No “putting down at birth” doesn’t happen, the entrance process is outlined clearly on the website and is competitive. Approx 100+ applicants for for each place. Testing at 10+, common entrance, B-listing for some not offered ”A” places and entry to the school at 13. Eton encourages applicants from the state sector and entry is from 96+ different schools each year. Once offered places, boys are offered and enter Houses; circa 60 boys, mixed year groups, 9-11 boys per year group (F-B Block). Every boy has his own room from day 1 - no dorms - grouped on corridors generally by year. The house system is strong and is the central pivot for school life, anchored by the Housemaster and Dame (a “house mother”/matron) and their friendly team. Eton has a wide range of boys, international and diverse both in ethnicity and background. It is surprisingly anti “showy money”, boys encouraged to embrace other values of community, whilst there are, obviously, children from many very wealthy families. It’s highly academic and instills both a value in, and enjoyment of, academic pursuit. Teaching staff are generally outstanding and totally committed. It is a very “full on” and competitive environment. Unbelievable level of opportunities for sport, drama, art, design, music, societies etc, boys are expected to engage fully and also to keep up with their academics. Eg if you are rowing for the school that’s between 18-21 hours a week training, on top of other school, house and academic commitments. Eton boys come from a far wider range of backgrounds than might be expected from its external image. They all seem to get on well. The school has an extensive Bursary scheme and there are also senior school scholarships (entry for sixth form). The Kings Scholars are “in College” and there are “Oppidan Scholars” (OS’s) marked out by their academic performance upon entry or in school Trials - Eton’s own very rigorous exams. Scholars are not (necessarily) bursary related though KS’s get a % off fees as standard. The KS exam entrance is different to standard entry and is a very hard exam. Trials (school exams) take place in both the Autumn and Summer Half (terms) and are, by nature of their toughness, a good preparation for the public examinations. All classes are streamed by ability based, partially, on Trials results.
Pastoral care is generally excellent and, in addition to their Housemaster, boys are allocated an academic tutor who oversees academic development, choices and progress.
University advice is good and strategic (early enough to prioritise sensible choices at GCSE & A’Level or Pre U) and the boys (realistically) encouraged to aim high.
Eton encourages independence and self sufficiency- it’s a big school and the young boys who arrive aged 13 have to find their place in this large and vibrant community - they are assisted by their HM and older housemates. It will not suit every boy.
In my experience, it is an outstanding school which encourages thoughtful and respectful exchanges of views, a strong sense of community and support of others . I have been impressed generally by the kindness and emotional intelligence of the young Etonians I come into contact with. Good luck to your DS.