It feels like no time has passed at all since Prince George was introduced to the world as a newborn wrapped in a white blanket on the steps of the hospital. Yet suddenly, the future king is on the cusp of a milestone many families know well. At just 12 years old, Prince George is preparing for a major transition that will quietly reshape daily life for the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.

In 2026, George is expected to begin secondary school, marking the end of early childhood and the start of a more independent chapter. For parents everywhere, the move to “big school” often comes with mixed emotions. There is pride, nerves, and an awareness that routines, friendships, and expectations are about to change. For the royal family, those feelings are further complicated by considerations of privacy, security, and public attention.

Although George will not turn 13 until July 2026, discussions around his education are already underway. Unlike his father, Prince William, who began boarding school at age 8, George currently lives at home with his parents and younger siblings. That difference alone highlights how each generation within the royal family navigates tradition slightly differently, even when following a similar path.

Behind the scenes, the Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to be carefully weighing their options. The decision is not just about academics but also about the environment, structure, and how best to support George during a formative period of his life. Wherever he goes, the change will mark a significant step toward adulthood, one that royal watchers and parents alike recognize as a defining moment.

The question of where George will attend school has sparked discussion among royal commentators, with a few familiar names emerging as possibilities.

The significance of Prince George’s next school move was discussed on an episode of “A Right Royal Podcast,” where royal experts reflected on the impact of the change. The Telegraph’s Royal Editor, Hannah Furness, described the move as a major moment, noting that secondary school represents a “big deal” for the young prince. She also acknowledged that boarding school remains a possibility, depending on which institution the family chooses.

Speculation has centered on two well-known schools. Royal Managing Editor Ainhoa Barcelona suggested that the leading contenders are Eton College in Windsor, the all-boys school attended by Prince William and Prince Harry, and Marlborough College in Berkshire, a co-educational school and the alma mater of Princess Catherine. Each option carries its own history and symbolism, making the decision both personal and highly visible.

Despite the public interest, experts believe the Prince and Princess of Wales will proceed cautiously. Melanie Sanderson, Managing Editor of The Good Schools Guide, explained why the family is unlikely to rush an announcement:

“(The Waleses) understand that the school itself, as well as George’s new peer group, will fall under intense scrutiny as soon as it is revealed.”

Sanderson added that they will likely want to minimize that attention, allowing George to settle into his new environment “with as little fanfare as possible.” That approach reflects how William and Catherine have consistently handled their children’s upbringing, balancing royal duty with a desire for normalcy. While George’s future role is extraordinary, his parents appear focused on giving him space to grow, learn, and adjust at his own pace.

Which school do you think Prince George should go to? Do you think it would matter which school he attends? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other British Royal Family fans out there!