Following complaints about the finances, buildings and management of Eton College the Clarendon Commission, a Royal Commission, was set up in 1861 to investigate the state of nine leading schools in England at the time. The Clarendon Report was published in 1864 with general recommendations on the subjects of curriculum. It gives a detailed picture of life in the nine schools. As a consequence of the Report, the Public Schools Act was passed in 1868.

The Terms of Reference for the Commission were: "To inquire into the nature and application of the Endowments, Funds and Revenue belonging to or received by the hereinafter mentioned Colleges, Schools and Foundations; and also to inquire into the administration and management of the said Colleges, Schools and Foundations. (Eton, Winchester, Westminster, Charterhouse, St Paul?s, Merchant Taylors', Harrow, Rugby, and Shrewsbury)"

The nine "Clarendon Schools" are still regarded as being amongst the leading educational establishments in England. All but St Paul's and Merchant Taylors' are predominantly boarding schools. All have excellent academic records.

Queen Victoria was the original person to decide to create an organisation of commissioners, to investigate public schools in the 19th century. The leader of this commission was the Earl of Clarendon, and as well as himself and his commissioners, they investigated the "Big Nine" schools, for any problems that might have occurred, suggested improvements to be made and help the students school life increase.

Trivia

Association Football (soccer) is played in all but one of the Clarendon Schools, in five as a major sport. Rugby football is played in seven of the nine, but not at Winchester or Westminster.