King's Ely, The Old Palace, Ely (2026)

15/10/2026

Did you hear King's Ely Senior student, Albert, on BBC Cambridgeshire (Radio) this morning (Thursday 15th October)? 📻

You may have read the lovely story that we published on our socials earlier this week about Year 11 pupil Albert's recent ploughing achievements.

Albert, who has been ploughing since 2025 and a pupil at King’s since Reception, was among ploughmen and women from far and wide who participated in the annual H and D Charity Ploughing Competition in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. He won the Novice class for ploughing and Best in Show for his Ferguson TEF20 circa 1951! 🚜

Albert has had a love of tractors and farming since he was little, and was determined to own his very own vintage tractor one day. He saved up all his money from odd jobs, renovating his previous TED, birthdays, and Christmases, and finally raised enough to buy his TEF20 earlier this year.

The story was picked up by the BBC and this morning, Albert and his dad were invited along to the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire studios to feature on the Dotty McLeod Breakfast Show! 🤩

You can listen to Albert’s interview on BBC Sounds by searching for Dotty McLeod’s October 15th show and tuning in at 3 hours and 12 minutes.

Wonderful publicity for Albert, the school, ploughing, and young farmers. Bravo young man! 👏🏻

15/10/2026

Congratulations to the happy couple, pictured, who travelled over three-thousand miles to get engaged under the magnificent Great London Plane Tree of Ely! 🥳

The couple journeyed to Ely from Boston, Massachusetts, for the weekend, culminating in the proposal under the 360-year-old tree in our Old Palace Gardens on Sunday 11th October.

We were delighted to be asked to help plan and accommodate this very special occasion, and the tree adds yet another first to its long and illustrious story! 👏🏻

More than six-hundred people attended our Open Garden event on the same day, which enabled visitors of all ages to explore our Old Palace Gardens, get up close to the Great London Plane Tree, and learn all about our mission to help protect it for future generations.

To find out more, please visit The Tree Council website and search for 'London Plane of Ely'! 🌳

14/10/2026

Bravo to each and every pupil who has given it their all in House Cross Country over the last couple of weeks! 🙌🏼

Students in Year 3 at King's Ely Prep through to Year 13 at King's Ely Sixth Form have participated, with each course starting from Campus Field, but carefully designed to suit the age groups involved.

Congratulations to our individual Prep School winners, four of whom are pictured:

Year 3 Boys - Bodhi
Year 3 Girls - Arabella
Year 4 Boys - Henry
Year 4 Girls - Auxane
Year 5 Boys - Art
Year 5 Girls - Blythe
Year 6 Boys - Auberon
Year 6 Girls - Oriane
Year 7 Boys - Freddie
Year 7 Girls - Nancy
Year 8 Boys: Finan
Year 8 Girls: Poppy

In Senior House Cross Country, Wilkinson won the Years 9-10 boys' event, with Hayden claiming the individual title. In the girls' competition, the combined Withburga and Wendreda team were victorious, with Isla being the individual winner.

In the Years 11-13 competition, Hereward secured the boys' team title, with Oliver winning the individual race. In the girls' competition, Torfrida were crowned team champions, with Eliza achieving the individual honours.

Ms Michelle Bird, our Head of Athletic Development, Athletics, and Cross Country, said: "This year's events were blessed with unusually warm conditions for Cross Country, but pupils responded brilliantly, showing determination, resilience, and excellent House spirit throughout. Well done to all pupils who represented their Houses with such enthusiasm!"

On Friday 16th October, we are excited to be hosting the English Schools' Cross Country Cup. More than two-hundred young athletes from ten Cambridgeshire and Norfolk-based schools will be battling it out here at King's, including several of our own runners.

Good luck to all pupils who are competing. The action will start on Campus Field at 9.20am - please do come and show your support if you are free! 👏🏻

14/10/2026

Ten people and two school minibuses were required to transport all of the items that we managed to collect for Ely Foodbank this Harvest! 🤩

A small team of King's Ely Sixth Form volunteers and Mr Scott Mathie, Head of Year 9 and Teacher of Chemistry, joined forces to deliver the incredible collection of food items and hygiene products to the foodbank warehouse.

Jessie Byford, Fundraising Officer at Ely Foodbank, said: "We are so grateful to everyone at King's for their donations! As we head into winter, more local people are facing hunger because their income simply is not covering the essentials, with heating, rent, and food all costing more. Every tin and packet you have collected will go straight into emergency food parcels for people across East Cambridgeshire, South Cambridgeshire, and Fenland over the coming weeks and months, so that no one in our community has to go without this winter. Thank you for showing what is possible when a community comes together."

Kudos and thank you to all pupils, families, and staff from Nursery through to Sixth Form who supported our foodbank appeal so generously again this year! 🙌🏼

If you are keen to continue supporting Ely Foodbank, download the free 'Bank the Food' app - it tells you specific items that they are in shortage of throughout the year.

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13/10/2026

Congratulations to King’s Ely Senior student, Albert, for his recent ploughing achievements! 🏆

Albert, who has been ploughing since 2025, was among ploughmen and women from far and wide who participated in the annual H and D Ploughing Competition in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Year 11 pupil, Albert, won the Novice class for ploughing and Best in Show for his Ferguson TEF20 circa 1951! 🚜

In his ploughing, he got full marks for his 'opening', which is the first line of ploughing, judged before the competitors are allowed to continue. It is assessed on how straight, level, and even the fold is. He also got full marks for his 'ploughman ship', which grades how even the furrows are.

Albert has had a love of tractors and farming since he was little, and was determined to own his own vintage tractor one day. He saved up all his money from odd jobs, renovating his previous TED, birthdays, and Christmases, and finally raised enough to buy his TEF20 earlier this year! 🙌🏼

This year’s H and D Ploughing Competition raised more than £1,000 for St Nicholas Hospice Care in Bury St Edmunds.

Bravo, Albert! 👏🏻

We love to celebrate our pupils' achievements and hobbies outside school. Email our Head of Media with your or your child's news - [email protected]

13/10/2026

We had a splendid time welcoming children and families to our Ely Cathedral Choir Open Day on Saturday (October 10th)! 🎶

The Choristers of Ely Cathedral Choir were in their element giving the young singers in attendance a flavour of what life is like for them as Choristers. Children not only got to sing with the Choristers in the world-famous Cathedral, but they also enjoyed musical games and activities, and tried on those famed red robes.

This week's is from Mr and Mrs Smith, whose daughter, Issy, is in Year 7 at King's Ely Prep, and thriving as a Girl Chorister! 👧🏻

Mr and Mrs Smith said: "Enrolling Issy as a Chorister has been one of the most rewarding decisions we have ever made. What began as a love of music and singing has grown into a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that is shaping her confidence, discipline, and sense of belonging.

"The musical opportunities are simply extraordinary - performing at an exceptional standard, working with inspiring musicians, and being part of something so historic and meaningful. But what truly sets this experience apart is the pastoral care. From day one, we as a family have felt completely supported. The staff know the children as individuals, nurture their wellbeing, and create an environment where they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to thrive.

"There is a genuine sense of family within the Choir. The girls support one another, form lasting friendships, and learn teamwork, resilience, and kindness alongside musical excellence. Watching our daughter grow - not just as a musician, but as a young person - is incredibly moving.

"We are deeply grateful for the care, dedication, and opportunities this community provides. For any parent considering this path for their child, we cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a rare and special journey, and one that our family will treasure forever."

Who are we looking for? Potential Choristers...

🔷 Are girls or boys (at any school) currently in Year 2, 3, 4 or 5

🔷 Have a clear natural voice and enjoy singing and music

🔷 Can pitch notes accurately and repeat simple melodies and rhythms

🔷 Have potential and enthusiasm rather than prior experience!

All Choristers receive a 40% reduction on the day fee at King's, with further means-tested bursaries available. We aim to ensure that any child can become an Ely Cathedral Chorister, regardless of financial circumstances. Almost all of our Choristers now attend King's as day pupils, but boarding options are available too.

Auditions for the Choir take place throughout the year, although the next main auditions will be held on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th February 2027.

To find out more or to arrange a chat or an informal audition, please call (01353) 660336 or email: [email protected]

13/10/2026

Knit+ Stitch Show London 2026 - a tremendous opportunity for our A-Level Fashion and Textile Design students to showcase their creativity to the masses! 🥳

Not only did King's have a striking exhibition stand at the four-day event, which was held at Alexandra Palace from October 8th-11th, but some of our Year 12 designers were also given the opportunity to strut their stuff on the catwalk wearing stunning garments that they had made.

More than 30,000 people attended this year's Knit + Stitch Show, which is described as being the biggest textile craft exhibition in the UK! 👏🏼

Mrs Alison Rhodes, Director of Art at King's Ely Senior, said: "The theatre was absolutely packed with people waiting to see the King’s catwalk show; it was standing room only. The students were all fantastic, and the comments from visitors were that they were stronger than any professional models. This was an invaluable opportunity for students to showcase their work, and visitors then wanted to see their garments again on display at our exhibition stand.

"Our students were exhibiting their work alongside graduates, so it was a real privilege to have King’s and the Department recognised in this way. The students were all incredibly professional, and the event organisers are keen to work together again at the Business Design Centre in March 2027. There was also the chance to talk through the possibility of work experience with the organisers - another unique opportunity for our A-Level students.

"This year’s Knit + Stitch Show was bursting at the seams with creativity and innovation. Our high level of participation in the event is an amazing opportunity for our students to include on their Art Foundation and UCAS applications, ready for interviews, and also for future employment. We are all very proud of our students and the high level of professionalism shown throughout."

What an awesome experience for our young designers - kudos to Mrs Rhodes and her team for making it all happen! 👏🏼

12/10/2026

Some photos from our 'In Concert with the Music Department' event - and a reminder that our first 'Lunchtime Live' of the Michaelmas Term is this week! 🎵

📅 Wednesday 14th October

🎶 Performances by some of King's Ely Senior's most accomplished musicians

🕰️ 1.10pm

📍 St Mary's Church, Ely

🎟️ Free admission and everyone welcome

'Lunchtime Live' will feature an uplifting programme of music, showcasing both our newcomers and our most accomplished regular performers. It is the perfect way to refresh your afternoon and enjoy some wonderful live music.

Bravo to all students who starred in the 'In Concert with the Music Department' event. From string solos of Saint-Saëns to piano performances of Satie to vocal works by Finzi, the evening certainly showed us what an exciting year of music lies ahead! 👏🏼

12/10/2026

Our Year 1 King's Ely Acremont Pre-Prep pupils had a brilliant day exploring Audley End House and Gardens - dressed in Victorian attire of course! 🤩

On arrival at the English Heritage site, Mr Andrew Hart's and Mrs Helen Monk's classes were met by Housekeeper, Mrs Warwick, who transported them all the way back to 1881 to show them what it would have been like to work in the Service Wing - 'below stairs' - as housemaids and footmen.

The children were put to work by shining shoes, scrubbing floors, setting the dinner table, arranging flowers, beating carpets, and even emptying the chamber pots. Everyone then had a guided tour of the Service Wing, taking in the large kitchen, dairy, and laundry rooms, where the children even found some items very similar to those that they discovered in the cellar at Acremont! 🙌🏼

After lunch, the children were given a special tour of the house, where they got to explore the Great Hall, Dining Room, Library, Chapel, and more, admiring all of the fine furniture and works of art.

Thank you to the Audley End House and Gardens team for a visit that was jam-packed with learning and fun, and kudos to our Year 1s for their impeccable behaviour! 👏🏼

10/10/2026

A little video capturing some of the highlights of our fabulous Harvest Festival Service at Ely Cathedral! 🤩

As reported at the time, pupils, families, staff, and friends of King's Ely Acremont Pre-Prep, King's Ely Prep, and our Newmarket-based sister school, Fairstead House School & Nursery, came together for the uplifting event on October 8th; the music for which was outstanding.

Performances were given by King's Voices, Fairstead House Choir, King's Ely Prep Chamber Orchestra, members of King's Ely Prep Jazz Band, and members of King's Ely Prep Brass Ensemble! 🎶

Mr Stephen Greenish, former teacher at King's Ely Prep and now Chair of Trustees at Ely Foodbank, attended the service to speak about the charity's vital work in the local area, and to thank us for all of the items we have collected and donated. Readings and prayers were led by the children, with support from our Chaplain, The Revd Dr Stuart Thomson.

Mrs Faye Fenton-Stone, Head of King's Ely Acremont Pre-Prep, said: "The range of singing, instrumental interludes, and readings from our family of schools was excellent. From my vantage point, it was particularly lovely to watch the faces of our Acremont children as the older pupils performed. They were utterly captivated and stilled as they absorbed all that was going on. A very well done to our Receptioners, for whom it was their first ‘assembly’ in Cathedral. We aim to capitalise on their super behaviour, with a return visit in a fortnight’s time, for our Whole School Mid-Term Service. Isn’t the half term flying by!

"Thank you to the creative vision of Mrs Walker, Mrs Bailey, and Mrs Hunt, who put their artistic heads together, and to all of the children who represented our section of the school with so much colour and vivacity. As the Cathedral celebrates Harvest this weekend, please do find some time to see your children’s artwork, if you have not already."

Our fantastic displays are on show to members of the public throughout the Cathedral's Harvest Festival, which is running until Sunday 11th October. From craft activities to floral displays to special services, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Visit the Ely Cathedral website for more info! 🙌🏼

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