Why is Eton considered so brilliant?

I have no idea why Eton is considered so " brilliant" save to say that much of it is to do with the fact it has a unique uniform! I was educated both in the state sector, and then a top public school in Dulwich College.

Academically it is no where near the best no matter what table you read. By way of example,Kings College Sshool Wimbledon, probably in terms of snob value is a "third tier "public School, yet comfortably sits in the to 3 at least in the UK, as does say tiffin Grammar not to mention others.

Remember a certain Prince got a 1 A level in Art , grade E, and he allegedly was helped considerably in that exam by a teacher, who subsequently sued the School for wrongful dismissal (successfully!) . Another Prince , soon to be married got ABC, hardly the stuff of genius. And more importantly my neighbour who harboured ideas of being a Barrister, stole a £100,000 cheque from his elderly neighbour and proceeded to bank it, resulting in a two year suspended prison sentence, followed by stealing a car whilst drunk, crashing it then fleeing the scene:followed by another suspended sentence!

It has a great rich history, and plays to it very well. However there are better more prestigious schools , which churn out top lawyers, investment bankers, medics, accountants etc.

i.e, Winchester College, Harrow College, Westminister, Charterhouse,Radley, and dare say Dulwich College, not including certain Grammar Schools.
Finally over 50% of Etonians are on some sort of financial assistance in respect of their fees. The reality is the school is over hyoed in the extreme caused by an old fashioned uniform, and members of the royal family going there. Certainly from my experience Dulwich Colege has facilities at least equal to Eton, and often much better, but is yet grounded and accepts people on MERIT only, and not class, status or connections!

You know what the ridiculous thing is, from my school you can clearly see harrow boys the distance between the two schools is that small yet the life chances of the students at both schools is so different. It’s sad really.

You make some very valid points. And I can certainly attest to your views about the sporting scene being a focal hub of ones education whilst at a major public school: I having run the 100 metres for England School Bouys previously

I do not feel that public school kids, do and can per se socialise better than state or grammar school children, that said a public school education can breed a certain type of confidence, and on occasion a sad and disgusting arrogance. Many of my friends attended top state schools, and grammars, and rest assured they can more than hold their own in socialising and holding conversation with eminent professionals.

My father is a Senior M.D at a bulge bracket IB, and they as do most Banks recruit on merit, and not through having met you briefly at , for example an Eton or Oxford careers fair. There are simply too many outstanding candidates outside the two I just mentioned for employers to ignore:no matter how well you network!

I do wholeheartedly agree with your point on University "coaching" for me that is the biggest difference between first and perhaps second tier public schools, and third tier public school/grammars and state schools.

I do not believe that those of us who attended top public schools are any cleverer pound for pound, however we are coached regarding Universities, subject choices, personal statements, and the"system" from as much as three years before we even apply for University.

I know my local 3rd tier public school, where I live produces outstanding A level results, yet produces a negligible amount of students attending Oxbridge, LSE,UCL,KCL, and Imperial. Whereas my school sent over half its sixth form to the above universities.

I agree continue to chat toBankers and Traders, it can do you no harm, although as you correctly say it is no magic bullet to an Internship or job. Do you mind if I ask, what school you attend/attended, and if tou havent already what and where do you intend to study at University?

Personally, I think private schools like Harrow School and Eton College which charge upto £30k per year are extremely overrated - I go to a one of the top state schools in the country and I receive a fine education - one of the best in the country - and I pay nothing for that.

Ah all excellent Universities, my rents live in Ross on Wye ! I am already here .. Bristol its a fab uni, and City I cannot recommend it highly enough!

My first choice is to be a Barrister, although stastistically that is unlikely, as most of the top commercial chambers receive 1000 applicants for 2 pupillages!, and then thereafter having secured pupillage one has to get a tenancy which is equally difficult!Banks love law and economics graduates, so it is almost certainly Investment Banking for me! Also I have been able to secure an internship this summer at a medium sized IB, I am not keen on the big american bulfhe bracket banks to be honest.When are you off to Uni, next September?

You don't spend 30 grand a year if you find it hard to afford it, you spend it because its that or a few holidays on the other side of the world, where you've probably been before. You just prefer that school to those holidays.

My first choice is to be a Barrister, although stastistically that is unlikely, as most of the top commercial chambers receive 1000 applicants for 2 pupillages!, and then thereafter having secured pupillage one has to get a tenancy which is equally difficult!Banks love law and economics graduates, so it is almost certainly Investment Banking for me! Also I have been able to secure an internship this summer at a medium sized IB, I am not keen on the big american bulfhe bracket banks to be honest.When are you off to Uni, next September?