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Prince George to attend private day school where best friends are 'banned'

Prince George is to join Thomas's School, Battersea, in September
Prince George is to join Thomas's School, Battersea, in September

Prince George is to join a new private day school where the first rule is to “be kind” and children are discouraged from picking a best friend in case of hurt feelings.

Prince George, aged three, will join Thomas’s London Day School, Battersea, in September, as he begins his journey into full-time formal education.

The young Prince will attend the mixed-sex day school, which costs £4,500 a term and has a particular focus on the arts, sports and the importance of outdoor activities.

The school said it was honoured that its aims and values “reflect those that Their Royal Highnesses would like for Prince George’s education”.

A spokesman for Kensington Palace said:  "Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to have found a school where they are confident George will have a happy and successful start to his education."

Prince George on his first day at nursery
Prince George on his first day at nursery

Principals of the school, Ben and Tobyn Thomas, informed parents of their new pupil earlier today, pledging that it would not change as a result of Prince George attendance.

In an email, they emphasised that they are “deeply conscious of the trust that they, like all Thomas's parents, are placing in us and we hope very much to live up to their expectations.”

They told parents: “The Duke and Duchess have made it clear that they do not wish Prince George's attendance at Thomas's to change its aims, values or ethos in any way.

Prince George with his sister Princess Charlotte, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Prince George with his sister Princess Charlotte, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

“They would like, as far as is possible, for him to enjoy the same education that all of our pupils receive and for them to join the school community as all of our new parents do.”

Security and communication strategies have already been closely examined ahead of the announcement, as teachers and parents brace for the increased attention.

The school’s website details how its most important rule is to “be kind”, with a teaching framework based on “enjoyment, learning and achievement”.

The school emphasises art and sports
The school emphasises art and sports

It states: “Whilst we are proud of our record of senior school entrance and scholarship successes, we place a greater emphasis on a set of core values, which include kindness, courtesy, confidence, humility and learning to be givers, not takers.”

Ben Thomas, the headteacher, has previously spoken how how he hoped pupils would have “lots of good friends” rather than one best friend, in a bid to avoid possessive and hurt feelings.

Prince George was previously expected to attend Wetherby School, his father’s alma mater.

Prince George on duty with the Royal family for Trooping the Colour
Prince George on duty with the Royal family for Trooping the Colour

The Duchess ofCambridge has previously said: “My parents taught me about the importance of qualities like kindness, respect, and honesty, and I realise how central values like these have been to me throughout my life.

“That is why William and I want to teach our little children, George and Charlotte, just how important these things are as they grow up.

“In my view it is just as important as excelling at maths or sport.” 

In brief | Thomas’s Battersea

 

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