by Grace McGettigan
29th Aug 2019
29th Aug 2019
Princess Charlotte, the second-born child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, will attend her first day of school this year. Here’s everything we know about the private school and the lessons she’ll attend this September
Princess Charlotte will attend her first day of school next week, with reports saying she “can’t wait” to start.
The four-year-old has been enrolled at Thomas’s Battersea in London, the same private school her big brother, Prince George, goes to.
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The school costs a whopping £19,287 per year or slightly more than £6,429 per term; though there is a 2% discount for Charlotte as she is the second child in the family to attend, with a further discount offered for the third child, who in this case will be Prince Louis.
Princess Charlotte’s first day will be Thursday, September 5 and it’s said she will be accompanied to the school by her mother Kate Middleton. In 2017, when Prince George had his first day, the duchess was too ill to attend. She was pregnant with Prince Louis at the time and suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum.
The school
According to Thomas’s Battersea’s mission statement, it is “a busy, thriving, purposeful school, educating 560 boys and girls between the ages of four and 13.
“As you would expect of any Thomas’s school,” the statement continues, “the most important school rule is to ‘Be Kind’.”
It goes on to say that pupils, including Princess Charlotte, will learn “a rich and broad curriculum”, including art, ballet, drama, ICT (Information and Communications Technology), French, music and PE; all of which are taught by specialist teachers from the child’s first day.
What’s more, the school’s ambition is “to develop in each pupil an enquiring mind and a life-long love of learning”. It insists that, through enthusiastic, inspiring teaching, excellent resources, and a broad and balanced curriculum, pupils are “well prepared not merely for the demands of senior school entrance examinations, but also for a rich and fulfilling future”.
Only the best for the royals, it seems.
Charlotte’s first day of nursery in 2017
Extra-curricular activities
In addition to her varied lessons, the young princess will also be brought on regular trips and excursions. “Pupils enjoy regular day trips to London’s art galleries, theatres, parks, museums and historic locations,” the school website reads, adding that older children can travel further afield.
She may also like to enrol in some after-school clubs, of which there are many. Pottery, debating, philosophy, golf, community gardening and Italian are just some of the clubs available at Thomas’s Battersea.
The four-year-old’s new headmaster, Simon O’Malley, said, “We are delighted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have decided Princess Charlotte will join her elder brother, Prince George, at Thomas’s Battersea.
“We greatly look forward to welcoming her and all of our new pupils to the school in September.”
Photos: Kensington Palace
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