The final school report for Prince Philip, penned by Gordonstoun’s founder Dr Kurt Hahn in December 1938, has been made available ahead of schedule at the National Archives in Kew.
The documents relating to the late Duke of Edinburgh’s education at the northern Scottish boarding school were not expected to be accessible to the public until 2041.
Dr Hahn, a Jewish-German progressive educationalist who established Gordonstoun in 1934, described the young prince as “a born leader” possessing “unusual courage and endurance.”
However, the headteacher’s assessment also painted a picture of a teenager who struggled to rein in his temper and was susceptible to flashes of anger.
In his reference, Hahn noted that Philip’s finest efforts were “outstanding” but cautioned that “his second best is not good enough.”
The documents relating to the late Duke of Edinburgh’s education at the northern Scottish boarding school were not expected to be accessible to the public until 2041.
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PA
The headteacher believed the prince required constant challenge and careful supervision to prevent his fiery temperament from becoming problematic.
He wrote that Philip possessed “the greatest sense of service of all the boys in the school.”
Chosen as school captain, Philip was described as “universally liked and respected.”
Yet Hahn observed that “when baulked in his plans” the young prince remained “inclined to jump to angry conclusions.”
The headteacher further warned that “the lure of the moment remains his danger,” adding that Philip would “only do his best under pressure.”
The final school report for Prince Philip, penned by Gordonstoun’s founder Dr Kurt Hahn in December 1938, has been made available ahead of schedule at the National Archives in Kew.
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PA
Hahn awarded Philip an A grade for overall intelligence, along with B-pluses for the precision and dependability of his work and its potential industrial applications.
The headteacher also praised the prince’s proficiency in German and noted a particular fascination with Greek military history.
Beyond the classroom, Philip captained both the hockey and cricket teams, though Hahn remarked that “as a leader of games he is at times too irritable.”
Records released alongside the report reveal that the prince was an active participant in the school’s Seamanship Guild, joining voyages to Norway and Scotland’s western coastline.
Of these expeditions, the report noted he “proved himself to be a cheerful shipmate” who was “not afraid of dirty and arduous work.”
At 17, listed formally as “Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark,” the young royal used this evaluation as part of his application to enter the Royal Navy in 1939.
He was accepted and completed his training at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth by January 1940, going on to serve with distinction throughout the Second World War.
Philip wed Princess Elizabeth in 1947 and, following her coronation, became the longest-serving royal consort in British history.
He later gained a reputation for blunt, controversial and occasionally witty remarks during public engagements.
Gordonstoun, which also educated King Charles and his brothers, declined to discuss the newly released documents. A spokesperson stated: “The records of all Gordonstoun alumni are private.”