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Princess Charlotte has arrived for her first day of Big School in London, which costs £19K per year
Princess Charlotte has just arrived at Thomas’s Battersea for her first day of Big School. The four-year-old, who is fourth in line to the throne, was accompanied by her mother, father and older brother.
A clip shared online by waiting journalists, including royal correspondent Rebecca English, shows Princess Charlotte walking hand-in-hand with Kate Middleton to meet one of her new teachers outside the building.
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This was an important occasion for the Duchess of Cambridge as, due to severe morning sickness during her pregnancy with Prince Louis, she was unable to accompany first-born Prince George on his first day of school.
Prince William, who is holding the hand of six-year-old Prince George, can be overheard saying “she’s very excited”.
The young royal’s new school uniform consists of a navy pinafore and crested cardigan, with a white shirt and white ankle socks.
Unsurprisingly, Princess Charlotte’s new school is one of the finest money can buy. Thomas’s Battersea in London costs a whopping £19,287 per year (or slightly more than £6,429 per term). That being said, there is a 2% discount for Charlotte as she is the second child in the family to attend, with a further discount offered for the third child, who in this case will be Prince Louis.
According to the school’s mission statement, it is “a busy, thriving, purposeful school, educating 560 boys and girls between the ages of four and 13.
“As you would expect of any Thomas’s school,” the statement continues, “the most important school rule is to ‘be kind’”.
Princess Charlotte will learn “a rich and broad curriculum” there; including art, ballet, drama, ICT (Information and Communications Technology), French, music and PE; all of which are taught by a variety of specialist teachers.
What’s more, the school’s ambition is “to develop in each pupil an enquiring mind and a life-long love of learning”. It insists that, through enthusiastic, inspiring teaching, excellent resources, and a broad and balanced curriculum, pupils are “well prepared not merely for the demands of senior school entrance examinations, but also for a rich and fulfilling future”.
In addition to her varied lessons, the young princess will also be brought on regular trips and excursions. “Pupils enjoy regular day trips to London’s art galleries, theatres, parks, museums and historic locations,” the school website reads, adding that older children can travel further afield.
She may also like to enrol in some after-school clubs, of which there are many. Pottery, debating, philosophy, golf, community gardening and Italian are just some of the clubs available at Thomas’s Battersea.
The four-year-old’s new headmaster, Simon O’Malley, said, “We are delighted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have decided Princess Charlotte will join her elder brother, Prince George, at Thomas’s Battersea.
“We greatly look forward to welcoming her and all of our new pupils to the school.”
Photos: Kensington Palace
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