School Programs Battersea School Prince George and Princess Charlotte 2019

The fact of being born royal has as corollary many privileges, but not doing homework at home is one of those.

This fall, four-year-old Princess Charlotte is going to taste for the first time university life and the work that goes with it. She is about to rejoin her brother Prince George at Thomas's Battersea, a tony private school in London. Meanwhile, six-year-old George will spend the first year to grade two and face a heavier workload.

According to Thomas Battersea's website, first and second year students study a vertiginous range of subjects: literacy, numeracy, science, history and geography, RS, French, PSHCE (personal, social, educational, health and economics), visual arts, music, swimming, ballet, physical education and games.

And it's a big step forward between the two years. "From the second year, children become the leaders of the lower school," says Helen Haslem, head of the lower school. "This growing independence and maturity helps them prepare for a smooth transition to college."

The homework, too, is upgraded. In addition to his weekly spelling list, his optional online math activities and his daily reading (at least 10 minutes, in accordance with school policies), George will need to be able to read fluently and indulge in reading comprehension exercises.

Charlotte will start more easily in the reception program (that's what comes before the first year). The curriculum is much more flexible and will not be expected to complete her daily reading at home.