Eton College is one of the most prominent boarding schools in the UK and is renowned globally for producing successful and world-leading alumni. Generation after generation of royals, members of parliament, and leaders have attended Eton College, bolstering the pedigree of the school.

Eton College is one of the most expensive schools in the world, that’s true, but many would debate that the recognition and knowledge one gains from attending a school like Eton is worth every penny. Additionally, having Eton College on your resume is an instant foot in the door of any prestigious university.

Read on for Keybridge Education’s school profile on Eton College—find out all you need to know from the history of the school, notable alumni, and how your child may be able to get in.

History

Eton College is a school draped in history dating back to its founder, King Henry VI, in 1440. Not many people can say they’ve attended a 600-year-old school. The school was originally constructed as a charity school for up to 70 poor boys who would be funnelled to King Henry VI’s other scholarly contribution, King’s College Cambridge.

Despite its current prestige, Eton College was not always held to such high standards and the royal commission would investigate claims of “inhumane living conditions” in the mid-1800s. On top of many anecdotes of poor living conditions from schoolboys, headmaster Edward Balston allegedly did not allocate much learning time for subjects other than classics.

Every distinguished school has their fair share of controversies, it seems, as social standards back then were significantly different from now. Even today, there are many claims from alumni outlining and detailing the racism and bullying that goes on behind closed doors. The most notable alumnus to speak out on these issues was Dillibe Onyeama, the first black student to graduate from Eton.

Despite the history of Eton, it is certifiably one of the best schools a boy can go to if they want an outstanding education. Eton consistently ranks in the top 10 to top 5 boarding schools in the UK and is the school that produces the most MPs. If your child has aspirations of leading a company, contributing to the government or other similar roles, Eton College will ensure he gets the necessary education for it.

Alumni

Boris Johnson, David Cameron, George Orwell, Ian Fleming, Karl Marx and Bear Grylls. What do they all have in common? Of course, they all attended Eton College at one point in time.

Eton alumni, also referred to as “Etonians”, are some of the most successful individuals in the world, ranging from prime ministers, world leaders, Nobel laureates, and more. The school has accommodated more of the world’s aristocracy than any other in the world and is often referred to as “the chief nurse of England’s statesmen”.

Preparation

In modern times, having an aristocratic or noble background is no longer required to join Eton, and many international students are admitted every year. To join Eton College, boys will have to go through a 3 stage process where they will have to pass each stage to move forward with their application. Competitive, indeed.

The process is as follows:

• Stage 1: ISEB Common Pre-Test. A computerised test that applicants sit in October/November of Year 6. The test will challenge applicants on their knowledge of English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

• Stage 2: Eton College’s in-house test developed by themselves. The test is separated into two parts: an online test and an interview.

• Stage 3: Applicants will take the Common Entrance or Eton Scholarship in Year 8. Upon passing this stage, the applicant will be successfully enrolled in Eton starting Year 9.

Keybridge has tutored and mentored many boys who have enrolled in Eton, so we are well versed in what is required to get in. If you and your child have ambitions to join the academic elite in Eton College, Keybridge and our team of tutors will gladly assist you. Head over to our tutoring page, mentoring page, or contact us for more information.

Want To Get Into Eton College?

We admit that Eton College is an extremely competitive school for boys to apply to. However, the benefits of Eton are vast and will certainly set your child up for future success. Keybridge is dedicated to helping your child envision their ambition and realise their dreams of success.