Eton College: The Factory for Producing British Prime Ministers
Eton College: The Factory for Producing British Prime Ministers
Before Boris Johnson, 76 other leaders served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Out of the total 77 Prime Ministers, 21 share a common trait: they studied at Eton College.
Eton College has educated a record 21 Prime Ministers, making it the only school in Britain with such a distinction. The next closest institution, Harrow School, has educated only seven British Prime Ministers.
Both Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister of Britain, and Boris Johnson, the most recent, studied at Eton College. Many other Members of Parliament and ministers have also passed through this school. Boris Johnson is not the last, as former Prime Minister David Cameron was also an alumnus of Eton.
This means that students from Eton College regularly go on to lead Britain. But what lies behind this phenomenon? What makes Eton College so special? Let’s explore these questions and learn more about the history of Eton College.
History
Eton College is located in the town of Windsor in Berkshire, outside of London. Established in 1440 by King Henry VI, Eton College is one of the largest independent educational institutions in England, with a history of almost 600 years.
The college was originally founded by King Henry VI to provide free education to 70 gifted, poor students, allowing them to later study at King’s College, Cambridge, which he had also founded.
For many years after its establishment, Eton College students had to wake up at 5 a.m. every day, attend morning prayers, and be in class by 6 a.m. Classes ran throughout the day with only one hour dedicated to sports, and school would end at 8 p.m.
In those times, Eton College had only two holidays per year, at Christmas and summer, with three weeks each, totaling six weeks off. There were no holidays at any other time of the year.
Modern-Day Eton College
Eton College is an all-boys school, a rule that has been in place since its founding. Currently, Eton has approximately 1,300 students, with 70 scholarships offered each year, with 14 students per class.
Students who receive these scholarships are called "King’s Scholars" or "Collegers," and they enjoy a tuition discount ranging from 10% to 100%. They are also given the opportunity to stay in the college’s special dormitories.
The other students, known as "Oppidans," make up the majority, approximately 1,200 students, and mostly come from wealthy or aristocratic families.
Eton College typically admits students at the age of 13, and they graduate at the age of 18, moving on to university. Admission starts three years before, with an online application followed by an entrance exam and an oral exam for successful candidates. Tuition fees range from £40,000 to £50,000 annually, or more than 4 million Bangladeshi Taka.
Eton College has 25 dormitories, each housing 50 students. Every dormitory has a professional tutor who takes care of the students' academic needs, and a contracted supervisor monitors the work of the dormitory staff. Each student has a private room, and in some dormitories, there is a dedicated cook for preparing meals, while in others, students eat in the college’s dining hall.
Each student’s day begins at 7:30 a.m. when they wake up and get ready for class. They have five classes throughout the day and end with prayers at 9:20 p.m. They go to bed by 9:30 p.m.
The Secret Behind Political Success
Close Ties with the Royal Family
Eton College was not the first educational institution for the British aristocracy; Winchester College had been established 52 years earlier. However, the distinction between the two colleges was created by their founders. Winchester was founded by a bishop, while Eton was founded by King Henry VI.
Eton College's proximity to Windsor Castle, the residence of the royal family, made it the preferred choice for royal children. At least 15 members of the British royal family have studied at Eton, including Prince William and Prince Harry. Royal families from Belgium, Romania, Ethiopia, Thailand, and Nepal have also sent their children to study at Eton.
Because of its close relationship with the royal family, students at Eton College naturally gain advantages in politics. Eton has also played a significant role in creating educated, gentlemanly society in Britain, earning it the title of "The Nursery of England’s Gentlemen."
Ambition
The wealthy families of Britain have consistently supported Eton College financially to ensure that even students from less wealthy backgrounds have the opportunity to study there.
This ambition was evident in the early 19th century when John Gladstone, a middle-class man from Scotland, wanted at least one of his sons to succeed in politics. He was advised to send his son, William Gladstone, to Eton College, where William went on to become Prime Minister four times.
Boris Johnson, the current Prime Minister, was also from a middle-class family. Born in New York to parents Charlotte Johnson and Stanley Johnson, he was raised with modest means but had ambitions for a career in politics. This ambition led him to study at Eton College.
Political Training
William Gladstone’s father understood the value of an Eton education for political success. At Eton, students are surrounded by peers from aristocratic families, which helps them gain knowledge and exposure. Eton College also has a debating society called "Pop," where students hone their public speaking skills. Gladstone used the society to become a skilled orator, a quality that later helped him become Prime Minister.
In more recent times, students like Boris Johnson have benefitted from being part of successful student groups. The political atmosphere at Eton College creates an environment where future leaders are groomed for leadership roles.
Wealth or Talent
To gain admission to Eton College, students need either wealth or exceptional academic ability. In 1657, a student named William Sherlock studied at Eton on a scholarship and went on to become a close associate of the royal family during the reign of King James II. He did not pay fees because he received a scholarship.
Today, Eton still follows this principle. Students from wealthy families pay full tuition fees, while those from less affluent families can receive scholarships. However, regardless of wealth, the students are groomed to be hardworking and driven individuals, which contributes to their future success.
Previous Political Successes
The previous political success of Eton College alumni has created high expectations among students and teachers. Eton's teachers have always strived to prepare their students to be future leaders, using the examples of former Prime Ministers to inspire them.
Boris Johnson, in his autobiography "Just Boris," quotes a famous remark from his time at Eton, where the provost would often tell them, "We are the future leaders. We have responsibilities and goals that must never be taken lightly. You must think like Pitt the Elder and ask yourself: Am I building myself into a leader like those great men?"
This tradition of producing leaders has given Eton students a distinct advantage in politics. They often have the opportunity to meet former Prime Ministers and learn from their political experiences, which aids in their future success.
