British Private Schools Popular with Royalty

A guide to prestigious British independent schools with royal connections and what international families can learn from their education traditions

British private schools have long attracted members of royal families, aristocratic households and internationally prominent families. From historic boarding schools in England to traditional institutions in Scotland, these schools have played an important role in the education of generations of British royalty.

For international families considering a prestigious British education, royal connections can be an interesting indication of a school's heritage and reputation. However, parents should look beyond famous alumni and consider academic standards, pastoral care, boarding arrangements, entry requirements and the individual child's suitability.

Several independent schools stand out for their historical links with the British Royal Family.

Eton College

Eton College is arguably the most recognisable British private school associated with modern royalty.

Prince William and Prince Harry both attended Eton, and in September 2026 Prince George began his education there, following his father and uncle. Prince William was the first future British monarch to attend the school.

Eton's royal association is not limited to the current generation. Several other members of the extended Royal Family have also attended the school.

The school offers a highly selective boarding education for boys and has a reputation for academic excellence, extensive extracurricular opportunities and a distinctive traditional culture.

For international families, however, Eton should be regarded as an exceptionally competitive option. Royal connections do not translate into easier admission, and prospective pupils must satisfy the school's established admissions requirements.

Gordonstoun School

Gordonstoun in Scotland has one of the deepest connections with the British Royal Family.

Prince Philip attended Gordonstoun and subsequently wanted his own sons to experience the school. King Charles III attended the school from 1962 to 1967, while Prince Andrew and Prince Edward also followed the family connection.

The school has historically placed significant emphasis on outdoor education, resilience, leadership and personal responsibility.

King Charles remains connected to the institution and became Patron of the Gordonstoun Association in 2024.

For families interested in a traditional boarding education that places considerable emphasis on character development and outdoor experiences, Gordonstoun remains a distinctive option.

Marlborough College

Marlborough College in Wiltshire has also developed a notable royal connection.

The Princess of Wales attended Marlborough College, as did Princess Eugenie. The co-educational school combines academic education with extensive opportunities in sport, music, drama and the arts.

Marlborough can appeal to families looking for a prestigious co-educational environment rather than a traditional single-sex boarding school.

Its royal connections have also made it an important name for international parents researching schools attended by members of the British Royal Family.

Benenden School

Benenden School in Kent is another independent school associated with the Royal Family.

Princess Anne attended Benenden, giving the school a notable place within the history of royal education.

The all-girls boarding school provides an alternative for families looking for a highly regarded British education for daughters, with an emphasis on academic development, extracurricular activities and independent living.

Cheam School

Royal education has not always centred on senior boarding schools.

Cheam School in Hampshire has a particularly strong connection with the Royal Family. Prince Philip attended the school before continuing his education elsewhere, and it has historically educated children from prominent families.

This illustrates an important point for international parents: a child's British education can involve several schools at different stages rather than one institution from childhood through sixth form.

What makes these schools attractive to international families?

Royal associations can increase a school's international profile, but they are only one factor to consider.

Parents should also examine:

• Academic performance

• Entry requirements

• Boarding arrangements

• School culture

• Pastoral support

• Sport and extracurricular opportunities

• Arts and creative programmes

• Location

• International pupil experience

• University destinations

• Availability at the required entry point

A school attended by a royal family member is not automatically the right school for another child.

Royal connections do not guarantee admission

International families should be particularly careful about confusing prestige with accessibility.

Leading British independent schools can have highly selective admissions processes, and applicants may need to register years in advance. Entrance assessments, interviews, references and school-specific examinations may all form part of the process.

For example, Eton's 13+ admissions process includes an initial assessment followed by further selection stages for eligible candidates. Its current registration deadline for standard 13+ entry is the end of UK School Year 5.

Families should therefore develop an admissions strategy around the child's academic and personal profile rather than simply targeting a school because of its royal alumni.

Choosing a royal-connected school for an international child

For an international family, the most important question is whether the child will thrive at the school.

Parents should consider whether the child is comfortable with boarding, how well they are likely to adapt to British educational expectations and whether their academic strengths match the school's requirements.

It is also worth considering whether the family wants:

• Traditional British boarding culture

• Co-educational schooling

• Single-sex education

• Strong outdoor programmes

• High-level sport

• Music and performing arts

• A highly international pupil community

• Proximity to London

• A quieter rural environment

This approach produces a much stronger shortlist than simply selecting schools associated with famous names.

Planning the property side of a royal-style UK relocation

For affluent international families moving to Britain, school selection may be part of a much wider relocation.

Parents may also need a substantial London or regional residence, property acquisition or letting, furnishing, refurbishment, security-conscious maintenance arrangements and ongoing property management.

The location of the family home can be particularly important when children attend day schools. For boarding pupils, parents may have greater flexibility when choosing where the family lives.

Fraser Bond does not provide school placement, admissions consultancy, entrance examination preparation or immigration advice. Its relevant role is supporting the property requirements surrounding an international family's UK relocation, including property sales, lettings, management, refurbishment, repairs and contractor coordination.

Building a long-term UK family base

Royal connections can make a British private school particularly attractive to international families, but the strongest education decision is based on the child's long-term development.

Parents should research the school's current admissions requirements, visit where possible and assess the overall environment rather than relying solely on historical prestige.

For families establishing a long-term presence in Britain, school selection can then be coordinated with the practical requirements of creating a suitable UK home.

Whether the family chooses Eton, Gordonstoun, Marlborough, Benenden or another leading independent school, early planning and specialist advice can make the transition considerably more organised.