Carmel College (Oxfordshire)

Carmel College was a predominantly Jewish co-educational boarding school in England operating between 1948 and 1997. It was first situated at Greenham Common near Newbury and then at Mongewell Park near Wallingford, Oxfordshire. It was Europe's only Jewish boarding school. It also had a very small number of pupils who were not of Jewish descent, as day pupils. Carmel College alumni are known as "Old Carmelis"; in 1973 the school was referred to as the "Jewish Eton" by The Observer correspondent, Chaim Bermant (a phrase that would probably not be used by Old Carmelis).

Typical boarding fees in 1996 were £10,000 per school term (i.e. £30,000 per year). The selection process was competitive and applicants were required to sit entrance exams, as well as demonstrate the ability to contribute to the school ethos and uphold core school values. In 1990 and through to 1997 it topped the list of the 20 most expensive boarding schools in the country

The school had a substantial number of international students from Europe and the Americas and an ethos of respect, diligence and social responsibility was instilled in students as part of the pastoral care provided by housemasters and tutors.

The school practised a mainstream Orthodox Judaism, more Orthodox than the practice of most of the pupils' families. The aim was to turn out young international students who were authentically both secular and had an appreciation of religion.

Pupils who attended were generally upper/upper middle class or of a social standing that allowed private schooling. During the school summer holidays some students would spend time in Europe, Asia or the Middle East at private villas and residences of their parents or friends, forming extremely close friendships that would often last a life time.

Many students went on to university, including major universities in Britain and overseas. A significant number also went on to finishing school before returning to Europe / Far East and assuming significant responsibilities in their families' conglomerate businesses.

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