The Eton Group is an informal association of twelve elite independent boys' boarding schools in the UK. Established to facilitate collaboration and the sharing of best practices among its members, the group focuses on academic excellence, administrative efficiency, and the preservation of the boarding tradition. Governance is decentralized, relying on regular meetings between headteachers and senior staff to coordinate inter-school competitions, professional development, and educational standards. While distinct from formal regulatory bodies, the group represents a powerful collective of high-status institutions with significant historical and educational influence.
EG Member Schools (9)
Charterhouse is a co-educational independent boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18, situated on a 250-acre campus in Godalming, Surrey. Founded in London in 1611 by Thomas Sutton, the school relocated to its present site in 1872, where it is housed in distinctive Gothic Revival buildings. The curriculum balances academic rigour with music, the arts, and sport. Notable facilities include the Queen’s Sports Centre and an art studio. Historically, Charterhouse is recognised for its significant role in the early development and codification of association football rules.
Christ's Hospital is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for students aged 11-18, situated on a 1,200-acre estate south of Horsham, West Sussex. Established in 1552, the school operates under a royal charter and is known for its charitable foundation. It claims to challenge inequality by providing a nurturing education to young people from diverse backgrounds, with a majority of students receiving means-tested bursaries. The curriculum aims to combine academic ambition with a focus on broader opportunities in sports, music, art, and drama.
Highgate School is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 4 to 18, situated in Highgate Village, North London. Founded in 1565 by Sir Roger Cholmeley, the school features a campus of historic Victorian architecture alongside modern facilities such as the Mills Centre for Art and Design. Its ethos focuses on academic curiosity and intellectual rigour, alongside a commitment to community engagement. Pupils follow a broad curriculum and participate in varied extracurricular activities in sport, music, and the arts, supported by facilities including the Mallinson Sports Centre.
St Paul's School is an independent school for boys aged 7 to 18, situated on a 45-acre riverside site in Barnes, London. Founded in 1509 by John Colet, the school emphasises a liberal education and academic scholarship. Its extensive campus includes an on-site boat club, a theatre, and specialised science and music centres. St Paul's operates as both a day and boarding school, with flexible and weekly boarding available for senior pupils. The institution’s historical alumni include notable figures such as John Milton and Samuel Pepys.
The King's School Canterbury is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18, situated within the Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral. Founded in 597 AD, it is widely considered the oldest school in the world. The school occupies a UNESCO World Heritage site, incorporating historic medieval buildings alongside modern facilities such as the Malthouse Theatre and the Birley Centre for music. Its ethos focuses on holistic development, offering a traditional academic curriculum complemented by extensive programmes in sport and the arts, all set within a unique scholarly environment.
Tonbridge School is an independent boarding and day school for boys aged 13 to 18, set within 150 acres of grounds in Kent. Founded in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judde, the school retains historical links with the Worshipful Company of Skinners. The campus features a blend of Victorian Gothic architecture and contemporary facilities, including the Barton Science Centre and the EM Forster Theatre. Academic life is complemented by a wide extracurricular programme and sporting provision; the Tonbridge School Centre was used as a training base for the 2012 Olympic Games.
University College School is an independent day school situated in Frognal, Hampstead, for pupils aged 4 to 18. Founded in 1830 by University College London, it was established on Benthamite principles to promote liberal scholarship and intellectual curiosity. The main campus features a Grade II listed Edwardian building and includes facilities such as an 800-seat Great Hall and the Sir Roger Bannister Sports Centre. While the school is historically for boys, the Sixth Form is co-educational, offering a progressive environment that emphasises individuality and a breadth of academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Westminster School is a historic boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18, located within the Precincts of Westminster Abbey. Refounded by Elizabeth I in 1560, it is the only ancient school to remain on its original site in central London. The school is centred around Little Dean’s Yard and includes notable architecture such as the 14th-century College Hall. It provides a liberal education that encourages independent thought and academic rigour. Facilities include the 13-acre Vincent Square playing fields and a modern sports centre. Girls are currently admitted to the Sixth Form.
Westminster Under School is an independent preparatory school for boys aged 7 to 13, established in 1943. Situated in central London at 27 Vincent Square, it overlooks the Westminster School playing fields. The school claims to focus on a liberal education, fostering a love of knowledge, inquisitiveness, and a desire to serve others. It also aims to develop compassionate and intellectually enriched pupils. The school is known for its strengths in music, sports, drama, chess, and Latin, with choristers often serving St Margaret's Church in Westminster Abbey.