The Princess of Wales’ former school has been named among the best in the world for 2026, according to a new index.
The annual Spear’s Schools Index has been released, which reveals the world’s top 100 private schools each year.
The index, compiled by Spear’s in collaboration with Thuso Group, draws on expertise from a variety of leading educational consultants, industry experts, and uses academic strength alongside reputational qualities to make their choices.
Catherine is an alumni of Marlborough College near Swindon, which features on the list, and has been commended for its “ambition, initiative, community, and service”.
The Princess of Wales’s former school Marlborough College, has been ranked among the best in the world
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Spears said: “Located across 286 acres in Wiltshire, the school’s period buildings include a Gothic Revival chapel, the Neoclassical Memorial Hall and the ‘Marlborough Mound’, a 4,000-year-old Neolithic mound.
“Traditionally a fully boarding school, in 2026 Marlborough introduced its first cohort of day pupils, hoping to meet ‘local demand from talented students.’”
“Marlborough is described as a diverse community, with wellbeing and mutual respect at its heart, and academic results are excellent.
“GCSE and A-Level subjects are complemented by a varied academic enrichment programme, including visiting speakers, competitions, events and trips.
“Students develop a strong global outlook through a close partnership with Marlborough College Malaysia, as well as with Darüşşafaka School in Turkey and Bishop Cotton School in India.”
The college saw 67 per cent of GCSE students achieve grades 7-9, while A-Level results were A* or A.
The Princess of Wales is not the only notable person to have attended the school, with poet John Betjeman and William Morris.
Marlborough College dates back to 1843
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The future Queen attended Malborough College between 1996 and 2000 and obtained her A-Levels in Maths, Art and English, as well as being the captain of the women’s field hockey team.
The school appears to be at the forefront of the Prince and Princess of Wales’s mind after it was “cleared” earlier this month as they came to visit.
Students at the prestigious institution were directed away from the main courtyard and instructed to remain indoors during the royal tour.
“They were shocked to see Catherine and William getting out of a very smart car and walking through court,” the source said.
The visit’s timing became apparent to those present when they noticed an unusual number of extracurricular events had been organised for the day.
“Then it clicked why the school seemed to have put on so many very wholesome extra-curricular activities that day, like choir practice and a random art show,” the source told The Mail on Sunday.
Prince George, who is currently 12 years old, is completing his final year at Lambrook Preparatory School.
Many had anticipated the young royal would follow his father, Prince William, to Eton, widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious school.
However, the recent visit suggests he may instead take the same educational path as his mother, who attended the Wiltshire college after leaving her previous school.