subject: Eton College, A Bastion Of Exclusive Excellence [print this page] Eton College, located near Windsor in Berkshire is generally recognized as Britains most prestigious and exclusive boys school. Catering to boys aged 13 to 18, Eton boasts a vast list of eminent former pupils including the current Prime Minister of the UK David Cameron.
Surprisingly, Eton was founded by Henry VI to serve as the place of instruction for 70 talented but poor boys who were unable to afford quality education. In later years the school developed steadily, although it was subject to its share of trials and tribulations.
Today the school is organized into 25 boys houses, of which each falls under the authority of a housemaster, selected from the senior members of staff. The entire teaching staff number around 160, and the student to teacher ratio is 10 : 1.
Each house also appoints a House Captain and Games Captain. The entire house meets in the evening for a session known as Prayers (the original task conducted at this time). Both the housemaster and the pupils take this occasion to announce matters of note, and occasionally the boys provide entertainment for each other. Particularly in the sporting field, there are many inter-house competitions which are conducted with great enthusiasm.
Eton features many famous traditions, one of the most distinctive being the unique school uniform. This takes the form of a waistcoat, black tailcoat, pinstripe trousers, false collar and white tie. The teaching staff must also adhere to their respective uniform when teaching.
Visits to Eton College may be arranged; the historic buildings of the school are certainly worth a closer look. The College Chapel, which has a history of many centuries, is a magnificent Gothic building with exceptional stained glass windows and wall paintings. The College Hall, Cloisters and College Library are also imposing structures. Not to be missed is the Museum of Eton Life which documents activities at the school over the years.
Travellers seeking a Slough Berkshire hotel from which to explore regional highlights will find all that they seek in the Copthorne Hotel Slough Windsor. This convenient Slough hotel provides comfortable accommodation and attentive hospitality so as to satisfy the expectations of its clients.
