It prides itself on producing students who are “climate champions” as well as “decent, ambitious… but never arrogant.”
Now, with music to the ears of green activist King Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales have added Oundle School to their top picks for the secondary education of their eldest son, Prince George.
Their search for the best school has led them to visit their alma maters: William’s Eton and Kate’s Marlborough College.
But Oundle, a £34,000-a-year co-educational school in north Northamptonshire, is now the favourite.
It dates back to 1556 but has a modern spirit, which it boasts on its website: “We have a responsibility to ensure that each member of the school community takes both individual and collective action towards environmental sustainability.”
Prince George (pictured) attending the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25
The Prince and Princess of Wales have added Oundle School (pictured) to their top picks for their eldest son Prince George’s secondary education.
In December, ten-year-old George and his parents visited £47,000-a-year Marlborough, where Kate’s siblings Pippa and James were also educated. It is understood that George has been allocated a ‘house’ in a secure location and has been assigned a manager in case he takes up a place.
But there are said to be concerns that Marlborough has become “too flashy” after a rise in its popularity among ultra-rich families due to its association with the Middletons.
“The 2024 version of Marlborough may be quite different from how Kate remembers it,” a source said. “It’s become a little more jet-set. Many parents have villas in Ibiza, chalets in Verbier or a private jet, which is not Kate’s style. She prefers discreet wealth.
Oundle says: “We encourage aspiration and abhor arrogance, encouraging open minds, genuine self-confidence and a sense of service.”
A key advantage is that, like Marlborough, all of the Welsh’s children could attend the co-educational school, a solution their security team is said to prefer.
William was initially interested in sending George to Eton, a few miles from Windsor, but they are just boys. One consideration is whether George would be comfortable boarding at Oundle from the age of 11.
A source said: “Kate wants a school that suits all her children and keeps them grounded.”
Oundle and Kensington Palace have been contacted for comment.