Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Princess Kate, is preparing for a significant transition as he approaches the start of secondary school in September 2026. Currently enrolled at Lambrook School in Berkshire alongside his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, George’s next educational step will likely be either Eton College in Windsor or Marlborough College in Berkshire.
While both schools are strong contenders, William and Kate are expected to take their time making the official announcement regarding George’s new school. According to Melanie Sanderson, Managing Editor of The Good Schools Guide, the couple has a history of waiting until the last minute to share such news. Sanderson noted, “If the Wales family runs true to form, they will announce Prince George’s secondary school at the eleventh hour, possibly as late as September 2026.”
This cautious approach stems from the desire to shield George from intense scrutiny once the school is revealed. Sanderson emphasized that both the institution and George’s future classmates will attract considerable attention, and the family aims to minimize the fanfare surrounding this significant change.
When considering which school George might attend, Sanderson suggested that Eton is the most likely choice. She described Eton as “traditional, radical, expectation-busting and packed with confident boys with nary a hint of entitlement,” values that resonate with the modern royal family’s aspirations.
When examining past announcements, the Wales family has consistently opted for late disclosures about their children’s schooling. In 2022, shortly before relocating from London to Windsor, the family confirmed that George, Charlotte, and Louis would attend Lambrook School just two weeks before the term began. The palace’s official statement at the time expressed gratitude towards Thomas’s Battersea, which George and Charlotte attended before their move.
Looking back further, when George started nursery at Westacre Montessori School in Norfolk, the announcement came in December 2015, just one month before he began in January 2016. This location was convenient for the family, situated near their residence at Anmer Hall.
In contrast, when William was set to attend Eton College in 1995, his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, revealed the decision in June, three months prior to his start in September. Interestingly, the Wales family did announce George’s transition to Thomas’s Battersea earlier, sharing the news in March 2017, which was six months before he began Reception.
In light of this historical pattern, it appears that William and Kate are likely aiming to navigate this next phase of George’s education with the same discretion they have previously exercised. The couple seems keen to allow their son to adjust to the new environment with minimal external pressures, emphasizing their intent to prioritize family values during this pivotal time.
