Our new King’s, Queen’s, and International Scholars have been formally installed.
A congregation of more than 600 Senior and Sixth Form students, families, staff, governors, and friends of the school came together inside Ely Cathedral on Friday (November 24th) for our ‘Choral Evensong with the Admission and Welcome of Scholars’ service.
The beautiful service, which is undoubtedly an annual highlight of the Michaelmas Term, featured magnificent performances by our Chapel Choir and Brass Ensemble, hymns, prayers, readings, and a sermon preached by The Rt Revd Dr Graham Kings, Honorary Assistant Bishop of Ely.
Principal of King’s Ely, 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 scarlet gowns, the Scholars signed their declarations and 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, and they also qualify for other privileges and appointments throughout the year.
This year’s King’s, Queen’s, and International Scholars are: 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.
They join our 2022-23 Scholars: Thomas Alderton, Robert Banwell, Lauren Booth, Mollie Chamberlain, Hugh Chippington, Isobel Holland, Lily McCallum, Harriet Nicholson, Fares Obeid, Aron O’Connor, Anders Ong, William Shaw, Sydney Smith, Eliza Spooner, Jack Tisi, and Sophie Wood.
After the service and some photographs with their friends, families, teachers, and boarding staff, our newly-appointed Scholars headed to the Monastic Barn for ‘Visitors’ Feast’, which is always a wonderful way for the Scholars to celebrate their achievements with their families!
Pictured are thirteen of our fourteen new King’s, Queen’s, and International Scholars. Lovely Imogen had made her way over to the Visitors’ Feast when this photo was taken. We will aim to take a full Scholars’ photo before the end of term.