New Hall School in Chelmsford is delighted to announce that Ethan C (Year 8) has secured a place at Eton College from September 2026, following a highly competitive admissions process. New Hall School has a proud tradition of supporting students on ambitious educational pathways, helping them progress to highly selective institutions such as Eton College, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.

Ethan joined New Hall School in the Preparatory Divisions in 2016, and has flourished during his time at the School. A boarder in Petre House, he has embraced every aspect of School life, making the most of the academic and co-curricular opportunities available to him. Alongside his academic success at New Hall, Ethan has established himself as an accomplished tennis player. He has represented Essex on numerous occasions and was crowned Under-13 Boys’ Doubles Champion at the ISA National Tennis Championships this year.

Ethan is equally committed to Music. As a member of New Hall School’s Chamber Choir, he performed at King’s College, Cambridge, earlier this year and regularly sings at Evensong services in Chelmsford Cathedral. He is also a cellist in the Senior Orchestra, contributing to the School’s thriving musical life.

Admission to Eton College at age 13+ is highly competitive, with places awarded to boys who demonstrate not only academic excellence, but also strong character, leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive contribution to School life.  Throughout the admissions process, Ethan benefited from the expert guidance and support of Mrs Broughton, Head of Middle Division at New Hall. Mrs Broughton’s skilled mentoring has played a key role in Ethan’s success.  Mrs Broughton said: “Whilst the majority of New Hall students progress within New Hall at 13+, New Hall’s Divisional structure supports entrants and leavers for each Division, with each age-related Division having its own identity.  Local students who get a taste for flexi boarding at New Hall from Years 5-8 sometimes aspire to full boarding further from home, and New Hall’s structure and excellent 13+ examination success rate supports students in securing places of their choice at 11+, 13+ and 16+.”

New Hall’s distinctive Diamond Model combines the strengths of both co-educational and single-sex learning. Students are taught in co-educational classes up to age 11 and again in the Sixth Form, while from ages 11 to 16 they benefit from single-sex teaching. This approach enables students to enjoy the academic advantages often associated with single-sex education alongside the social benefits of co-education during their formative adolescent years.

Complementing this model is the School’s Divisional structure, comprising the Nursery (ages 1–4), Pre-Prep Division (ages 4–7), Preparatory Division (ages 7–11), Middle Division (ages 11–13), Upper Division (ages 13–16), and Sixth Form (ages 16–19). This structure ensures that every child is known, valued, and supported within a nurturing environment that fosters confidence, independence, and a strong academic foundation, enabling them to flourish both academically and personally, while providing families with the flexibility of a tailored educational pathway that responds to each child’s changing needs and development.

Mrs Katherine Jeffrey, Principal of New Hall School, said: “We are immensely proud of Ethan, who truly lives out our values of care, trust and respect.  An accomplished musician, a superb tennis player with enormous potential, and a fine scholar, I have no doubt that he will continue to embrace opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. New Hall has always supported students on ambitious academic pathways, and we wish Ethan every success as he graduates, from New Hall Middle Division, to a new, exciting chapter at Eton College.  We hope that he will maintain friendships made here, and keep in touch about his progress.” 

Mrs Jeffrey has been a speaker at Eton College, on their Sixth Form speaker programme, where she has spoken of issues facing ‘Women in Educational Leadership’, as part of a joint Feminism Society project between New Hall School and Eton College.

Ethan will join an institution whose former students include His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and 20 British Prime Ministers. He will also be part of the same year group as Prince George, who is expected to begin his studies at Eton this September, continuing a long-standing royal connection with the College.

New Hall is renowned for helping students progress to highly competitive educational institutions in the UK and beyond. In 2026, the School celebrated six Oxbridge successes, with offers received by four current students and two Old Fishes (alumni). Through New Hall’s dedicated Oxbridge Society, students benefit from research opportunities, academic discussion groups, mentoring and guidance from teachers and former students throughout the university application process.

Ethan’s achievement is a testament to his hard work and talent, and reflects New Hall’s commitment to helping every young person fulfil their potential.