Schools fit for a future king: Inside the prestigious institutions on offer for Prince George's education (and their eye-watering term fees)

  • William revealed yesterday that he and Kate are already looking for schools
  • Family may return to London, meaning William's old school is favourite
  • But Duchess of Cambridge has shown desire for more rural life in Norfolk 

He may have only just settled into nursery, but Prince William has revealed that he and Kate are already looking at potential schools for George.

There has been speculation that the family will relocate to Kensington Palace when George starts school, with the Duke of Cambridge's former pre-prep a key contender.

But the Duchess has shown her desire for a more rural family life at Anmer Hall in Norfolk - meaning some of the county's best institutions are also in the running.

Prince William has revealed that he and Kate are already looking at potential schools for George, who currently attends the Westacre Montessori Nursery in Norfolk 

Prince William has revealed that he and Kate are already looking at potential schools for George, who currently attends the Westacre Montessori Nursery in Norfolk 

The two-year-old is expected to start school in September 2017, after turning four in July.  

Prince George currently attends the Westacre Montessori Nursery, which is just a few minutes' drive from Anmer Hall.

William went to Wetherby School in London from the age of four, before moving onto Ludgrove School in Berkshire and eventually Eton College.

Meanwhile, Kate was enrolled at the age of four at her local church school, St Andrew's, near the village of Pangbourne in Berkshire before eventually going to Marlborough College.

William and Harry (pictured in 1990) both attended Wetherby School from the age of four, making it a favourite for George

William and Harry (pictured in 1990) both attended Wetherby School from the age of four, making it a favourite for George

Expert Susan Hamlyn, who is Director of The Good Schools Guide, said: 'Clearly, there is a range of options for George in both settings – excellent schools, both state and independent in both. 

'The royal couple may want to take into account that Charlotte will follow in due course and that might influence their choice of a boys only or a mixed school. 

'Wherever he goes, George will make local friends and there will be reciprocal invitations – as with all youngsters. 

'Doubtless, this will also have a bearing on the decision. Primary school relationships – with both teachers and fellow pupils - may not last a lifetime but they are formative and, as a sensible and forward-looking young couple, Kate and William will be taking this into account too.'  

WETHERBY SCHOOL 

Distance from Kensington Palace: 0.7 miles 

The Notting Hill school, which charges £6,540 a term, is just a 15-minute walk from Kensington Palace 

The Notting Hill school, which charges £6,540 a term, is just a 15-minute walk from Kensington Palace 

William and Harry's former school is the clear favourite when it comes to potential schools for the young prince. 

Wetherby, which charges £6,540 a term, is just a 15-minute walk from Kensington Palace, in a beautiful listed building overlooking Pembridge Square Gardens.

Many of the pupils at the all-boys school, which accommodates around 250 students, go on to Eton, St Paul's and Westminster.

Other famous old boys include Hugh Grant, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Julian Fellowes. 

The uniform consists of a distinctive red tie, grey cap and scarlet-trimmed blazer.

BEESTON HALL  

Distance from Anmer Hall: 33 miles  

There has been much speculation that George's first school could be Beeston Hall in Cromer

There has been much speculation that George's first school could be Beeston Hall in Cromer

There has been much speculation that George's first school could be Beeston Hall in Cromer, which is situated on a National Trust estate on the Norfolk coast.

The £5,535-a-term school is set to open its pre-prep in September and will be small enough to suit the low-key couple.

The school promises plenty of extra-curricular activities, from sailing to gardening, with a particular focus on 'outdoor learning'. 

The couple are also believed to have friends with children currently attending the school. Also the fact that it is co-educational means that Charlotte would be able to follow in her brother's footsteps.

The downside is that the school is an hour's drive from their home at Anmer Hall.  

Pupils wear a traditional grey blazer with a navy trim, along with a navy sweater, blue shirt and tie. 

GARDEN HOUSE SCHOOL

Distance from Kensington Palace: 2.5 miles 

Another on the list of contenders in London is the Garden House School in Chelsea

Another on the list of contenders in London is the Garden House School in Chelsea

Another school on the list of contenders is the Garden House School in Chelsea, which is popular with the Tatler crowd. 

Boys and girls are taught separately at the £7,000-a-term school that promises to offer a 'broad and exciting curriculum'. 

Parents who are said to have had children here include Lady Helen Windsor and Roman Abramovich, while famous pupils include Formula 1 heiress Tamara Ecclestone.

Pupils wear a blue tweed jacket with grey cord trousers or three-quarter length shorts. 

DOWNHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL  

Distance from Anmer Hall: 19 miles

Downham Preparatory School is closer to the family's Norfrolk mansion than Beeston Hall

Downham Preparatory School is closer to the family's Norfrolk mansion than Beeston Hall

Another choice could be this co-educational school, which is situated in a beautiful Old Rectory building in the village of Stow Bardolph.

It is closer to the family's Norfrolk mansion than Beeston Hall and was rated outstanding by Ofsted in all areas in 2014.

The £1,962-a-term school started off with its Montessori Nursery School in 1984, meaning it should fit in with the philosophy of George's current nursery.

Pupils wear navy blazers along with matching navy sweaters with a red trim. 

ST MARY ABBOTS PRIMARY SCHOOL

Distance from Kensington Palace: 0.5 miles 

William and Kate's status as modern royals could be cemented if they break tradition and enroll George at St Mary Abbot's Primary School

William and Kate's status as modern royals could be cemented if they break tradition and enroll George at St Mary Abbot's Primary School

William and Kate's status as modern royals could be cemented if they break tradition and enroll George at a local primary school.

St Mary Abbots Primary School is just down the road from the palace and was rated 'Good' in 2014. It is also where David and Samantha Cameron sent their children.

Kate herself attended her local church school when she was a youngster, making this primary an outside contender for the young prince.  

Pupils wear a navy blue sweater with a pale blue polo top underneath.  

SANDRINGHAM AND WEST NEWTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Distance from Anmer Hall: 3 miles 

Sandringham and West Newton Primary School, situated on the Sandringham Estate, could be another option 

Sandringham and West Newton Primary School, situated on the Sandringham Estate, could be another option 

If the couple do decide to go for a state school, this small village school situated on the Queen's Sandringham Estate could be the perfect option.

There would be plenty of opportunity for George to explore, with walks taking place in the neighbouring grounds.

The small class sizes here will be appealing to William and Kate and the school was rated good in all areas by Ofsted in 2014.

Pupils wear a blue sweater, white shirt and grey trousers. 

FLITCHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL  

Distance from Anmer Hall: 2.5 miles 

Another strong contender on the state school front is Flitcham Primary School, which is just down the road from Anmer Hall 

Another strong contender on the state school front is Flitcham Primary School, which is just down the road from Anmer Hall 

Another strong contender on the state school front is Flitcham Primary School, which is just down the road from the family's Norfolk home.

Flitcham promises to create a 'warm, inclusive and stimulating environment' for children and has a motto of 'Live Together, Learn Together, Play Together'. 

The school, which attended by around 55 pupils, was rated outstanding by Ofsted in 2012

The uniform for boys consists of navy blue sweater, pale blue polo neck and grey trousers or shorts.  

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