Prince George's Enrollment at Eton College Sparks Controversy and Reflection on Elite School Culture
Prince William has decided to send his son, Prince George, to Eton College, a prestigious British school with a long history. The school has faced scrutiny in recent years due to cases of sexual assault involving former staff members. Prince George, who is 12 years old, will start at Eton in September, following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry. Eton College, located near Windsor, caters to boys aged 13 to 18 and charges a hefty annual fee of £63,298.80, approximately $84,900.
The decision to send Prince George to Eton has reignited discussions about the school's reputation, particularly in light of recent criminal cases involving former teachers. In 2026, a former Russian teacher named Jacob Leland was sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a student in 2012. The headmaster of Eton, Simon Henderson, condemned the abuse as a breach of trust. This case followed another in 2020, where a former geography teacher, Matthew Mowbray, was jailed for multiple sexual offenses involving students.
Eton College has also been part of broader conversations about elite-school culture in the UK. The Everyone’s Invited movement highlighted allegations of sexual harassment and assault at prestigious schools, including Eton, leading to public pressure to address a perceived "rape culture" among students. Despite these challenges, Eton's defenders emphasize its academic excellence and notable alumni, which include British prime ministers, actors, and other prominent figures.
Prince William's decision to send Prince George to Eton comes at a time of increased scrutiny of royal institutions and accountability. His Earthshot Prize charity faced scrutiny over its ties to a controversial figure, prompting an investigation by the Charity Commission. While Eton College has its critics, some have praised the school for providing a positive educational experience compared to other institutions. However, concerns about the emotional impact of British boarding school culture persist.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support is available through RAINN at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or RAINN.org.