Ant McPartlin and Anne-Marie Corbett, one of Britain’s most beloved TV couples, have once again captured public attention, this time with their decision to enroll their son Wilder Patrick McPartlin, born in May 2024, and Anne-Marie’s two teenage daughters from a previous marriage, in the same prestigious school. The announcement, shared through a heartfelt Instagram post and a brief interview with Hello! Magazine, was initially met with warmth from fans who admire the couple’s commitment to blending their family. However, a specific detail about their choice—a specialized class for Wilder—has ignited a firestorm of speculation online, with netizens theorizing about a “long-term plan” behind the move. This article explores the couple’s decision, the mysterious special class, and why it’s fueling so much buzz.
A Family United: The School Decision
Ant, 49, and Anne-Marie, 47, have been open about their journey as a blended family since their 2021 marriage. Anne-Marie’s daughters, aged 15 and 17, have reportedly embraced Ant as a stepfather, and the birth of Wilder has further solidified their bond. The couple’s decision to send all three children to the same school—a private institution in North London known for its academic rigor and extracurricular offerings—was framed as a way to foster unity. “We want the kids to feel connected, to share experiences,” Ant said in the Hello! interview. “It’s about building a family that grows together.”
The school, while not named publicly, is rumored to be Highgate School, a £10,000-a-term institution with a stellar reputation, as reported by Daily Mail in February 2025. Highgate’s appeal, particularly its world-class drama department, aligns with Ant’s creative background and the family’s ties to the entertainment industry. Fans initially praised the move, with X posts like, “Love how Ant and Anne-Marie are making their family a priority. Same school for all the kids? That’s goals!” Yet, the focus quickly shifted to a single detail: Wilder, not yet school-age, is reportedly earmarked for a “special class” when he begins his education.
The Special Class: What’s the Buzz About?
The mention of a “special class” for Wilder, who is only one year old, has raised eyebrows. In the Hello! interview, Anne-Marie casually noted that the school offers “tailored programs for younger kids, including a special class we think will suit Wilder perfectly.” She didn’t elaborate, but the phrase sparked immediate curiosity. Was this a reference to a gifted program, a class for children with special educational needs (SEN), or something else entirely? The ambiguity has fueled rampant speculation on platforms like X, where users are dissecting the couple’s intentions.
Some netizens believe the “special class” indicates Wilder may have specific needs, possibly requiring an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), as discussed in The Guardian (March 2025) regarding the rising demand for SEN support in England. Others argue it’s a strategic move, suggesting Ant and Anne-Marie are planning for Wilder’s future in the spotlight, perhaps in a drama-focused program given Highgate’s reputation for feeding students into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA). One X post speculated, “Ant’s got big plans for Wilder—special class at Highgate? Bet it’s drama or something to groom him for TV!” Another user countered, “Could be SEN support. They’re just planning ahead for their kid’s needs. Nothing shady.”
The phrase “long-term plan,” coined by a viral X post, has taken on a life of its own. Some see it as evidence of a calculated effort to secure Wilder’s place in an elite institution early, possibly bypassing competitive admissions processes. Daily Mail (February 2025) noted Highgate’s selective nature, suggesting such foresight could reflect the couple’s desire to ensure stability for all three children in a top-tier environment. Others view it as a practical parenting choice, aligning with the 33 new special schools announced in England to address SEN demand (The Guardian, March 2023).
Why the Stir? Public Fascination with Ant and Anne-Marie
Ant McPartlin’s personal life has long been a subject of public fascination, from his struggles with addiction to his high-profile divorce and remarriage. His openness in his parenting diary, as covered in a previous article, has only deepened fans’ investment. Anne-Marie, while more private, has won admiration for her role as a mother and partner. Their decision to align their children’s education taps into broader societal debates about privilege, access to quality schooling, and parenting in the public eye.
The mention of a “special class” also resonates with ongoing discussions about special educational needs. BBC News (October 2024) highlighted the struggles of parents like Hannah and Dan McKee, who fought for specialist provision for their autistic son, underscoring the challenges of securing appropriate education. If Wilder’s class is SEN-related, Ant and Anne-Marie’s choice could spark conversations about advocacy for children with additional needs, especially among high-profile figures. Conversely, if it’s a specialized academic or creative program, it reflects the pressures of preparing children for success in competitive fields, as discussed in The New York Times (April 2025) on modern parenting.
Netizens’ Theories: A “Long-Term Plan” or Practical Parenting?
The online buzz has produced a range of theories about the couple’s motives:
Career Grooming: Some speculate the special class is drama-focused, preparing Wilder for a career in entertainment. Highgate’s track record with alumni like Jude Law and Freddie Highmore (Daily Mail, February 2025) lends credence to this idea. Ant’s industry connections could ease Wilder’s path, suggesting a “long-term plan” for stardom.
SEN Support: Others believe the class addresses potential developmental needs. The couple’s early planning could reflect lessons from the SEN system’s challenges, as seen in Wiltshire’s £500 million investment for special school places (Wiltshire Gazette and Herald, March 2024).
Family Legacy: A less common theory posits that Ant, nearing 50, is building a legacy for his children, ensuring they share the same educational foundation. This aligns with his emphasis on family unity in the Hello! interview.
Privilege and Access: Critics on X argue the move highlights inequality, with one post stating, “Only celebs like Ant can plan ‘special classes’ years in advance. Regular parents are stuck fighting for EHCPs.” This echoes The Guardian (March 2025) on SEN funding deficits.
The “long-term plan” narrative has been amplified by the couple’s wealth and status. The Independent (January 2014) discussed proposals to charge wealthy parents for top state schools, highlighting tensions around educational access. While Highgate is private, the principle applies: Ant and Anne-Marie’s ability to secure a tailored education for Wilder underscores disparities in opportunity.
The Bigger Picture: Education and Celebrity
The stir over Ant and Anne-Marie’s school choice reflects broader cultural dynamics. Celebrity parents often face scrutiny for their educational decisions, as seen with Prince William and Kate Middleton’s reported interest in Highgate for Prince George (Daily Mail, February 2025). The public’s fascination with such choices reveals a mix of admiration and skepticism, particularly when privilege is perceived to play a role.
Moreover, the focus on a “special class” taps into anxieties about educational equity. BBC Bitesize (January 2020) shared stories of parents like Julie, who moved her daughter to a specialist SEN school, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges involved. If Ant and Anne-Marie are navigating similar terrain, their openness could destigmatize SEN discussions. Alternatively, if the class is elite-focused, it may reinforce perceptions of celebrity entitlement.
What’s Next?
Neither Ant nor Anne-Marie has addressed the speculation directly, though Ant’s parenting diary may offer clues in future entries. The couple’s reticence suggests a desire to keep Wilder’s education private, a stance echoed by other celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, who also chose Highgate for her children (Daily Mail, February 2025). Yet, the public’s curiosity is unlikely to wane, especially given the viral nature of the “long-term plan” narrative.
As Wilder approaches school age, more details may emerge about the special class, potentially clarifying whether it’s SEN-related, drama-focused, or simply a tailored early-years program. For now, the buzz reflects Ant and Anne-Marie’s unique position as relatable yet privileged figures, whose every move sparks debate. Whether their plan is strategic or simply parental foresight, it’s clear their family’s journey will continue to captivate.
