To all intents and purposes, College is just another house just like any of the other 24 Oppidan houses or ‘normal houses’ if you like. Once upon a time, some 600 years ago, there was only one house at Eton and it’s called, College. Given its unique history, today College is however, the most illustrious and prestigious house, well revered throughout the world and is the only house that is situated right inside the School and therefore, is most convenient from where to access all parts of the School, be it the classrooms, music rooms, science and language laboratories, the Farrer Theatre, the playing fields, the swimming pool, both College and School libraries, College Chapel etc.
Going back to its foundation in the 15th century, there are some ceremonial processes that go on at College each year that the bulk of Etonians or their parents are totally unaware of. When a new KS first enters the School, he undergoes a ceremony that officially admits him to College. For example, this certificate written in Latin, hung on a wall in my home office has pride of place not only because it denotes DS’s admittance to College but officiated and signed by the then Provost of Eton, Sir Eric Anderson, one of the UK’s greatest educators; a man who had educated two British Prime Ministers, Tony Blair at Fettes (Housemaster), David Cameron at Eton (Head Master), and a future British King, Prince Charles at Gordonstoun.
College is where all the brilliant minds and geniuses gather under one roof. Even the very youngest on entry at age 13 has the intelligence equivalent (or more) to that of a First Year Oxford undergraduate. It is hardly surprising therefore, to see these ultra brilliant boys go on to achieve greatness in later life. Very quickly, the likes of W E Gladstone, Harold Macmillan (Prime Ministers), J M Keynes (Economist), George Orwell* (Writer) to name but a few, were all products of College. The list is too long but for the present, just watch out for Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London.
This thread asks ‘what type of boys’ at Eton College. Whether it’s boys at Eton College (Oppidans) or boys at Eton College (Collegers), except for the grey matter at the head department, they are all the same as boys from Winchester College or The Grange Community College. As you can see, College is no more different from any other Oppidan house when it comes to boys behaving like teenagers - yes, pillow fights, guitars and all. . .
Still on tradition, around the end of February each year, Collegers are given money on ‘Threepenny Day’ in a short ceremony after lunch. A KS will collect a total of 5 threepenny bits over the 5 years he spends at College. The coins themselves are not of any high commercial value but to the scholars and their families, these coins are priceless as far as value goes. They are the tangible mementos of a Colleger’s time and achievements at Eton and representing a piece of ancient Etonian history, a prized possession to be treasured for posterity and to be shown to friends and family alike.
Much have been said about the food at College Hall where Collegers dine. For sure, I can tell you the one thing that my DP was always eagerly looking forward to each time a visit was due at Eton’s is the food at College Hall. Not being funny when I say this, food at College Hall can seriously embarrass even the kitchens of many 5-star hotels.
And if all else fails, if only to avoid the mad traffic jams that happen each time the School breaks up for exeat and term holidays, the easy reach and ample parking spaces within the compounds of College should be the deal breaker. I have often wondered how did Oppidan parents manage at such a stressful time.
- Can anyone point out where is George Orwell?