From the Head Master

These notes provide some brief but important information about Eton that we hope parents of new boys will find useful. If anything is unclear, your son’s House Master and Dame will be happy to answer questions and to provide further information.

The Eton year is divided into three terms or ‘halves’ (Michaelmas, Lent, Summer) broken by occasional exeats or ‘leaves’ (Long or Short). Dates of halves and leaves are published regularly and sent to all parents; they may also be found in the Dates of Halves page on this website.

There are two Open Days in the course of the year, St Andrew’s Day (the day on which the second Michaelmas Short Leave begins) and the Fourth of June (the day on which the Summer Long Leave begins), and we hope that most parents will visit us on these occasions. Parents are always welcome on other days as well; boys are naturally delighted when their parents are able to attend plays, concerts and matches in which they are participating. In particular, parents are welcome in College and Lower Chapel (ask your son to reserve you seats).

Apart from the first and last Sundays of the half, my wife and I are At Home to parents and other guests between 11.30 and 12.45 on ‘A’ Sundays (when Chapel is in the morning). One final invitation: it has become customary for the Head Master to speak briefly to the parents or guardians of new boys in College Chapel at 5.30 pm on the opening day of the Michaelmas Half. Do please come if you can.

Tony Little