Latest news with #Berkshire-based
Scotsman
19-05-2025
- Scotsman
77% of teens using AI for homework
One in five pupils describe themselves as 'regular users' of AI tools 📱 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A new survey of over a thousand teens has found three quarters have used AI to help with homework Many teachers worry students are becoming too reliant - or fear it could harm literacy or critical thinking skills The Department for Education believes AI tools could be helpful to teachers While generally positive about its potential, some teens have concerns about AI too Teachers are concerned some of their pupils might be taking the easy way out, by turning to generative AI for homework help. A new survey commissioned by Berkshire-based independent girls' school Downe House saw 1,044 teenagers aged 15 to 18, attending both state and private schools across England, Scotland and Wales, polled about their own use and views of artificial intelligence earlier this year. More than three quarters (77%) of those who answered admitted to using AI tools to help complete their homework. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Teens were learning most of what they knew about AI from social media, the survey also showed, and were split on learning about its ethics. But why exactly are teachers concerned about this, and is using AI for learning really that much of an issue? Here's what we've learned from this latest piece of research: Downe House School's Jane Basnett says educators have a role to play in making sure pupils get accurate info on AI | Image: National World/Adobe Stock/Downe House School (supplied) Is using AI for schoolwork really a problem? AI use seems to be fairly widespread amongst older teens. The study found that a resounding 94% had used AI tools, apps or chat bots. Of these, nearly half (49%) said that they only used AI tools occasionally, while 20% admitted to regular use. Where these young people were learning about AI, what it could do, and its limitations also mattered. More than half (54%) of pupils surveyed said they felt knowledgeable around AI capabilities, although a further 54% said they relied solely on the internet and social media for insight. Only about one in five (19%) children said they got this information from their school - although 66% of pupils said they wanted to learn more about AI in class. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But when it came to ethics, students were more divided. Asked whether or not the ethics of using AI should be included in the school curriculum, almost half (46%) said they weren't concerned about this, while 42% felt it was important. In the survey, one pupil said they feared that not using AI for their schoolwork could be setting them back, if everyone else was. 'Personally, I feel that when others in my class are using AI to complete tasks, but I am not (because I don't really agree with it), then I am being disadvantaged.' But AI in education is not without positives either. In a recent blog post on AI in schools, the Department for Education wrote that the evidence showed that high quality, personalised feedback could build pupil attainment, 'and AI tools can help with this'. 'AI tools can speed up marking and help teachers understand each pupil's progress better, so they can tailor their teaching to what each child needs,' they wrote. 'This won't replace the important relationship between pupils and teachers - it will strengthen it by giving teachers back valuable time to focus on the human side of teaching that makes all the difference to how well pupils learn.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It could also help teachers reduce their workload by planning lessons, creating resources, and handling administrative tasks, 'so they can focus on what they do best - teaching and supporting their pupils'. But the DfE warned that educators would still need to use their professional judgement, and check that anything AI generated was accurate and appropriate. Why are some teachers concerned? Downe House said that students' mixed opinions on learning about AI ethics signalled that there might be an over-reliance by some young people on using these tools at school. The school's digital learning director, Jane Basnett, added that teachers also had a role to play in making sure what their pupils learned about AI was accurate and balanced. 'We have to step up as educators and invest more in training teachers adequately on ethical use of AI,' she said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There is no denying that AI is appealing to young people and despite some obvious concerns associated with the findings of this study, there is a certain level of intrigue and optimism around its potential too, with 60% believing AI improves their learning experience and a further 66% of pupils saying they want to learn more about AI in school,' she continued. 'Yet there is clearly a gap in terms of what we are teaching children in school. If they are getting most of their insight from social media and websites, it is up to schools to help balance that.' A 2024 survey of teachers by the National Literacy Trust found that they were split on being worried or unbothered about their pupils' AI use - with secondary school teachers generally more concerned. But nearly half (48.9%) believed it would have a negative impact on children's writing skills, while more than half (56.6%) were concerned generative AI could stop children thinking for themselves. About 2 in 5 (42.3%) felt that it could decrease children's engagement with learning. Almost all of them (82%) agreed that students should be taught how to engage critically with generative-AI tools. Are teens worried about AI too? Although the survey showed that AI and its potential uses were of interest to young people, Downe House said that many were also 'very much aware' of the potential for over-use - and its possible consequences. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Overall, 41% of students were optimistic about the role of AI in shaping their future, while 18% were not. Almost half (47%) of the pupils surveyed said that they were worried about AI leading to job losses in their current field of interest in the future. The school shared a selection of comments from participants too, outlining their own personal fears around AI. One student wrote: 'I am deeply concerned by the environmental impact of AI chatbots, specifically in relation to water consumption. I also worry that my peers and I are becoming complacent and losing critical thinking skills due to an over-reliance on ChatGPT'. Other concerns ranged from art and literature dying out 'as billionaires get richer', to the creation of deep fakes. 'It is becoming increasingly common to look to AI for company, and so relationships of all nature (including romantic) will develop. I'm not sure how I feel about it right now,' another teen wrote. 'I'm worried about certain cases of using AI to generate deep fakes of a sexual nature on real people and them being shared around and believed to be real. It is already extremely common and not enough people are AI-literate enough to distinguish the difference between an AI generated photo and a real one.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you have an education story to share, we'd love to hear from you. You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
14-05-2025
- Scotsman
77% of teens using AI for homework
One in five pupils describe themselves as 'regular users' of AI tools 📱 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A new survey of over a thousand teens has found three quarters have used AI to help with homework Many teachers worry students are becoming too reliant - or fear it could harm literacy or critical thinking skills The Department for Education believes AI tools could be helpful to teachers While generally positive about its potential, some teens have concerns about AI too Teachers are concerned some of their pupils might be taking the easy way out, by turning to generative AI for homework help. A new survey commissioned by Berkshire-based independent girls' school Downe House saw 1,044 teenagers aged 15 to 18, attending both state and private schools across England, Scotland and Wales, polled about their own use and views of artificial intelligence earlier this year. More than three quarters (77%) of those who answered admitted to using AI tools to help complete their homework. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Teens were learning most of what they knew about AI from social media, the survey also showed, and were split on learning about its ethics. But why exactly are teachers concerned about this, and is using AI for learning really that much of an issue? Here's what we've learned from this latest piece of research: Downe House School's Jane Basnett says educators have a role to play in making sure pupils get accurate info on AI | Image: National World/Adobe Stock/Downe House School (supplied) Is using AI for schoolwork really a problem? AI use seems to be fairly widespread amongst older teens. The study found that a resounding 94% had used AI tools, apps or chat bots. Of these, nearly half (49%) said that they only used AI tools occasionally, while 20% admitted to regular use. Where these young people were learning about AI, what it could do, and its limitations also mattered. More than half (54%) of pupils surveyed said they felt knowledgeable around AI capabilities, although a further 54% said they relied solely on the internet and social media for insight. Only about one in five (19%) children said they got this information from their school - although 66% of pupils said they wanted to learn more about AI in class. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But when it came to ethics, students were more divided. Asked whether or not the ethics of using AI should be included in the school curriculum, almost half (46%) said they weren't concerned about this, while 42% felt it was important. In the survey, one pupil said they feared that not using AI for their schoolwork could be setting them back, if everyone else was. 'Personally, I feel that when others in my class are using AI to complete tasks, but I am not (because I don't really agree with it), then I am being disadvantaged.' But AI in education is not without positives either. In a recent blog post on AI in schools, the Department for Education wrote that the evidence showed that high quality, personalised feedback could build pupil attainment, 'and AI tools can help with this'. 'AI tools can speed up marking and help teachers understand each pupil's progress better, so they can tailor their teaching to what each child needs,' they wrote. 'This won't replace the important relationship between pupils and teachers - it will strengthen it by giving teachers back valuable time to focus on the human side of teaching that makes all the difference to how well pupils learn.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It could also help teachers reduce their workload by planning lessons, creating resources, and handling administrative tasks, 'so they can focus on what they do best - teaching and supporting their pupils'. But the DfE warned that educators would still need to use their professional judgement, and check that anything AI generated was accurate and appropriate. Why are some teachers concerned? Downe House said that students' mixed opinions on learning about AI ethics signalled that there might be an over-reliance by some young people on using these tools at school. The school's digital learning director, Jane Basnett, added that teachers also had a role to play in making sure what their pupils learned about AI was accurate and balanced. 'We have to step up as educators and invest more in training teachers adequately on ethical use of AI,' she said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There is no denying that AI is appealing to young people and despite some obvious concerns associated with the findings of this study, there is a certain level of intrigue and optimism around its potential too, with 60% believing AI improves their learning experience and a further 66% of pupils saying they want to learn more about AI in school,' she continued. 'Yet there is clearly a gap in terms of what we are teaching children in school. If they are getting most of their insight from social media and websites, it is up to schools to help balance that.' A 2024 survey of teachers by the National Literacy Trust found that they were split on being worried or unbothered about their pupils' AI use - with secondary school teachers generally more concerned. But nearly half (48.9%) believed it would have a negative impact on children's writing skills, while more than half (56.6%) were concerned generative AI could stop children thinking for themselves. About 2 in 5 (42.3%) felt that it could decrease children's engagement with learning. Almost all of them (82%) agreed that students should be taught how to engage critically with generative-AI tools. Are teens worried about AI too? Although the survey showed that AI and its potential uses were of interest to young people, Downe House said that many were also 'very much aware' of the potential for over-use - and its possible consequences. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Overall, 41% of students were optimistic about the role of AI in shaping their future, while 18% were not. Almost half (47%) of the pupils surveyed said that they were worried about AI leading to job losses in their current field of interest in the future. The school shared a selection of comments from participants too, outlining their own personal fears around AI. One student wrote: 'I am deeply concerned by the environmental impact of AI chatbots, specifically in relation to water consumption. I also worry that my peers and I are becoming complacent and losing critical thinking skills due to an over-reliance on ChatGPT'. Other concerns ranged from art and literature dying out 'as billionaires get richer', to the creation of deep fakes. 'It is becoming increasingly common to look to AI for company, and so relationships of all nature (including romantic) will develop. I'm not sure how I feel about it right now,' another teen wrote. 'I'm worried about certain cases of using AI to generate deep fakes of a sexual nature on real people and them being shared around and believed to be real. It is already extremely common and not enough people are AI-literate enough to distinguish the difference between an AI generated photo and a real one.' 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Scotsman
14-05-2025
- Scotsman
77% of teens using AI for homework
One in five pupils describe themselves as 'regular users' of AI tools 📱 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A new survey of over a thousand teens has found three quarters have used AI to help with homework Many teachers worry students are becoming too reliant - or fear it could harm literacy or critical thinking skills The Department for Education believes AI tools could be helpful to teachers While generally positive about its potential, some teens have concerns about AI too Teachers are concerned some of their pupils might be taking the easy way out, by turning to generative AI for homework help. A new survey commissioned by Berkshire-based independent girls' school Downe House saw 1,044 teenagers aged 15 to 18, attending both state and private schools across England, Scotland and Wales, polled about their own use and views of artificial intelligence earlier this year. More than three quarters (77%) of those who answered admitted to using AI tools to help complete their homework. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Teens were learning most of what they knew about AI from social media, the survey also showed, and were split on learning about its ethics. But why exactly are teachers concerned about this, and is using AI for learning really that much of an issue? Here's what we've learned from this latest piece of research: Downe House School's Jane Basnett says educators have a role to play in making sure pupils get accurate info on AI | Image: National World/Adobe Stock/Downe House School (supplied) Is using AI for schoolwork really a problem? AI use seems to be fairly widespread amongst older teens. The study found that a resounding 94% had used AI tools, apps or chat bots. Of these, nearly half (49%) said that they only used AI tools occasionally, while 20% admitted to regular use. Where these young people were learning about AI, what it could do, and its limitations also mattered. More than half (54%) of pupils surveyed said they felt knowledgeable around AI capabilities, although a further 54% said they relied solely on the internet and social media for insight. Only about one in five (19%) children said they got this information from their school - although 66% of pupils said they wanted to learn more about AI in class. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But when it came to ethics, students were more divided. Asked whether or not the ethics of using AI should be included in the school curriculum, almost half (46%) said they weren't concerned about this, while 42% felt it was important. In the survey, one pupil said they feared that not using AI for their schoolwork could be setting them back, if everyone else was. 'Personally, I feel that when others in my class are using AI to complete tasks, but I am not (because I don't really agree with it), then I am being disadvantaged.' But AI in education is not without positives either. In a recent blog post on AI in schools, the Department for Education wrote that the evidence showed that high quality, personalised feedback could build pupil attainment, 'and AI tools can help with this'. 'AI tools can speed up marking and help teachers understand each pupil's progress better, so they can tailor their teaching to what each child needs,' they wrote. 'This won't replace the important relationship between pupils and teachers - it will strengthen it by giving teachers back valuable time to focus on the human side of teaching that makes all the difference to how well pupils learn.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It could also help teachers reduce their workload by planning lessons, creating resources, and handling administrative tasks, 'so they can focus on what they do best - teaching and supporting their pupils'. But the DfE warned that educators would still need to use their professional judgement, and check that anything AI generated was accurate and appropriate. Why are some teachers concerned? Downe House said that students' mixed opinions on learning about AI ethics signalled that there might be an over-reliance by some young people on using these tools at school. The school's digital learning director, Jane Basnett, added that teachers also had a role to play in making sure what their pupils learned about AI was accurate and balanced. 'We have to step up as educators and invest more in training teachers adequately on ethical use of AI,' she said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There is no denying that AI is appealing to young people and despite some obvious concerns associated with the findings of this study, there is a certain level of intrigue and optimism around its potential too, with 60% believing AI improves their learning experience and a further 66% of pupils saying they want to learn more about AI in school,' she continued. 'Yet there is clearly a gap in terms of what we are teaching children in school. If they are getting most of their insight from social media and websites, it is up to schools to help balance that.' A 2024 survey of teachers by the National Literacy Trust found that they were split on being worried or unbothered about their pupils' AI use - with secondary school teachers generally more concerned. But nearly half (48.9%) believed it would have a negative impact on children's writing skills, while more than half (56.6%) were concerned generative AI could stop children thinking for themselves. About 2 in 5 (42.3%) felt that it could decrease children's engagement with learning. Almost all of them (82%) agreed that students should be taught how to engage critically with generative-AI tools. Are teens worried about AI too? Although the survey showed that AI and its potential uses were of interest to young people, Downe House said that many were also 'very much aware' of the potential for over-use - and its possible consequences. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Overall, 41% of students were optimistic about the role of AI in shaping their future, while 18% were not. Almost half (47%) of the pupils surveyed said that they were worried about AI leading to job losses in their current field of interest in the future. The school shared a selection of comments from participants too, outlining their own personal fears around AI. One student wrote: 'I am deeply concerned by the environmental impact of AI chatbots, specifically in relation to water consumption. I also worry that my peers and I are becoming complacent and losing critical thinking skills due to an over-reliance on ChatGPT'. Other concerns ranged from art and literature dying out 'as billionaires get richer', to the creation of deep fakes. 'It is becoming increasingly common to look to AI for company, and so relationships of all nature (including romantic) will develop. I'm not sure how I feel about it right now,' another teen wrote. 'I'm worried about certain cases of using AI to generate deep fakes of a sexual nature on real people and them being shared around and believed to be real. It is already extremely common and not enough people are AI-literate enough to distinguish the difference between an AI generated photo and a real one.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince William, Kate Middleton ‘argue' over Prince George's future: experts
Prince William and Kate Middleton face a "huge dilemma" as parents to a future king. The Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly have strong opposing views about which school their eldest son, Prince George, should enroll in. The 11-year-old is second in line to the British throne. "There has been much speculation surrounding Prince George's next school," British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. "The discussions have been circulating for years, with the Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly arguing and debating the decision for years. I'm surprised the bookies haven't initiated a bet on which school Prince George will attend next autumn!" Kate Middleton Faces Mounting Pressures Of Becoming Queen: Experts "Most parents find choosing a good secondary school for their children daunting, even more so for the Prince and Princess of Wales, who want the best for Prince George," she added. Chard's claims came shortly after sources told the U.K.'s Daily Mail that the family had already kickstarted the hunt for George's next school earlier this year. According to the report, they have already visited several renowned schools in and around London. Read On The Fox News App Kate, 43, recently joined her eldest on a tour of her old school, Marlborough College, in Wiltshire. The report noted that George also toured Eton College, the former school of William and his younger brother Prince Harry. It has long been a popular choice for royals, aristocrats and politicians. Fox News Digital reached out to Kensington Palace, which handles the offices of the Prince and Princess of Wales, for comment. Chard said there's a good reason why William and Kate are reportedly sparring over their choices. "There has been a long line of unhappy schooling within the family," Chard explained. "King Charles was very unhappy at Gordonstoun. Eton wasn't suitable for Prince Harry. Even Princess Catherine was bullied at a secondary school. Therefore, she is committed to securing the perfect fit for Prince George. And let's face it, the world is their oyster — they have the pick of all schools." Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter "Princess Catherine has allegedly made it clear that she would rather Prince George attend an unstuffy co-ed school," Chard claimed. "However, Eton College, the Berkshire-based school that educates boys aged between the ages of 13 and 18, has several high-profile alumni and has educated generations of the aristocracy. Referred to as 'the nurse of England's statesmen,' the school is the largest boarding school in England, ahead of Millfield and Oundle." WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON'S DORMMATE RECALLS BEFRIENDING THE FUTURE PRINCESS OF WALES "Sources claim there's been a debate between the prestigious all-boys school, Eton College, and Marlborough College, the co-ed school which all three of the Middleton siblings attended," Chard continued. "Eton College is the most suitable location and security-wise. It is close to their cottage in Windsor. The college is located in the Windsor security corridor and is financially covered. This is a big brownie point." Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner claimed to Fox News Digital that Kate wants to prevent her son from being bullied, just as she was as a child. She believes her choice is more laid-back for the young royal versus the stuffier Eton. "School days for Kate at times were not the happiest as she experienced bullying, so she leaned more towards a less conventional education for George than William," Turner claimed. "William, on the other hand, wanted to keep his traditional education by sending George to Eton College, which he enjoyed, and let him keep in close contact with Harry. Kate favors a more relaxed education for George rather than the structured life at Eton which, although it has many opportunities, is steeped in tradition." "Who will win? I suspect George will go to Eton," said Turner. While William, who is next in line to the throne, had a positive experience at Eton, Harry admitted in his 2023 memoir "Spare" that he struggled with his grades. Consequently, he headed straight to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The Duke of Sussex wrote that Eton was "heaven for brilliant boys," but it could only be "purgatory for one very unbrilliant boy." Like What You're Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams claimed to Fox News Digital that Kate is leaning toward a more "contemporary choice" for her son and wants him closer to home. "Time is fast approaching for a decision, as George is in his final year at Lambrook, and he will move to secondary education by September this year," said Fitzwilliams "The traditional choice would be Eton, a prestigious boys' boarding school where the Dukes of Gloucester and Kent and Prince Michael of Kent were educated, as well as Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, and her father. It is also near Adelaide Cottage, which would be ideal for the princess." "William and Catherine have always prioritized their family, especially during this difficult time when she has been so ill," he noted. "As a future king, George is undoubtedly special. Where he goes to school will be an indication of the way his parents are thinking regarding the future of the monarchy." British royal expert Hilary Fordwich claimed to Fox News Digital that Kate prefers a co-ed institution because it aligns with having more of a "normal" upbringing. "She was raised with strong family bonds and, therefore, prefers him to be at school with his siblings," Fordwich claimed. "She also would prefer Prince George to live at home versus a boarding school, a tradition for many generations of the royal family." Fordwich also noted that Kate isn't afraid to break away from royal tradition if it means that her children will have as normal an upbringing as possible. "One of their biggest departures from royal tradition has been concerning household chores and staff," said Fordwich. "Each of the children has chores, and they don't have a staff living with them to serve them. This was all due to Princess Catherine's influence, to which Prince William acquiesced, since he so enjoyed all his visits to Middleton's home and saw how bonding, natural and 'normal' family life could be." "It's a balancing challenge between royal traditions and their desire to modernize the monarchy, which Prince William and Princess Catherine are most carefully navigating," said Fordwich. "Their differing views are… rather healthy as it demonstrates how much thought is going into the process." Chard pointed out that William broke a royal precedent by going to Eton, rather than Gordonstoun. The BBC also reported that when Charles attended Gordonstoun, he became the first Prince of Wales to be educated at a school, rather than by private tutors. The institution also became the first senior school to educate a British monarch. And other perks at Eton would make mother and son happy, she shared. "Eton has a long and notable connection to the British military, but it also provides a robust arts education and opportunities for students to engage with the creative world," she said. King Charles Won't Hand Throne To Prince William As Monarchy Shake-up Could Spark 'Crisis': Experts "Prince George is very creative and even remarked that he would like to try his hand as a chef. Princess Catherine will be happy with the creative options. What we can be certain of is they will have explored every option." According to the Daily Mail, Eton's "world-class" theater department caught Kate's eye. However, its 30-mile distance from Windsor is still questionable for her. Still, Chard admitted, "I will put my money on Eton." "The only thing it doesn't have at the moment is the co-ed facility," she said. "… Princess Catherine, whose royal work focuses on the social and emotional well-being of the early years of a child's life, is well aware that 'one size doesn't fit all.'"Original article source: Prince William, Kate Middleton 'argue' over Prince George's future: experts
Fox News
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Prince William, Kate Middleton ‘argue' over Prince George's future: experts
Prince William and Kate Middleton face a "huge dilemma" as parents to a future king. The Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly have strong opposing views about which school their eldest son, Prince George, should enroll in. The 11-year-old is second in line to the British throne. "There has been much speculation surrounding Prince George's next school," British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. "The discussions have been circulating for years, with the Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly arguing and debating the decision for years. I'm surprised the bookies haven't initiated a bet on which school Prince George will attend next autumn!" "Most parents find choosing a good secondary school for their children daunting, even more so for the Prince and Princess of Wales, who want the best for Prince George," she added. Chard's claims came shortly after sources told the U.K.'s Daily Mail that the family had already kickstarted the hunt for George's next school earlier this year. According to the report, they have already visited several renowned schools in and around London. Kate, 43, recently joined her eldest on a tour of her old school, Marlborough College, in Wiltshire. The report noted that George also toured Eton College, the former school of William and his younger brother Prince Harry. It has long been a popular choice for royals, aristocrats and politicians. Fox News Digital reached out to Kensington Palace, which handles the offices of the Prince and Princess of Wales, for comment. Chard said there's a good reason why William and Kate are reportedly sparring over their choices. "There has been a long line of unhappy schooling within the family," Chard explained. "King Charles was very unhappy at Gordonstoun. Eton wasn't suitable for Prince Harry. Even Princess Catherine was bullied at a secondary school. Therefore, she is committed to securing the perfect fit for Prince George. And let's face it, the world is their oyster — they have the pick of all schools." "Princess Catherine has allegedly made it clear that she would rather Prince George attend an unstuffy co-ed school," Chard claimed. "However, Eton College, the Berkshire-based school that educates boys aged between the ages of 13 and 18, has several high-profile alumni and has educated generations of the aristocracy. Referred to as 'the nurse of England's statesmen,' the school is the largest boarding school in England, ahead of Millfield and Oundle." WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON'S DORMMATE RECALLS BEFRIENDING THE FUTURE PRINCESS OF WALES "Sources claim there's been a debate between the prestigious all-boys school, Eton College, and Marlborough College, the co-ed school which all three of the Middleton siblings attended," Chard continued. "Eton College is the most suitable location and security-wise. It is close to their cottage in Windsor. The college is located in the Windsor security corridor and is financially covered. This is a big brownie point." Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner claimed to Fox News Digital that Kate wants to prevent her son from being bullied, just as she was as a child. She believes her choice is more laid-back for the young royal versus the stuffier Eton. "School days for Kate at times were not the happiest as she experienced bullying, so she leaned more towards a less conventional education for George than William," Turner claimed. "William, on the other hand, wanted to keep his traditional education by sending George to Eton College, which he enjoyed, and let him keep in close contact with Harry. Kate favors a more relaxed education for George rather than the structured life at Eton which, although it has many opportunities, is steeped in tradition." "Who will win? I suspect George will go to Eton," said Turner. While William, who is next in line to the throne, had a positive experience at Eton, Harry admitted in his 2023 memoir "Spare" that he struggled with his grades. Consequently, he headed straight to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The Duke of Sussex wrote that Eton was "heaven for brilliant boys," but it could only be "purgatory for one very unbrilliant boy." Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams claimed to Fox News Digital that Kate is leaning toward a more "contemporary choice" for her son and wants him closer to home. "Time is fast approaching for a decision, as George is in his final year at Lambrook, and he will move to secondary education by September this year," said Fitzwilliams "The traditional choice would be Eton, a prestigious boys' boarding school where the Dukes of Gloucester and Kent and Prince Michael of Kent were educated, as well as Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, and her father. It is also near Adelaide Cottage, which would be ideal for the princess." "William and Catherine have always prioritized their family, especially during this difficult time when she has been so ill," he noted. "As a future king, George is undoubtedly special. Where he goes to school will be an indication of the way his parents are thinking regarding the future of the monarchy." British royal expert Hilary Fordwich claimed to Fox News Digital that Kate prefers a co-ed institution because it aligns with having more of a "normal" upbringing. "She was raised with strong family bonds and, therefore, prefers him to be at school with his siblings," Fordwich claimed. "She also would prefer Prince George to live at home versus a boarding school, a tradition for many generations of the royal family." Fordwich also noted that Kate isn't afraid to break away from royal tradition if it means that her children will have as normal an upbringing as possible. "One of their biggest departures from royal tradition has been concerning household chores and staff," said Fordwich. "Each of the children has chores, and they don't have a staff living with them to serve them. This was all due to Princess Catherine's influence, to which Prince William acquiesced, since he so enjoyed all his visits to Middleton's home and saw how bonding, natural and 'normal' family life could be." "It's a balancing challenge between royal traditions and their desire to modernize the monarchy, which Prince William and Princess Catherine are most carefully navigating," said Fordwich. "Their differing views are… rather healthy as it demonstrates how much thought is going into the process." Chard pointed out that William broke a royal precedent by going to Eton, rather than Gordonstoun. The BBC also reported that when Charles attended Gordonstoun, he became the first Prince of Wales to be educated at a school, rather than by private tutors. The institution also became the first senior school to educate a British monarch. And other perks at Eton would make mother and son happy, she shared. "Eton has a long and notable connection to the British military, but it also provides a robust arts education and opportunities for students to engage with the creative world," she said. "Prince George is very creative and even remarked that he would like to try his hand as a chef. Princess Catherine will be happy with the creative options. What we can be certain of is they will have explored every option." According to the Daily Mail, Eton's "world-class" theater department caught Kate's eye. However, its 30-mile distance from Windsor is still questionable for her. Still, Chard admitted, "I will put my money on Eton." "The only thing it doesn't have at the moment is the co-ed facility," she said. "… Princess Catherine, whose royal work focuses on the social and emotional well-being of the early years of a child's life, is well aware that 'one size doesn't fit all.'"
