What age are students at Eton?
No, and as far as I know there are no plans
to accept them. There may be the occasional daughter of a master (teacher)
getting lessons for A-level subjects they cannot get elsewhere.
Can I go to Eton (as a student)?
If you're old enough to be reading this,
almost certainly not. More information about entrance is available on the
official Eton web site. There
are a number of bursaries and scholarships available, so you don't have to
be rich. (but it certainly helps)
Can I go to Eton (as a tourist)?
Yes, visit the
Eton web site for opening times,
prices, etc. Warning - if you're going in an group of more than 8 people
you will have to book in advance (or try and look like you haven't just
stepped off a tour bus together).
Hard work, mostly. Everything is geared
towards the all-important examinations (GCSE and A-levels) that get you
into one of the UK's top universities, such as Oxford or
Cambridge. Eton are exceptionally good at this - with
some years 30% or more of students getting offered places at Oxford or Cambridge.
Sport is also a major component of life at
Eton, and it helps if you're sporty and have talent in the major sports of
football, rugby, cricket, rowing, and the Field Game (a bizarre combination of
rugby and football that nobody plays except at Eton).
Does everyone board at Eton?
Yes, all students board. Everyone has their
own room, which can be decorated in their own style (within the boundaries
of taste and decency). Boys are grouped together in Houses of 50 boys,
with a House Master, and a Dame (matron).
No. Fags were first year boys who were the
personal servants of older boys and had tasks like stoking the fire in
their room, running errands, warming up a cold loo seat, etc. You might
remember this from the book "Tom
Brown's Schooldays" (although that was set at
Rugby School). The practice was
ended in the 1970s, although like in any society those at the bottom of
the pile (those in "F Block" or the first year) still get the jobs and chores nobody
else wants!
Is there still caning or other
corporal punishment?
No, the right to use it
was retained until the mid 1990s, when the implementation of the
Children's Act made it illegal. In fact the Children's Act has made life
today at Eton like a holiday camp compared to those who were there in
the 80s and before!
Where can I find out more about these strange
phrases used at Eton?
What are the contact details for Eton?
Address: Eton College, Windsor SL4 6DW,
United Kingdom
Telephone: 01753 671000 or from outside the
UK +44 1753 671000.
Many more contact names and numbers can be
found on the official Eton web
site.
If the above hasn't answered your
questions, visit the official web site or drop me an e-mail.
