James Middleton’s Candid Take on Schools: A Reflection for Prince George

In a recent discussion about education, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is weighing in on her brother-in-law James Middleton's rather blunt six-word review of schools as they consider options for Prince George.

The young royal, who is at a pivotal stage in his academic journey, has already toured several prestigious institutions, including Eton College, which holds historical significance as the alma mater of his father, Prince William.

James Middleton, who has his own experiences with the educational system, shared his thoughts on the boarding school Marlborough, where he and his sisters, Princess Kate and Pippa Middleton, were educated.

His succinct critique painted a vivid picture of an environment that prioritizes academic excellence above all else.

According to GB News, he expressed that the school was one that seemed to focus solely on achieving the best grades, a pressure he found difficult to navigate during his time there.

He described his feelings about Marlborough by stating, “it's all about the best grades,” suggesting that the competitive atmosphere was overwhelming.

This emphasis on success, he noted, often overshadowed other important aspects of education, leading to a narrow definition of achievement.

James candidly admitted, “maybe my critique was that it placed too much emphasis on success, excellence or being at the top.”

This relentless pursuit of top-tier performance meant that only the highest-achieving teams received accolades, leaving students like James feeling overlooked.

“I was never in the first teams,” he reflected, contrasting his experience with that of his sisters, who thrived in the school's competitive culture.

“My sisters were, and they performed admirably,” he added, highlighting the disparity in their experiences.

James also touched on the emotional challenges he faced, revealing that he struggled to find his footing amidst the high expectations.

“It was unfortunate that some of the difficult things I had to deal with at the time were not addressed,” he lamented, suggesting that greater support could have helped him manage his self-expectations and feelings of inadequacy.

Despite these challenges, James maintained a sense of gratitude for his educational journey.

He acknowledged that attending such a reputable school was a privilege, even if it came with its own set of pressures.