The Spectator’s Notes | 10 May 2008

The growing power of Islam in Britain has forced the British public to learn more about its component parts — Sunnis and Shiites, Deobandis and Barelwis, and so on. By the same token, I feel it is time for a more thorough understanding of Etonians as they start their reconquista of our country. They divide into two groups — Collegers and Oppidans. At any one time, there are only 70 Collegers and more than 1,200 Oppidans, but Collegers are scholars and represent the original purpose of the foundation, so they have an importance beyond their numbers. Collegers tend to live off their wits, Oppidans off their inheritance. Oppidans are more relaxed and confident, Collegers more twitchy and more original. Collegers make better companions at high table, but you would rather go into the jungle with Oppidans. George Orwell was a Colleger, James Bond was an Oppidan. Just because Collegers and Oppidans are both Etonians, it should not be supposed that there is a natural alliance between the two.