William and Kate Tour $74K-a-Year School for George With a Wild Connection to a Rock Legend
William and Kate’s visit to a prestigious new school has reignited speculation over where Prince George will study next.
Prince George is all set to transition to his next phase after completing his school year at Lambrook School in Berkshire. But the real question is where the future king will head next, and royal speculation has been in overdrive for months. Now, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s recent visit to a prestigious school has only added more fuel to the rumors.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have toured the Oundle School in Northamptonshire, and it costs a whopping $74,500 a year (approx.). The high fee amount is not the only intriguing thing about the institution, but it actually had a rock star as a student. Iron Maiden’s lead singer, Bruce Dickinson, is an Oundle alumnus from the 1970s before allegedly getting expelled due to urinating in the headmaster’s food.
However, Dickinson is not the only popular student to come out of there. Other famous former students at Oundle include England rugby twins Ben and Tom Curry, Timpson boss Sir John Timpson, scientist Richard Dawkins, and BBC correspondent Damian Grammaticas.
“William and Kate’s visit was terribly exciting," a source revealed to the Sun. They continued, “They are considering other schools, but people in Oundle have their fingers crossed that George will be starting here in September. The town would be proud as punch if he attends school here.”
Oundle is not your typical boarding school either. Along with its distinct Jane Austen-style buildings, the school is known for its jazz orchestras and pipe band. It has also had some famous faces on staff over the years, including rugby World Cup winner Danny Grewcock and former England cricketer John Crawley.
George has long been expected to follow in William’s footsteps and attend Eton College, which is just a short drive from Windsor Castle. Marlborough College, Middleton’s former school, has also been heavily considered. But Oundle would mark a very different choice altogether. Located around 100 miles from the family’s home, the school would likely mean the 12-year-old will be living away as a full-time boarder.
Regardless of which school George is admitted to, there is a clear condition that both Middleton and William share, and it is to ensure he gets as normal a secondary school experience as possible. Royal expert Katie Nicholl said, “It's really important to both William and Kate that he [George] has as ordinary a secondary school life as he possibly can. But of course, it's going to feel very different for George and the family when he goes, because they've always been so close.”
However, the transition will also allow George to lead a more independent life, even if it leaves his parents a little emotional. Royal author Robert Jobson explained, “It's a chance for him to spread his wings and take part in things in the afternoons and evenings instead of going home to Mum and Dad.” Which school he finally ends up attending, though, will be revealed soon.
