New King's, Queen's, and International Scholars installed

Our new King's, Queen's, and International Scholars have been formally admitted.

Hundreds of Senior and Sixth Form students, staff, families, governors, and friends of the school came together inside Ely Cathedral for our ‘Choral Evensong with the Admission and Welcome of Scholars’ service.

The beautiful service, which is undoubtedly a highlight of our annual Michaelmas Term events calendar, featured superb performances by our Chapel Choir and Brass Ensemble, hymns, prayers, readings, and a sermon given by The Revd Sir Ralph Waller KBE. Sir Waller is Director of the Farmington Headteachers Institute at Jesus College, Cambridge; former Principal of Harris Manchester College, Oxford; and a Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

Principal of King’s Ely, Mr John Attwater, conducted the fourteen Scholars to the Dean of Ely, The Very Revd Mark Bonney, who received them at the Octagon Altar. Having been robed in their distinctive red gowns, the Scholars then took their places in the Scholars’ seats.

King’s Scholars were inaugurated by Henry VIII in 1541, and were followed by Queen’s Scholars at the request of Queen Elizabeth II in 1973. The Scholarships are honorary positions that are awarded annually on the basis of students’ GCSE results. Scholars become members of the Cathedral Foundation, strengthening the unique link between King’s and the Cathedral.

This year’s Scholars are: Ben Alderton, James Barber, Sienna Burley, Moon Cheung, Mikhail Kaminskiy, William Kirkup, Ares Leung, Laura Moretti, Robert Reed, Alfie Robson, Oynisa Safaeva, Natalie Song, Danielle Viljoen, and Eve Williams.

The new Scholars join our 2023-24 Scholars: Polly Casey, Allison Chiu, Ciara Comley, Yanki Ertem, Leo Good, Eleanor Kittoe, Angie Lai, Angus MacPherson, Alexander New, Anna Ost, Imogen Ryan, Alina Savchuk, Charlotte Senior, and Zara Stevens.

After the service, Scholars headed over to the Monastic Barn for ‘Visitors’ Feast', which is always a wonderful way for them to celebrate their achievements with their families!