Founded in 1440 by Henry VI for the worship of God, and for the training of young men to the service of Church and State. His aim was to have 70 Scholars so trained, first at Eton and then at King's College, Cambridge. He also provided for other boys to be taught at Eton, paying for their own maintenance. Most of the school's ancient buildings were completed about this time, including the College Chapel, Cloisters, Lower School, College Hall and part of College; building has gone on ever since and the whole architectural complex constitutes an urbane and civilised enclave. The numerous premises are scattered in the town of Eton and thus there is a close 'town and gown' relationship. There are beautiful gardens and playing fields and the school is one of the best-equipped. There are several excellent libraries with remarkable collections of rare books and manuscripts. Worship is designed to meet a boy's spiritual needs at each stage of his development. A large, very well-qualified staff and academically, it is very high-powered. Examination results are outstanding and very large numbers go on to Oxbridge. Senior boys are offered an exceptional range of linguistic options - Classical, European, Oriental and Arabic. It is immensely strong in music (600 boys learn an instrument), in art and in drama. The purpose-built Farrer Theatre is in constant use and there are two drama studios. There are some 20 main productions a year including house plays. There is a wide range of sports and games (including the Eton Wall Game and the Eton Field Game, both peculiar to the College) in which very high standards are achieved. Some 40 clubs and societies cater for most conceivable needs. The school newspaper (The Eton College Chronicle) has been published regularly each term since 1863. There is a substantial commitment to local community services and to fundraising. The CCF is very well supported.
Pupils: Age range 13-18; 1310 boarding boys. Entrance: Main entry age 13 (a few at 16). Approx 30% are children of former pupils. Common Entrance used, following preliminary test and interview at age 11 (registration by 10.6 essential). For sixth form entry, at least grade A in 6 academic GCSEs, including sixth form subjects. No special skills or religious requirements, although school is C of E. State school entry includes 8 sixth-form scholars, and 2 New Foundation Scholars at 13. Pupils come from a large number of schools (typically 90), across the UK and abroad.
34 pa scholarships, value mostly 10% of fees, with extra or full remission in cases of need. 25 academic (16 at 13, 9 at 16); 9 music scholarships at 13. On average 130 pa bursaries. Parents expected to buy a few sixth form reference books; private tuition (eg music) extra.
30+% live within 30 miles; 9% live overseas.
Head Master: Anthony R M Little, in post from 2002. Educated at Eton and Cambridge University (English). Previously Headmaster both of Oakham and of Chigwell, Head of English and Housemaster at Brentwood and taught English at Tonbridge. Teaching staff: 146 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 6%. Average age early 40s.
GCSE: 256 pupils in upper fifth: 99% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 252 in upper sixth: 43% passed in 4+ subjects; 53% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 394.
99% of sixth form leavers go on to degree courses (60% after a gap year), 30% to Oxbridge. 4% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 20% in science and engineering, 74% in humanities and social sciences, 1% in art and design, 1% in drama and music.
GCSE, AS and A-levels/Pre-U. 26 AS-level subjects, 22 A-level/Pre-U. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3-6 subjects at AS-level, 3+ at A-level, plus general studies. 11% took science A-levels; 74% arts/humanities; 17% both. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German, Russian, Japanese and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level; Italian and Portuguese offered to seniors; also Chinese and Arabic at all levels. All boys take French in their first batch of GCSEs, subsequently may choose another language or take additional French. Regular exchanges (France, Germany, Spain and Russia), and holiday study parties to Casa Guidi in Florence. Special provision: Learning centre for dyslexia etc. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg English, geography, history. 36 computers for pupil use (8-10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access; in addition, all boys have their own computer in their room, connected to the network. All pupils take Cambridge IT in word processing in first year.
Music: Some 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 20 musical groups including 3 orchestras, 4 choirs, 2 bands, 5 chamber groups, 2 jazz bands etc. Pupils frequently join National Youth Orchestra; several Oxbridge organ and choral scholarships each year. New music technology facilities. Drama: A-level drama may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions. Some 12 boys at major drama schools; Double Edge Drama, highly successful Edinburgh Fringe company composed of current and former pupils. Art and design: On average, 65 take GCSE, 35 A-level. Painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking offered. Several accepted for art college foundation courses annually.
Sport: Rugby or soccer; cricket or rowing; field game and athletics compulsory for new boys. Optional: tennis, hockey, rackets, fives, swimming, polo, water polo, fencing, judo, squash, karate, golf, badminton, shooting, basketball, the Wall Game. Several national rowing representatives most years, occasionally cricket; regular county athletes and rugby players; rackets, occasional public schools winner, currently U16. Activities: CCF and community service both optional for 2 years at age 16+. Regular assistance at local primary schools, local physically and mentally handicapped facilities; fund-raising through Eton Action events, annual charity fair and sponsored events. Up to 40 clubs, eg Amnesty, Caledonian, Green, medical, photography, political, Keynes (economics), Wotton (philosophy), film.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head of houses and house prefects. Religion: Church of England. Compulsory chapel attendance unless parents request otherwise. Social: 3-day exchanges with certain state schools. French, Spanish, German, Russian and Japanese exchanges; 1- or 2-person exchanges with India, USA. Some alcohol allowed for senior boys.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect extra work; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would expect expulsion.
All have own study bedroom. Houses, of approximately 50, same as competitive houses. Resident qualified nurses and doctors. Meals formal in some houses; central dining room self-service for remainder (but in defined house areas). Pupils can provide and cook own food within limits. 1 major exeat per term (week in autumn term, long weekend in other 2 terms) plus other weekend exeats. Visits to local town allowed.
is run by T F X Eddis, c/o the College.
18 Prime Ministers including Lord Home and Harold Macmillan; Percy Shelley (poet); George Orwell, Anthony Powell (writers); John Maynard Keynes (economist); Douglas Hurd (former Foreign Secretary); Lord Hailsham (former Lord Chancellor); Lord (Robert) Armstrong (former Head of the Civil Service); Humphrey Lyttleton(musician); Matthew Pinsent (rower).
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