Last week our boys and Beaks (teachers) elected the 2026/27 cohort of Pop (also known as the Eton Society), a prefect body made up of B Blockers (Year 13s). Poppers are nominated for being a positive influence on their peers and actively serving the interests of all boys.
After a year in the role, some of our current Poppers share the responsibilities they have enjoyed and the attributes they looked for when nominating their successors.
“Pop is a massive privilege, but it’s not something that defines you or your Eton experience at all.” When Dillon received his congratulatory letter last year, he was “positively surprised”. Not only had he been voted into Pop, but he’d earned the Chairman (deputy) position.
As an avid rower, his leadership and self-discipline had been recognised by both boys and Beaks, leading to his appointment as Captain of the Boats. It’s traits like these that highlight when a boy would likely thrive in an ambassador role.
During the voting process for Pop 2026/27, the current boys agreed that reliability, kindness, and a desire to make a positive impact were important qualities to look for in potential Poppers.
“You don’t have to be the most outspoken or confident person,” Dillon said. “You just have to be a good role model and someone that boys can look up to.
“You have a certain responsibility and that needs to come with more humility. What you say is doubly important because people listen.”
Poppers interact with every Block (year group) in the School. Through their duties, they help supervise the younger Blocks in Lower Chapel, assist with society events and offer advice to boys seeking their guidance.
Julian said: “I think we’ll be remembered as a very approachable Pop. We’ve led more with soft power.”
Pop often act as an intermediary between boys and Beaks. This includes communicating with senior leadership, sitting with staff during Chapel services – “you sing the hymns even better then,” Julian said – and regular breakfast meetings with the Head Master and Lower Master.
While Dillon jokes that a few boys struggle with the early start time – “some Poppers aren’t really morning people…” – Julian finds it a great opportunity to raise any queries or concerns that boys have expressed to him and the group.
“You represent the boys to the leadership team,” he said. “The Lower Master involves us quite a lot in the decision process of how things can improve and he really takes your opinion into account.”
The boys themselves are led by Abdi, the President of Pop, and Dillon, the Chairman. Julian said: “They do an incredible job. They organise all 27 of us, on top of also studying for their A Levels.
“Dillon’s got a lot of rowing commitments and Abdi does countless things around the School. I think it’s quite hard and they do it very well.”
With only a few weeks left of the academic year, the boys are busy with exams and making the most of their last Half. Julian’s next step will be studying accounting and finance at university, while Dillon is set to read French and Philosophy.
Reflecting on his five years, Dillon said: “I’ll miss the boat club and rowing with my friends the most. It’s so social and has played such a big role in my Eton experience.”
