Secrets of the UK's POSHEST Private School

Summary

In this candid conversation, Max reflects on his time at Harrow School, sharing the unique experiences of attending one of the UK's most prestigious private schools. He describes the strict routines, boarding life, and the challenges of adapting to a structured environment. Despite the prestigious setting, Max sheds light on the everyday reality, including humorous moments, quirky traditions like wearing straw boaters, and the tension of living with 70 boys. The chat also touches on Max's personal experiences growing up, the pressure of living up to his father's legacy, and nostalgic moments like discovering hidden magazines as a teenager.

Takeaways

• 😀 Max went to Harrow School, one of the most exclusive private schools in the UK, often compared to Eton.
• 😀 Harrow students live in boarding houses with 70 boys each, and only go home about once a month.
• 😀 The school has a strict dress code, including wearing straw boaters, black tie for chapel, and tipping hats to teachers.
• 😀 Harrow’s schedule is highly structured with classes, sports, chapel, and prep time, leaving little personal free time.
• 😀 Max’s experience at Harrow was a mix of privilege and challenges, including adapting to life with many other boys in a boarding environment.
• 😀 Max’s dad was a well-known sportsman, and there were high expectations for Max to perform similarly in sports at Harrow.
• 😀 Despite being a good cricketer, Max didn’t connect with the 'cool' sports crowd at school and doesn’t maintain many school friendships.
• 😀 Max reflects on typical teenage experiences like finding magazines in parks and playing street games like 'rebound' and 'Wembley singles'.
• 😀 Nicknames from Max’s school days were based on last names, with common examples including 'Bubsy' and 'Fish Fingers'.
• 😀 Max’s teenage years were defined by music from artists like Tinchy Stryder, N-Dubz, and Lil Wayne, alongside popular tracks like 'Mr. Brightside'.

Q & A

What is Harrow School, and why is it significant?

Harrow School is one of the oldest and most prestigious private schools in the UK, located on Harrow on the Hill. It has a rich history, with notable alumni like Winston Churchill. The school is renowned for its traditions and the high-profile figures it educates.

How did Max describe his experience of attending Harrow?

Max described his time at Harrow as a highly structured and privileged experience. He lived in boarding houses with 70 boys and followed a strict schedule of classes, sports, and chapel services. Despite the luxury, he noted the challenges of living in close quarters with others, leading to occasional conflicts.

What were some of the traditions at Harrow that Max mentioned?

Max mentioned several traditions, such as wearing straw boater hats, tipping hats to teachers, and attending chapel services on Sundays. The students also had to wear formal attire every Sunday for chapel and lived in boarding houses for long stretches of time.

How did Max’s family background influence his time at Harrow?

Max’s father had attended Harrow years before, and he was well-known at the school for his sports achievements. This created an expectation for Max to excel in sports, which he did, eventually making it into the first cricket team. This helped him gain social status among his peers.

What was Max’s relationship with his schoolmates?

Max had a complicated relationship with his schoolmates. While he was part of the 'cool' group due to his involvement in sports, he didn’t genuinely connect with them and has not kept in touch with many of them after leaving school.

Can you explain the 'bums' game Max referred to?

The 'bums' game, as described by Max, was a schoolyard game where participants would kick a ball against a wall. It was a common and lighthearted activity, but Max humorously notes that it might be considered a more refined version of the same game at his school.

What was Max’s perspective on the nickname culture at school?

Max described how nicknames were often based on last names or prominent figures. For example, a student named Louis might be nicknamed 'Walshy' after Louis Walsh, while Max himself was referred to as 'Fosh' or 'Posh' due to his background and school status.

What did Max think about his friends watching his YouTube videos?

Max shared that his football friends were reluctant to admit they watched his YouTube videos. They were embarrassed to associate with him as a YouTuber, despite secretly following his content.

What was the significance of music in Max’s teenage years?

Max associates his teenage years with the music of artists like Tinie Tempah, N-Dubz, and Tayo Cruz. These artists were part of the music scene that shaped his youth, and he fondly recalls these songs as defining moments of his adolescence.

How did Max’s school environment shape his behavior and social interactions?

Max’s school environment, especially being part of an elite institution like Harrow, shaped his social interactions by placing him in a position where he had to navigate expectations of success in sports and social circles. He learned to adapt quickly to his new environment, dealing with both the privileges and pressures of being in such a school.