Our History

About King's Ely

Our History

Educating since 970 AD.

Watercolor of the Old Palace at King's Ely Sixth Form Centre, a private Sixth Form in Cambridgeshire

The Old Palace at King's Ely Sixth Form Centre, a private Sixth Form in Cambridgeshire

King's Ely can trace its origins from at least 970 AD, making it one of the oldest schools in the country.

The School was first established to educate the choristers of the worshipping community of Ely, and throughout our history we have maintained strong links with Ely Cathedral.

In 1541, King Henry VIII founded a College of Canons at Ely Cathedral to replace the monks whose monastery had been dissolved in 1539 and the school received its Royal Charter, later becoming known as "The King's School".

For much of the school’s history, the King’s Scholars constituted the entire school.  In 1970, King’s Ely became co-educational and in 1973, Queen Elizabeth II visited the school and instituted the first Queen’s Scholars.

Although we cherish our history, schools are about the todays and tomorrows of our pupils, and while we learn from the past, we look to the future.  We are a vibrant community that offers all you would expect of a 21st century school, and a great deal more.

Today, King's Ely educates around 1,150 boys and girls aged 2 to 18, including around 200 boarders.

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A JOURNEY THAT IS

Uniquely King's

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  • PURPOSE
  • PRACTICE
  • PLACE
  • PEOPLE

To prepare each individual to live positive, productive, successful and fulfilled lives, for the betterment of themselves and the world around them.

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To ensure every child feels that they are known, and receives an excellent academic education that inspires curiosity and intellectual adventure. 

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To give a sense of place and belonging to all our pupils, and to celebrate our unique environment and make the most of its ecological, historical, artistic, spiritual and economic resources.

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To create a genuinely diverse community, outward and forward-looking and with a shared purpose. To bring into this community the best teachers, pastoral and support staff and students, and to be a source of friends for life. 

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