Royal Report Card: The Shocking Difference in William, Kate & Harry’s Grades
Royal Report Cards: How British Royals Performed in School
Welcome Back to School Season!
It’s that time of year again — backpacks are packed, pencils are sharpened, and Prince George is getting ready for a brand new adventure. This fall, he’ll be walking through the historic gates of Eton College, the same famous boarding school his dad (Prince William) and uncle (Prince Harry) attended.
But before we watch the next generation of royals hit the books, let’s take a fun look back at how the current royal family did on their own report cards. Spoiler alert: there are no grade requirements to be a royal!
Important Note: The UK grading system is different from what you might know in the US. Keep reading for a simple breakdown!
Understanding UK Grades (ELI5 Version)
British schools use two main systems. Think of them like different video game scoring systems:
A-Levels (Taken around age 18, like final boss levels)
| Grade | Meaning | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| A | Outstanding | A+ |
| B | Very Good | A |
| C | Good | B |
| D | Satisfactory | C |
| E | Minimum Pass | D |
| U | Fail (Ungraded) | F |
GCSEs (Taken around age 16, like mid-game checkpoints)
| Number Grade | Meaning | Old Letter Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Exceptional | A** |
| 8 | Excellent | A* |
| 7 | Very Good | A |
| 6 | Good | B |
| 5 | Strong Pass | C+ |
| 4 | Standard Pass | C |
| 3-1 | Below Pass | D-G |
| U | Fail | U |
Key Takeaway: A "4" in GCSE or an "E" in A-Levels is the minimum to pass. Anything below means you didn’t make the cutoff.
The Royal Students: A Quick Roll Call
The article mentions several royals whose school days we’ll explore:
- Princess Anne — The Princess Royal, King Charles’s sister
- Prince William — Prince George’s dad, future King
- Prince Harry — The Duke of Sussex, William’s brother
- Princess Beatrice — Prince Andrew’s daughter
- Prince George — The newest Eton student (starting soon!)
Why Eton College Is a Big Deal
Eton isn’t just any school — it’s one of the world’s most famous boarding schools. Here’s why it matters:
- Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI (that’s over 580 years ago!)
- 20+ British Prime Ministers went there
- Princes William & Harry both attended
- Prince George will be the next royal student
- It’s an all-boys boarding school near Windsor Castle
What We’ll Discover Next
While this intro sets the stage, the full royal report card reveals:
- Who got top marks
- Who struggled with certain subjects
- Surprising subject choices (art? geography? military training?)
- How school shaped their royal roles today
Summary
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Event | Prince George starting at Eton College |
| Family Tradition | William & Harry are Eton alumni |
| Grading Systems | A-Levels (A–E) & GCSEs (9–1) |
| Passing Grades | A-Level: E or above • GCSE: 4 or above |
| Royal Reality | No grades required for the crown! |
FAQ: Your Royal School Questions Answered
1. Do royals have to go to boarding school?
Nope! It’s a family tradition for some (like William and Harry at Eton), but others chose different paths. Princess Anne went to Benenden School, and Princess Beatrice attended St George’s School in Ascot.
2. What happens if a royal gets bad grades?
Absolutely nothing — officially! There are no academic requirements to be a royal. Their roles are based on birth order and constitutional duties, not report cards.
3. Is Eton College only for royals and rich kids?
Eton is a private boarding school with high fees, but they offer scholarships and financial aid. Many students aren’t from royal or ultra-wealthy families — they’re just academically talented.
4. Why does the UK use numbers (9-1) for GCSEs now?
The system changed in 2017 to allow more distinction at the top end. The old A–G system couldn’t differentiate well between the very highest achievers. Now a "9" is even better than the old A!
5. Will Prince George take A-Levels or something else?
Most likely A-Levels — they’re the standard pre-university qualification in England. At Eton, he’ll probably study 3–4 subjects in depth over two years (ages 16–18).
Final Thought: Whether you’re a prince or a regular student, school is about learning, growing, and finding your path. The royals prove that there are many ways to succeed — in and out of the classroom!