Eton College Review 2026: Tradition Meets Modernity

Floreat Etona (May Eton Flourish), runs the school's motto, and for nearly six centuries, this has been the defining institution of English independent education. Yet, to view Eton solely through the lens of its history is to miss the point. Under the leadership of Simon Henderson (Head Master since 2015), the school has pivoted significantly towards widening access and modernising its outlook while maintaining the academic rigour that places it in the elite tier of schools in England. It remains a full boarding school for boys, housing approximately 1,350 students in a setting that feels more like a university town than a secondary school.

The geography of Eton is unique. The school dominates the town, with 25 boarding houses, historic classrooms, and state-of-the-art facilities woven into the streets. Boys in the distinctive "School Dress" (tailcoats, waistcoats, and pin-striped trousers) move between lessons, a visual reminder of the heritage that permeates daily life.

However, the atmosphere inside the classrooms and houses is less rigid than the uniform suggests. There is a palpable energy and intellectual confidence. The architecture ranges from the 15th-century College Chapel and Lower School to the modern Jafar Hall and the Tony Little Centre for Innovation and Research in Learning (CIRL). This blend of the ancient and the cutting-edge perfectly encapsulates the school's current ethos: respecting tradition while actively researching how boys learn best.

The "Oppidan" and "Colleger" distinction remains. Most boys are Oppidans (living in boarding houses), while the 70 King's Scholars (Collegers) live in the historic College buildings. This dual structure creates a unique internal dynamic, though integration is seamless in the classroom and on the sports field.

Academic performance is exceptional, consistently placing the school among the very highest performers in the country. In 2024, 92.6% of GCSE grades were 9-7 (A*-A), with 79% at grades 9-8. These results rank Eton 28th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), sitting in the elite tier (top 2% of schools in England).

At A-level, the standard is equally high. The school achieved 93.6% A*-B grades, with 37% of papers graded A*. Ranked 41st in England for A-level outcomes, the school consistently outperforms the vast majority of independent and state providers. The curriculum is broad, but the depth of study, often extending well beyond the syllabus, is what defines the academic culture here.

Teaching at Eton is characterised by the "division" (lesson) system, where class sizes are kept small, typically around 10 to 12 boys. This allows for a tutorial style of education similar to university supervision. The staff list reads like a university faculty, with many holding doctorates and conducting their own research.

The Tony Little Centre (CIRL) is a standout feature. It puts Eton at the forefront of evidence-based teaching practice, researching cognitive science and adolescent learning to train teachers effectively. This is not just a school that teaches; it is a school that studies teaching.

The curriculum covers 28 subjects at A-level, including History of Art, Russian, and Japanese. The intellectual diet is supplemented by the "Eton Education" programme, designed to foster creativity and critical thinking outside of examined specifications.

The destination data confirms the school's global standing. In 2024, 44 students accepted places at Oxford and Cambridge, ranking the school 8th in England for Oxbridge success (FindMySchool ranking).

However, the landscape is shifting. While Oxbridge remains a key target, there is a significant flow towards the US Ivy League and other premier international institutions. The school has a dedicated US Universities team, and over 15% of leavers now typically head across the Atlantic to universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.

Domestically, Russell Group universities including Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Imperial College are the standard destinations for those not taking the Oxbridge or US routes.

Entry to Eton is highly competitive and requires long-term planning. The main entry point is at age 13 (Year 9), but the process begins much earlier. Families must register their son by 30 June in Year 5 (age 10). Late applications are rarely accepted outside of specific scholarship routes.

The assessment process involves an online test (ISEB Common Pre-Test) in Year 6, followed by the "Eton List Test" (interviews and reasoning tests) for those who pass the first stage. Conditional places are confirmed by passing Common Entrance or the King's Scholarship exams in Year 8.

Sixth Form entry is also available but limited. The Orwell Award offers fully funded places to talented boys from state schools who would not otherwise be able to afford the fees.

Historically, Eton was known for a "sink or swim" culture, but that has changed radically. The modern pastoral structure is multi-layered. Beyond the House Master and Dame (pastoral manager), each boy has a Tutor who oversees his academic and personal progress.

The school has invested heavily in mental health support. A dedicated Director of Welfare oversees counselling services, and the medical centre is staffed 24/7. The house system is the bedrock of Eton life; a boy's house is his home, his social hub, and his sporting team. They eat all meals in their house dining room, fostering a close-knit family atmosphere within the larger school.

The scale of extracurricular opportunity is staggering. There are over 50 named societies, most run by the boys themselves. The Political Society, the Literary Society, and the Entrepreneurship Society regularly host high-profile speakers, from Prime Ministers to CEOs.

Sport is integral but diverse. While the traditional major sports of rugby, football (played as the unique "Eton Field Game"), and cricket dominate, the facilities support almost everything else. The rowing centre at Dorney Lake, which hosted the 2012 Olympics, is world-class. Fencing, rackets, and water polo are all played to a national standard.

The arts are equally well-resourced. The Farrer Theatre creates productions of professional standard, and the music department is housed in a purpose-built complex with a concert hall that rivals commercial venues.

The school is located in Eton, just across the bridge from Windsor and its castle. It is easily accessible from London Paddington via Slough (20 minutes) or London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside (55 minutes). Heathrow Airport is just 20 minutes away by car.

Fees & Financial Aid

Fees are £52,749 per year (2024/2025), charged termly at £17,583. This places Eton at the upper end of the independent sector fee scale.

However, the school is aggressive in its pursuit of accessibility. Approximately 20% of boys receive financial assistance. There are over 100 boys currently on 100% bursaries (no fees paid), many through the Orwell Award. Financial aid is means-tested and can cover uniform and extras as well as fees. The King's Scholarship provides a merit-based fee reduction (10%) which can be supplemented by a bursary.

Total Immersion: This is full boarding in the truest sense. Boys are away from home for weeks at a time. It requires independence and resilience. Families wanting regular weekend contact may find the schedule restrictive compared to weekly boarding schools.

Competitive Environment: While pastoral care is strong, the environment is inherently competitive. Boys are surrounded by highly able peers. For a boy who struggles with academic pressure or comparison, it can be an intense place to be.

The "Bubble" Factor: Despite outreach efforts, boys enter a world that is socially and economically rarefied. Parents should consider how they will help their son maintain perspective on the wider world.

Admissions Timeline: The deadline at age 10 catches many families out. If you miss the Year 5 registration window, your only chance is the very limited Sixth Form entry or a specific scholarship route later on.

Consistently excellent results and a facility list that rivals universities make Eton College a powerhouse of global education. It is no longer the stuffy caricature of the past but a forward-thinking institution that takes its social responsibilities seriously. Best suited to academically ambitious boys who will thrive in a busy, high-energy boarding community and grab the endless opportunities with both hands. The main challenge is securing a place.