As Prince George inches closer to his teenage years, the conversation around his education is heating up — and it’s about more than just academics. While he’s still just 11 years old, decisions being made today could shape not only his future, but also signal how Prince William and Princess Kate plan to raise a modern monarch.
George, who will turn 12 this July, is nearing the end of his time at Lambrook School, a well-regarded private institution near the family’s Windsor residence. But as the next chapter looms, speculation has grown around where the future king will continue his studies — and what that choice could mean.
Eton or Something Different? Why This Choice Matters
One of the top contenders for George’s next school has been Eton College, a prestigious all-boys boarding school known for educating both Prince William and Prince Harry. With its legacy status and royal connections, Eton seems like a natural fit. But while George reportedly expressed interest in following in his father’s footsteps, not everyone in the royal household is entirely on board.
According to insiders, Princess Kate has harbored some reservations about sending her eldest to boarding school. Drawing from her own negative experience as a boarder in her youth, she’s reportedly uneasy about the pressures and possible isolation George might face.
What’s more, critics of the decision argue that sending him to a traditional, elite institution like Eton might clash with William and Kate’s well-publicized desire to give their children a “normal” upbringing.
Could Highgate School Be a Royal Compromise?
Recent sightings of Princess Kate visiting Highgate School in North London have fueled rumors that another option may be on the table. Founded over 450 years ago, Highgate is a highly respected co-educational day school with a reputation for academic excellence and a vibrant extracurricular scene — particularly in the arts.
Kate reportedly spent time speaking with staff, including the Head of Drama, and appeared deeply interested in the school’s performing arts program. This level of engagement hints at a hands-on approach to choosing a school that aligns with George’s personal interests and potential.
Highgate’s location in London would also allow George to remain close to home, maintaining more regular family contact — something day schools offer over boarding schools.
The Headteacher’s Message: Schooling Beyond Screens
While Highgate’s royal spotlight is growing, its leadership has also taken a bold stance on a very modern issue: screen time among students.
Adam Pettitt, Highgate’s headteacher since 2006, recently made headlines by urging parents to rethink how children use mobile phones. He’s advocated for strict limitations on phone use in schools, emphasizing the need for more face-to-face interaction and less digital dependency.
“Age-based limits on mobile phone use are a welcome first step,” Pettitt wrote in The Times. “But how adults spend time with children is paramount. Children need to play, to have protected screen-free time, and to enjoy fun, shared experiences with the adults who care for them.”
This message aligns with broader concerns from educators across the UK who warn about the negative impact excessive screen exposure can have on children’s mental health, attention spans, and social skills.
A Modern Royal Childhood in the Making
Ultimately, where Prince George ends up going to school is about more than prestige. It reflects the royal family’s evolving vision of what it means to raise a future monarch in the 21st century.
Will William and Kate stick with tradition and send George to Eton? Or will they pivot toward a more modern and nurturing environment like Highgate — one that balances academic rigor with creative exploration and emotional well-being?
Whatever their final decision, it’s clear that George’s education is being treated with care — not just as a private family matter, but as a public symbol of the kind of king he may one day become.
What do you think? Should royals like Prince George attend traditional boarding schools, or is it time for a more modern approach to royal education?