Prince William attended schools that reflect both private privilege and a commitment to public service. His education path includes prestigious UK institutions that prepared him for royal duties.
Below is a detailed overview of the key institutions, timelines, and characteristics of his schooling, designed for clarity and quick scanning.
| Institution | Type | Location | Years Attended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lambrook School | Pre-prep | Winkfield Row, Berkshire | 1992–1995 |
| Wetherby School | Pre-prep | London | 1995–1999 |
| St Andrew’s School | Primary | Buckinghamshire | 1999–2001 |
| Eton College | Independent secondary | Windsor, Berkshire | 2001–2005 Eton senior years > |
| University of St Andrews | Higher education | Scotland | 2001–2005 study gap / 2008–2011 degree |
Early Years and Primary Schooling
Prince William’s early education focused on a stable environment close to home as well as structured preparatory schooling.
Lambrook School and Wetherby School
He began at Lambrook School in Berkshire, a pre-prep institution, before moving to Wetherby School in London. These early years provided a gentle introduction to formal education within a supportive setting.
St Andrew’s School
From 1999 to 2001, William attended St Andrew’s School in Buckinghamshire, a Church of England primary school that emphasized traditional values alongside academic basics.
Secondary Education at Eton College
From 2001 to 2005, Prince William studied at Eton College, one of the world’s most renowned independent schools. The curriculum combined academics with leadership opportunities, preparing him for future public responsibilities.
At Eton, he pursued a mix of traditional subjects and extracurricular activities, benefiting from small classes and expert teaching. This phase of his schooling strengthened his discipline, public speaking, and teamwork skills.
Higher Education at University of St Andrews
After a gap year that included voluntary work and travel, Prince William enrolled at the University of St Andrews in Scotland in 2001 to study Art History.
He later shifted to Geography, achieving a 2:1 Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005. The university environment allowed him to develop critical thinking and independence while balancing royal duties.
His time at St Andrews was notable for being a more anonymous student experience, fostering personal growth away from intense media scrutiny.
Post-Graduate Training and Military Studies
Following university, Prince William completed officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
He served as a commissioned officer in the Blues and Royals, gaining leadership skills and practical field experience. Subsequent specialized training included search and rescue helicopter pilot instruction with the Royal Air Force.
Key Takeaways
- Started education at Lambrook School and Wetherby School for early foundations.
- Completed primary schooling at St Andrew’s School in Buckinghamshire.
- Attended Eton College for secondary education, benefiting from its academic and leadership environment.
- Studied at the University of St Andrews, balancing academics with developing personal independence.
- Undertook military training at Sandhurst and pursued aviation training, aligning with royal service commitments.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which schools did Prince William attend as a child?
He attended Lambrook School, Wetherby School, and St Andrew’s School before moving on to secondary education.
Did Prince William go to Eton College?
Yes, he studied at Eton College from 2001 to 2005, completing his secondary education there.
Which university did Prince William attend and what did he study?
He attended the University of St Andrews, where he first studied Art History and later Geography, graduating in 2005.
What military training did Prince William complete after university?
He trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and served in the Blues and Royals, later becoming a search and rescue helicopter pilot.