Back to (Boarding) School

Back to (Boarding) School

Author: The Telegraph September 3, 2026 Duration: 42:15

September has arrived, which means one thing for a niche cohort of the British population: it’s back to boarding school. As Prince George heads off to Eton, Sophia and Cleo dissect the bizarre world of public school education—from trunks and tuck to the ‘pash’ system and polo pitches. Plus, they discuss the eye-watering fees in 2026 and how some parents have resorted to bartering to get their little angels in the top schools.


Finally, they answer the eternal question: in an age of texts and emails, is the handwritten thank you letter finally dead? Spoiler: Sophia still has them rattling around her handbag. Forget civilisation burning—we’re here to debate whether you should be writing thank you notes in the back of a limo.


Send your questions to theposhcast@telegraph.co.uk


Video Producer: Carla Mercer

Social Editor: Ruby Borg

Executive Producer: Louisa Wells


Highlights:


  • Back to (Boarding) School
  • Is the Thank You letter dead?


Chapters:


  • 00:00 ‘At the weekend’ vs ‘On the weekend’
  • 05:00 Making adult friends
  • 07:00 Sophia’s South Devon pilgrimage
  • 10:00 Back to school
  • 14:00 Public vs. Private: Why is it called ‘Public School’?
  • 15:00 Boarding school memories & the ‘pash’ system
  • 23:00 Modern boarding schools: Cushy living & pastoral care
  • 35:30 Manners Mail: Are thank you letters dead?

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In Bryony Gordon's Mad World, conversations unfold with a rare honesty, moving beyond simple soundbites to explore the real texture of living with mental health challenges. Hosted by Bryony Gordon and presented by The Telegraph, this podcast sits at the intersection of health, fitness, and mental wellbeing, treating the topic with the complexity it deserves. Each episode is an intimate dialogue, a space where guests-from well-known figures to everyday individuals-share their personal journeys of getting unwell and the nuanced, often non-linear path of getting better. The focus here is on raw openness and vulnerability, dismantling stigma through the power of ordinary and extraordinary stories alike. You'll hear candid conversations that prioritize depth over platitudes, where laughter and tears coexist naturally. This isn't about providing easy answers but about sharing experiences that resonate and connect, reinforcing why these discussions are so necessary. Tune in for a podcast that approaches mental health with compassion and unflinching truth, creating a sense of shared understanding one conversation at a time.
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