KING’S Ely’s newest set of high-achieving King’s and Queen’s Scholars have been appointed.
Each year, up to twelve students in Year 12 are nominated as King’s Scholars (boys) or Queen’s Scholars (girls). They become members of the Cathedral Foundation, strengthening the special link between King’s Ely and the cathedral, and they also qualify for other privileges.
King’s Scholars were inaugurated by Henry VIII in 1541 and Queen’s Scholars at the request of Queen Elizabeth II in 1973. There is no application process for these honorary Scholarships, the positions instead being awarded based on pupils’ GCSE results.
This year’s King’s Scholars are William Black, Jacob Cave, James Chiang, James Graver and Thomas Keeling. The new Queen’s Scholars are Lexy Chen, Zoe Danes, Emma Fowler, Paige Grey, Elizabeth Hall, Olivia Rosenberg and Sophie Wood.
As ever, the Admission of Scholars’ Service saw the whole school and the Scholars’ proud families coming together in the glorious setting of Ely Cathedral. The Scholars received their distinctive red gowns, the colour traditionally associated with royalty, and the service featured hymns, poignant readings and prayers.
The service was followed by Evensong and the evening ended with a splendid ‘Visitors’ Feast’ when King’s Ely staff, governors and families came together in the school’s Lower Hall to celebrate the achievements of the newly appointed Scholars.
In addition to the King’s and Queen’s Scholars, two International Scholars are also appointed each year, and that honour this year went to Eric Lin and Kayla Wang.