional Eton Chapel Choir regularly performing internationally.
Those who prefer visual expression will find outstanding facilities in the school’s art studios and benefit from the guidance of an artist in residence.
Weaknesses
Eton College is repeatedly targeted by the media as a symbol of British elite criticism. Hardly any article on political inequality or social detachment goes without mentioning former pupils like Boris Johnson, David Cameron or Jacob Rees-Mogg. Criticism of Eton is important, but it should be nuanced. Anyone who truly wants to understand what this school is about must be willing to look beyond the clichés.
Location
The location is perfect: Eton College is situated in the charming town of Eton, just a short walk from Windsor Castle and to the west of London.
London - 45 mins by car
Eton is Eton – and anyone offered a place should absolutely take it.
No visit is complete without a look at what is probably Britain’s most peculiar game: the Eton Wall Game. It is played against a single brick wall on the school grounds and is a wild mix of rugby, climbing and ritual.
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