St Peter's School, York
Encyclopedia
St Peter's School is a co-educational independent boarding and day school located in the English
City of York
, with extensive grounds on the banks of the River Ouse
. Founded by St Paulinus of York in AD 627
, it is one of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom
.
Founded in the English city of York
by St Paulinus of York in the year AD 627
, the school was originally based at York Minster
. An early headmaster Alcuin
(Flaccus Albinus Alcuinus), went on to be Chancellor to the Emperor Charlemagne, and founded several of the earliest schools in mainland Europe. It is the third oldest school in the world.
(ages 3–8), to St Olave's School (ages 8–13) and through to St Peter's School (ages 13–18).
, stretching to the banks of the River Ouse
.
The main front of the school faces along Bootham; this is the oldest part of the site and comprises the Memorial Hall, Alcuin Library and Chapel, as well as dining facilities. Temple House and School House, the Department of Politics, the Department of Business, and the Department of Economics are also based in these buildings, accessed from an area known to the school community as the 'monkey cage'. Behind here is the Scott Block (Maths), Old Science Building (Chemistry), New Science Building (Physics, IT, and DT), Shepherd Rooms (Languages), The Grove and Clifton House. The Music School, the Dame Judi Dench
Drama Centre, Hope House, and Queen's Building (History, Religious Studies, Geography, and Latin) are also located along the top of the Campus.
Boarding Houses Wentworth and Rise border the main campus, while Linton, Dronfield and Manor are located across the road from the main school front accessible by footbridge. In the 2000s the school expanded its site under Headmaster Andrew Trotman to include the new lower campus, formally the site of Queen Anne's, a state school that had been recently closed. The move was not without its challenges, including the distance between the old and new sites and the dissection of a public footpath.
In September 2001, St Olave's, the prep school, moved from the White House, Chilman Building and its half of the Queen's Building to the newly acquired Queen Anne site. The pre-prep, Clifton Prep
moved from its original 19th-century building on The Avenue to occupy the buildings previously used by St Olave's. The Lower Campus now contains St Olave's prep school and the senior school Biology and Art Departments.
Language-learning is also encouraged from a young age, so too the teaching of Latin, compulsory for the first four years of study and also offered at GCSE and A-level. Religious Studies is a compulsory GCSE subject.
, over whom the school has enjoyed great success in recent years. Internally the school also has sporting competitions between Houses, as well as swimming galas, cross-country running and a full summer Sports Day.
A wide range of activities are available at the school in order to encourage enjoyment of physical activity. These include Rugby, Football, Hockey, Netball, Tennis, Cricket, Rowing, Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Cross-Country, Climbing, Squash, Swimming, Weight training, Trampolining, Water polo and Aerobics.
The school's privileged position on the banks of the River Ouse
means there are extensive sporting fields. The main 1st IV Rugby, 1st XI Hockey, and Men's Cricket Pavilion pitches are located just behind the main school buildings. There are further pitches for Rugby (named River Side Near and River Side Far), hockey (The Paddock), and cricket (Colts Pitch). There are also the Queen Anne Fields used for the summer athletics track and field events but also as a further space for winter sports. In addition there are modern gymnasiums, an indoor swimming pool, 2 multi-sport indoor centres, tennis courts, multi-use astroturf pitches, a rifle range, and a boathouse.
The school's commitment to sport is shown by the employment of professional coaches for all sports. For 27 years, cricket was coached by Keith Mohan
. St. Peter's has a particular strength in rugby and is seen as one of the top rugby schools in the North of England. In 2002 the school's U15 rugby team won the national Daily Mail Cup
competition and the U18 team were narrowly beaten in 2005 in the final against Exeter College, Exeter
.
The school is also widely acknowledged as an up-and-coming rowing school with improvements made every year. St Peter’s School Boat Club was founded in the 1850s and is one of the oldest school rowing clubs in the world. It has enjoyed considerable success at international level with over 28 GB ‘vests’ earned by Peterites since 1998. On the domestic scene it has had 9 medals at The National Schools' Regatta, 12 medals at The National Championships, and 25 appearances at Henley (both Men's and Women's), all since 1991.
The school offers Barbershop Quartets, a Brass Group, Chamber Groups, a Choral Society, a Close Harmony Group, String Orchestras, String Quartets, Swing Band/Traditional Jazz, a Symphony Orchestra, Senior Wind Band, Woodwind, Quintets and Quartets.
Concerts are put on regularly, with the Cabaret Concert a popular example. Sometimes (e.g. Verdi's Requiem), concerts are performed in York Minster.
There is also a yearly music competition, with pupils encouraged to perform and compete for their category in front of experienced and respected judges who can offer them positive feedback.
Individual music lessons are available to all pupils of the school for an additional fee, and members of the prep school are encouraged to pick up an instrument in their first year with compulsory group lessons on stringed instruments.
A musical is performed every two years, with the help of the Drama Department. The latest musicals performed were: "My Fair Lady" (in 2008), and "Dream a Little Dream" (in 2010).
A music trip is also held every year. Previous destinations have included: Budapest
, Italy
, Prague
, New York
and Bavaria
.
, is available to students for either Army or RAF, but not Navy. The school has a high number of students from military families.
and Clarendon High School for Girls in East London, South Africa
.
is a long standing tradition throughout the school's history. As the houses are physical, located in various buildings and parts of building throughout the school campus, a strong sense of community is developed, bringing pupils of all ages together to compete in inter-house competitions. An example of the inter-house competitions is the strongly-contested house rugby competition.
Each house has its own associated colour that is the basis of house sports kits and House Colours. "House Colours" are an award that is given in the form of a tie (formerly a badge for female students as they did not wear ties when they were first admitted) to pupils who provide an outstanding contribution to house activities.
The school has ten day and boarding houses:
Girls' boarding houses:
Boys' boarding houses:
Day houses:
In order to be classed as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, a school's boarding provision must be "of exceptionally high quality". In the inspection report, St Peter’s and St Olave’s were judged to "provide an outstanding quality of care for boarding pupils. Boarders’ health and well-being are actively safeguarded and promoted by the school. Relationships between boarders and staff are excellent and boarders have a highly positive experience of school life".
with compulsory services 3 mornings a week. Eucharist is also held once a term and there are special services to mark Festivals in the Christian calendar. A service is held on Remembrance Sunday
during which all pupils place poppies on the book of remembrance in the Ante-chapel
(which contains names of alumni killed in conflict). The school's Christmas Carol Service is held in York Minster
.
Religious education
is compulsory at the school until Sixth Form, and is taught by both academic staff and the school's two Church of England clergy. The school remains predominantly Christian
in demographics
and in teaching
has a long connection with St Peter's, as the school's founder was an Archbishop of York
. This relationship is also evident in the school's name, which mirrors the formal title of the Minster, The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter. At its foundation, the school was probably housed next to the earliest cathedral building.
At the end of each academic year a Commemoration and Prizegiving service is held in the Minster and a Carol Service is also held there at Christmas. The school choir often sings in the Minster and in the 2006/2007 year they participated in Verdi's Requiem, which brought together the wider York community.
Sport:
Academics & Historians:
Artists, Musicians, Writers & Actors:
Politicians:
Religious figures:
Armed Forces:
Business leaders:
Television personalities:
Terrorists:
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
City of York
York
York is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence...
, with extensive grounds on the banks of the River Ouse
River Ouse, Yorkshire
The River Ouse is a river in North Yorkshire, England. The river is formed from the River Ure at Cuddy Shaw Reach near Linton-on-Ouse, about 6 miles downstream of the confluence of the River Swale with the River Ure...
. Founded by St Paulinus of York in AD 627
627
Year 627 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar. The denomination 627 for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.- Byzantine Empire :* December 12 – Battle of...
, it is one of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
History
York
York is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence...
by St Paulinus of York in the year AD 627
627
Year 627 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar. The denomination 627 for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.- Byzantine Empire :* December 12 – Battle of...
, the school was originally based at York Minster
York Minster
York Minster is a Gothic cathedral in York, England and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe alongside Cologne Cathedral. The minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England, and is the cathedral for the Diocese of York; it is run by...
. An early headmaster Alcuin
Alcuin
Alcuin of York or Ealhwine, nicknamed Albinus or Flaccus was an English scholar, ecclesiastic, poet and teacher from York, Northumbria. He was born around 735 and became the student of Archbishop Ecgbert at York...
(Flaccus Albinus Alcuinus), went on to be Chancellor to the Emperor Charlemagne, and founded several of the earliest schools in mainland Europe. It is the third oldest school in the world.
Structure
St Peter's offers a continuity of education from the Clifton Pre-preparatory SchoolClifton Pre-preparatory School
Clifton Pre-preparatory School is the pre-preparatory school to St Peter's School, a co-educational independent boarding and day school located in the English City of York, with extensive grounds on the banks of the River Ouse...
(ages 3–8), to St Olave's School (ages 8–13) and through to St Peter's School (ages 13–18).
Campus
The school has a large campus near to the centre of the city of YorkYork
York is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence...
, stretching to the banks of the River Ouse
River Ouse, Yorkshire
The River Ouse is a river in North Yorkshire, England. The river is formed from the River Ure at Cuddy Shaw Reach near Linton-on-Ouse, about 6 miles downstream of the confluence of the River Swale with the River Ure...
.
The main front of the school faces along Bootham; this is the oldest part of the site and comprises the Memorial Hall, Alcuin Library and Chapel, as well as dining facilities. Temple House and School House, the Department of Politics, the Department of Business, and the Department of Economics are also based in these buildings, accessed from an area known to the school community as the 'monkey cage'. Behind here is the Scott Block (Maths), Old Science Building (Chemistry), New Science Building (Physics, IT, and DT), Shepherd Rooms (Languages), The Grove and Clifton House. The Music School, the Dame Judi Dench
Judi Dench
Dame Judith Olivia "Judi" Dench, CH, DBE, FRSA is an English film, stage and television actress.Dench made her professional debut in 1957 with the Old Vic Company. Over the following few years she played in several of William Shakespeare's plays in such roles as Ophelia in Hamlet, Juliet in Romeo...
Drama Centre, Hope House, and Queen's Building (History, Religious Studies, Geography, and Latin) are also located along the top of the Campus.
Boarding Houses Wentworth and Rise border the main campus, while Linton, Dronfield and Manor are located across the road from the main school front accessible by footbridge. In the 2000s the school expanded its site under Headmaster Andrew Trotman to include the new lower campus, formally the site of Queen Anne's, a state school that had been recently closed. The move was not without its challenges, including the distance between the old and new sites and the dissection of a public footpath.
In September 2001, St Olave's, the prep school, moved from the White House, Chilman Building and its half of the Queen's Building to the newly acquired Queen Anne site. The pre-prep, Clifton Prep
Clifton Pre-preparatory School
Clifton Pre-preparatory School is the pre-preparatory school to St Peter's School, a co-educational independent boarding and day school located in the English City of York, with extensive grounds on the banks of the River Ouse...
moved from its original 19th-century building on The Avenue to occupy the buildings previously used by St Olave's. The Lower Campus now contains St Olave's prep school and the senior school Biology and Art Departments.
Academic
The school has a history of high academic achievement across all age ranges. The curriculum is broad from a young age, offering a solid grounding in the sciences as well as in English and maths.Language-learning is also encouraged from a young age, so too the teaching of Latin, compulsory for the first four years of study and also offered at GCSE and A-level. Religious Studies is a compulsory GCSE subject.
Sport
St Peter's largest sporting rival is Ampleforth CollegeAmpleforth College
Ampleforth College in North Yorkshire, England, is the largest Roman Catholic co-educational boarding independent school in the United Kingdom. It opened in 1802, as a boys' school, and is run by the Benedictine monks and lay staff of Ampleforth Abbey...
, over whom the school has enjoyed great success in recent years. Internally the school also has sporting competitions between Houses, as well as swimming galas, cross-country running and a full summer Sports Day.
A wide range of activities are available at the school in order to encourage enjoyment of physical activity. These include Rugby, Football, Hockey, Netball, Tennis, Cricket, Rowing, Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Cross-Country, Climbing, Squash, Swimming, Weight training, Trampolining, Water polo and Aerobics.
The school's privileged position on the banks of the River Ouse
River Ouse, Yorkshire
The River Ouse is a river in North Yorkshire, England. The river is formed from the River Ure at Cuddy Shaw Reach near Linton-on-Ouse, about 6 miles downstream of the confluence of the River Swale with the River Ure...
means there are extensive sporting fields. The main 1st IV Rugby, 1st XI Hockey, and Men's Cricket Pavilion pitches are located just behind the main school buildings. There are further pitches for Rugby (named River Side Near and River Side Far), hockey (The Paddock), and cricket (Colts Pitch). There are also the Queen Anne Fields used for the summer athletics track and field events but also as a further space for winter sports. In addition there are modern gymnasiums, an indoor swimming pool, 2 multi-sport indoor centres, tennis courts, multi-use astroturf pitches, a rifle range, and a boathouse.
The school's commitment to sport is shown by the employment of professional coaches for all sports. For 27 years, cricket was coached by Keith Mohan
Keith Mohan
Keith Frederick Mohan was an English cricketer who played for Derbyshire in the County Championship in 1957 and 1958.Mohan joined the staff of Derbyshire in 1952 and represented the club in the Minor Counties Championship. He made his debut first-class appearance in the 1957 season, which saw the...
. St. Peter's has a particular strength in rugby and is seen as one of the top rugby schools in the North of England. In 2002 the school's U15 rugby team won the national Daily Mail Cup
Daily Mail Cup
The Daily Mail RBS Cup is the annual English schools' rugby union cup competition. The semi-finals are now held at Broadstreet Rugby Club. The final is held at Twickenham Stadium. Competitions are held at the U18 and U15 age group levels...
competition and the U18 team were narrowly beaten in 2005 in the final against Exeter College, Exeter
Exeter College, Exeter
Exeter College is a tertiary college in the city of Exeter, Devon, England, providing further education for 16-18 year old students, including apprenticeships, A levels and the International Baccalaureate, as well as a range of courses for 14-16 year-olds, higher education and adult courses,...
.
The school is also widely acknowledged as an up-and-coming rowing school with improvements made every year. St Peter’s School Boat Club was founded in the 1850s and is one of the oldest school rowing clubs in the world. It has enjoyed considerable success at international level with over 28 GB ‘vests’ earned by Peterites since 1998. On the domestic scene it has had 9 medals at The National Schools' Regatta, 12 medals at The National Championships, and 25 appearances at Henley (both Men's and Women's), all since 1991.
Music
As chapel life is so central to the school, the choir is a popular outlet for pupils' musical talents. The School Choir averages 170 members a year, but there is also a more selective Chapel Choir as well as an elite Chamber Choir. Highlights of the choral calendar include the Carol Service at York Minster, as well as visits to the Minster and further afield to sing Evensong.The school offers Barbershop Quartets, a Brass Group, Chamber Groups, a Choral Society, a Close Harmony Group, String Orchestras, String Quartets, Swing Band/Traditional Jazz, a Symphony Orchestra, Senior Wind Band, Woodwind, Quintets and Quartets.
Concerts are put on regularly, with the Cabaret Concert a popular example. Sometimes (e.g. Verdi's Requiem), concerts are performed in York Minster.
There is also a yearly music competition, with pupils encouraged to perform and compete for their category in front of experienced and respected judges who can offer them positive feedback.
Individual music lessons are available to all pupils of the school for an additional fee, and members of the prep school are encouraged to pick up an instrument in their first year with compulsory group lessons on stringed instruments.
A musical is performed every two years, with the help of the Drama Department. The latest musicals performed were: "My Fair Lady" (in 2008), and "Dream a Little Dream" (in 2010).
A music trip is also held every year. Previous destinations have included: Budapest
Budapest
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. As the largest city of Hungary, it is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation centre. In 2011, Budapest had 1,733,685 inhabitants, down from its 1989 peak of 2,113,645 due to suburbanization. The Budapest Commuter...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
and Bavaria
Bavaria
Bavaria, formally the Free State of Bavaria is a state of Germany, located in the southeast of Germany. With an area of , it is the largest state by area, forming almost 20% of the total land area of Germany...
.
Art
In addition to art as a subject, there is the Whitestone Gallery, located at the school, close to the Art Department on the Lower Campus, in which many exhibitions are held, including the pupils' own work and the work of visiting artists.Community Service
St Peter's asks students to contribute to their local community and rewards those who achieve 50/100/200 hours through enrollment in the Millennium Volunteers Program.Combined Cadet Force
The CCF, or Combined Cadet ForceCombined Cadet Force
The Combined Cadet Force is a Ministry of Defence sponsored youth organisation in the United Kingdom. Its aim is to "provide a disciplined organisation in a school so that pupils may develop powers of leadership by means of training to promote the qualities of responsibility, self reliance,...
, is available to students for either Army or RAF, but not Navy. The school has a high number of students from military families.
Expeditions
There is a school expedition every year, in addition to the field trips, academic holidays and sports tours organised for pupils.Exchange
St. Peter's has an exchange programme with Selborne CollegeSelborne College
Selborne College is a public, male-only school in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.-History:Selborne College was founded in 1872 by Pastor Heinrich Muller, a German settler, and at that stage was known as the Panmure Public School...
and Clarendon High School for Girls in East London, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
.
Headmasters
The current Headmaster is Leo Winkley, who replaced Richard Smyth in September 2010. Richard Smyth had been Headmaster from September 2004.- 2010- Leo Winkey
- 2004-2009 Richard Smyth
- 1995-2004 Andrew Trotman
- ????-1995 Robin Pittman
- 1937-1967 John Dronfield
- 1913-1936 Stanley Mease "Sam" ToyneStanley ToyneStanley Mease "Sam" Toyne was an English cricketer and headmaster.A right-handed batsman and an underarm slow bowler, although which arm he bowled with is unknown, Toyne represented Hampshire in a single first-class match in 1905, against Yorkshire...
- 1900-1912 Edward Cunliffe Owen
- 1864 Richard Elwyn
- William Hey
- John Pulleyn
- 767-780 Archbishop Aethelbert
- c. 750 Flaccus Albinus Alcuinus (AlcuinAlcuinAlcuin of York or Ealhwine, nicknamed Albinus or Flaccus was an English scholar, ecclesiastic, poet and teacher from York, Northumbria. He was born around 735 and became the student of Archbishop Ecgbert at York...
) - 633-648 School closed
- 627-633 James the Deacon
The houses at St Peter's
The house systemHouse system
The house system is a traditional feature of British schools, and schools in the Commonwealth. Historically, it was associated with established public schools, where a 'house' refers to a boarding house or dormitory of a boarding school...
is a long standing tradition throughout the school's history. As the houses are physical, located in various buildings and parts of building throughout the school campus, a strong sense of community is developed, bringing pupils of all ages together to compete in inter-house competitions. An example of the inter-house competitions is the strongly-contested house rugby competition.
Each house has its own associated colour that is the basis of house sports kits and House Colours. "House Colours" are an award that is given in the form of a tie (formerly a badge for female students as they did not wear ties when they were first admitted) to pupils who provide an outstanding contribution to house activities.
The school has ten day and boarding houses:
Girls' boarding houses:
- Dronfield
- The Rise
Boys' boarding houses:
- Linton
- The Manor
Day houses:
- Clifton
- The Grove
- Queens
- Temple
- School
- Hope
Boarding
St Peter's and its prep school, St Olave's, under headmaster Andy Falconer, have received an overall quality rating of 'Outstanding' in their 2007 Ofsted Boarding Inspection.In order to be classed as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, a school's boarding provision must be "of exceptionally high quality". In the inspection report, St Peter’s and St Olave’s were judged to "provide an outstanding quality of care for boarding pupils. Boarders’ health and well-being are actively safeguarded and promoted by the school. Relationships between boarders and staff are excellent and boarders have a highly positive experience of school life".
Religion
The school has a ChapelChapel
A chapel is a building used by Christians as a place of fellowship and worship. It may be part of a larger structure or complex, such as a church, college, hospital, palace, prison or funeral home, located on board a military or commercial ship, or it may be an entirely free-standing building,...
with compulsory services 3 mornings a week. Eucharist is also held once a term and there are special services to mark Festivals in the Christian calendar. A service is held on Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday
In the United Kingdom, 'Remembrance Sunday' is held on the second Sunday in November, which is the Sunday nearest to 11 November Armistice Day. It is the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First World War at 11 a.m...
during which all pupils place poppies on the book of remembrance in the Ante-chapel
Ante-chapel
Ante-chapel is the term given to that portion of a chapel which lies on the western side of the choir screen.In some of the colleges at Oxford and Cambridge the ante-chapel is carried north and south across the west end of the chapel, constituting a western transept or narthex...
(which contains names of alumni killed in conflict). The school's Christmas Carol Service is held in York Minster
York Minster
York Minster is a Gothic cathedral in York, England and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe alongside Cologne Cathedral. The minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England, and is the cathedral for the Diocese of York; it is run by...
.
Religious education
Religious education
In secular usage, religious education is the teaching of a particular religion and its varied aspects —its beliefs, doctrines, rituals, customs, rites, and personal roles...
is compulsory at the school until Sixth Form, and is taught by both academic staff and the school's two Church of England clergy. The school remains predominantly Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
in demographics
Demographics
Demographics are the most recent statistical characteristics of a population. These types of data are used widely in sociology , public policy, and marketing. Commonly examined demographics include gender, race, age, disabilities, mobility, home ownership, employment status, and even location...
and in teaching
York Minster
York MinsterYork Minster
York Minster is a Gothic cathedral in York, England and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe alongside Cologne Cathedral. The minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England, and is the cathedral for the Diocese of York; it is run by...
has a long connection with St Peter's, as the school's founder was an Archbishop of York
Archbishop of York
The Archbishop of York is a high-ranking cleric in the Church of England, second only to the Archbishop of Canterbury. He is the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of York and metropolitan of the Province of York, which covers the northern portion of England as well as the Isle of Man...
. This relationship is also evident in the school's name, which mirrors the formal title of the Minster, The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter. At its foundation, the school was probably housed next to the earliest cathedral building.
At the end of each academic year a Commemoration and Prizegiving service is held in the Minster and a Carol Service is also held there at Christmas. The school choir often sings in the Minster and in the 2006/2007 year they participated in Verdi's Requiem, which brought together the wider York community.
Traditions
- Morning Prayers - all members of the school attend a chapel service - the senior school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the prep school on Tuesday and Thursday. There is also a Sunday service for boarders.
- Eucharist - a whole school EucharistEucharistThe Eucharist , also called Holy Communion, the Sacrament of the Altar, the Blessed Sacrament, the Lord's Supper, and other names, is a Christian sacrament or ordinance...
service takes place each term and at other significant ChristianChristianA Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
festivals.
- Uniform - the school has a distinctive uniform featuring the "cross keys" of St Peter for all pupils (except members of the Sixth Form) which must be purchased from the school's online shop. The old woollen blazer was later replaced with a more modern cotton jacket. Other changes to the uniform have also taken place, including the removal of ties for female pupils, who now wear an open blouse. In Sixth Form, dark suits must be worn.
- Gowns - the school has a tradition of gowns which reflect pupils' authority or commitments. These are worn during public events such as services at York MinsterYork MinsterYork Minster is a Gothic cathedral in York, England and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe alongside Cologne Cathedral. The minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England, and is the cathedral for the Diocese of York; it is run by...
and during school events (including Chapel and Assembly). The Head Boy and Head Girl wear brown, followed by the Head Master's Prefects who wear navy. These are issued during the 'gowning' at First Assembly each academic year. Members of the Chapel Committee and choirs wear red gowns, which are fuller depending upon level (Chamber Choir; Chapel Choir; School Choir).
- Meritorious & Distinction Achievement - high academic achievement can be commended by teachers. If recommended, a pupil must take their work to the Head Master's Study, where he will review it and ask for a signature to go down in the recording book which is then stored in the school archives. Awards are read out and applauded at assembly. Merits are the most common, with Distinctions being an exceptional and noteworthy occurrence.
- Capping - is the practice of reward for exceptional sporting achievement and is awarded at the end of the relevant sports season.
- 5 November - on Guy Fawkes NightGuy Fawkes NightGuy Fawkes Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night and Firework Night, is an annual commemoration observed on 5 November, primarily in England. Its history begins with the events of 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding...
, the school does not partake in the common tradition of burning a 'Guy' on the bonfire, as Guy FawkesGuy FawkesGuy Fawkes , also known as Guido Fawkes, the name he adopted while fighting for the Spanish in the Low Countries, belonged to a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.Fawkes was born and educated in York...
was an Old Peterite (alumnus). There is, however, a long tradition of putting on a firework display for the Boarders.
Friends of St Peter's
Membership of this association is open to all staff, parents and guardians, past and present, former “Friends” and Old Peterites. The committee consists of representatives from the Houses and four members of staff, elections take place in the Summer term. The Headmaster is the President. The Friends run a variety of social and fund-raising events for the benefit of members and the school.Old Peterite Club
School Alumni are known as Old Peterites. Every member of the school becomes a member of the Old Peterite Club (or OP Club). This keeps alumni updated with developments and achievements at the school as well as taking an interest in the further success of individuals in later life. There are often events organised to allow Old Peterites to meet at balls and dinners. The current President of the Old Peterite Club is Mark Hepworth.Famous alumni
Current members of the school are known as 'Petrites' (and 'Olavites' for St Olave's Junior School) with alumni referred to as 'Old Peterites', or OPs for short. Notable OPs include:Sport:
- Jonathan BairstowJonathan BairstowJonathan 'Jonny' Marc Bairstow is an English cricketer, who plays first-class cricket for Yorkshire. A right-hand batsman and wicket-keeper he is the son of former Yorkshire and England keeper David Bairstow....
- first class cricketerCricketerA cricketer is a person who plays the sport of cricket. Official and long-established cricket publications prefer the traditional word "cricketer" over the rarely used term "cricket player"....
for YorkshireYorkshireYorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
and England. - Sam BondSam BondSam Bond is an English amateur natural bodybuilder, weightlifter and television personality who has competed for the British National Bodybuilding Federation and the National Physiques Competition.He attended St...
- professional bodybuilder at TV personality on GladiatorsGladiatorsGladiators is a British television series produced by LWT for ITV on Saturdays nights from 10 October 1992 to 1 January 2000. It is an adaptation of the United States game show American Gladiators. An Australian spin-off and a Swedish one followed...
. - Oli DentonOli DentonOli Denton is a professional rugby union player for Leeds Carnegie. Denton was educated at St Peters School in York and has plenty experience of playing 7's rugby.-External links:*...
- professional rugby unionRugby unionRugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
player for Leeds Carnegie. - Tom DentonTom DentonTom Denton in York, Yorkshire, England is a rugby union player for Leeds Carnegie in the Guinness Premiership, playing as a lock.-External links:*...
- professional [rugby union]] player for Leeds Carnegie. - Frank MitchellFrank MitchellFrank Mitchell was a cricketer and rugby union player.-School, University and Yorkshire:...
- first class cricketerCricketerA cricketer is a person who plays the sport of cricket. Official and long-established cricket publications prefer the traditional word "cricketer" over the rarely used term "cricket player"....
for YorkshireYorkshireYorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
. - James Thompson (racing driver)James Thompson (racing driver)James Thompson is a British auto racing driver and commentator for Eurosport's motorsport coverage. He has twice been champion of the British Touring Car Championship , and was third in the 2007 World Touring Car Championship.-Racing career:He started racing in the BTCC in a privately-entered...
- auto racingAuto racingAuto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
driver and commentator for EurosportEurosportEurosport is a pan-European television sport network operated by French broadcaster TF1 Group. The network of channels are available in 59 countries, in 20 different languages providing viewers with European and international sporting events...
's World Touring Car ChampionshipWorld Touring Car ChampionshipFor the video game, known as World Touring Car Championship in Japan, see TOCA World Touring CarsThe FIA World Touring Car Championship is an international Touring Car championship sanctioned by the FIA.-History:...
coverage. - Peter WackettPeter WackettPeter Wackett is a professional rugby union player for Rugby Lions. Wackett has great potential and has already proved to be an influential player for the Leeds Carnegie A team, scoring a winning try in their opening fixture of the 2007–08 season against Moseley...
- professional rugby unionRugby unionRugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
player for Leeds Carnegie. - Norman YardleyNorman YardleyNorman Walter Dransfield Yardley was an English cricketer who played for Cambridge University, Yorkshire County Cricket Club and England, as a right-handed batsman and occasional bowler. An amateur, he captained Yorkshire from 1948 to 1955 and England on fourteen occasions between 1947 and 1950,...
- English cricketerCricketerA cricketer is a person who plays the sport of cricket. Official and long-established cricket publications prefer the traditional word "cricketer" over the rarely used term "cricket player"....
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Academics & Historians:
- AlcuinAlcuinAlcuin of York or Ealhwine, nicknamed Albinus or Flaccus was an English scholar, ecclesiastic, poet and teacher from York, Northumbria. He was born around 735 and became the student of Archbishop Ecgbert at York...
(Flaccus Albinus Alcuinus), former Head Master, went on to be Chancellor to the Emperor Charlemagne. - Frederick Henry Marvell BlaydesFrederick Henry Marvell BlaydesFrederick Henry Marvell Blaydes , English classical scholar, was born at Hampton Court Green. He was a descendant of Anne Blaides , the sister of Andrew Marvell, the satirist and friend of Milton....
- renowned classical scholar. - Henry DodwellHenry DodwellHenry Dodwell was an Anglo-Irish scholar, theologian and controversial writer.-Life:He was born in Dublin, Ireland. His father, William Dodwell, lost his property in Connacht during the Irish rebellion and settled at York in 1648...
- an Anglo-IrishAnglo-IrishAnglo-Irish was a term used primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries to identify a privileged social class in Ireland, whose members were the descendants and successors of the Protestant Ascendancy, mostly belonging to the Church of Ireland, which was the established church of Ireland until...
writer, scholar, theologian and controversialist. - William Fishburn DonkinWilliam Fishburn DonkinWilliam Fishburn Donkin was an astronomer and mathematician, and Savilian Professor of Astronomy at the University of Oxford.-Private life:...
- Professor of Astronomy, University College, Oxford - Christopher HillChristopher Hill (historian)John Edward Christopher Hill , usually known simply as Christopher Hill, was an English Marxist historian and author of textbooks....
- English MarxistMarxismMarxism is an economic and sociopolitical worldview and method of socioeconomic inquiry that centers upon a materialist interpretation of history, a dialectical view of social change, and an analysis and critique of the development of capitalism. Marxism was pioneered in the early to mid 19th...
historian and textbook author - C. Northcote ParkinsonC. Northcote ParkinsonCyril Northcote Parkinson was a British naval historian and author of some sixty books, the most famous of which was his bestseller Parkinson's Law, which led him to be also considered as an important scholar within the field of public administration.-Early life and education:The youngest son of...
- naval historian and author of some sixty books, the most famous of which was his bestseller Parkinson's LawParkinson's lawParkinson's law is the adage first articulated by Cyril Northcote Parkinson as the first sentence of a humorous essay published in The Economist in 1955:...
. - Francis W. PixleyFrancis W. PixleyFrancis William Pixley FSA FCA Francis William Pixley FSA FCA Francis William Pixley FSA FCA (b.c1852 - 27 April 1933 was an English accountant, barrister and author. He performed many civic roles including Deputy Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire....
- accountantAccountantAn accountant is a practitioner of accountancy or accounting , which is the measurement, disclosure or provision of assurance about financial information that helps managers, investors, tax authorities and others make decisions about allocating resources.The Big Four auditors are the largest...
, barristerBarristerA barrister is a member of one of the two classes of lawyer found in many common law jurisdictions with split legal professions. Barristers specialise in courtroom advocacy, drafting legal pleadings and giving expert legal opinions...
and authorAuthorAn author is broadly defined as "the person who originates or gives existence to anything" and that authorship determines responsibility for what is created. Narrowly defined, an author is the originator of any written work.-Legal significance:...
; was Deputy LieutenantDeputy LieutenantIn the United Kingdom, a Deputy Lieutenant is one of several deputies to the Lord Lieutenant of a lieutenancy area; an English ceremonial county, Welsh preserved county, Scottish lieutenancy area, or Northern Irish county borough or county....
for BuckinghamshireBuckinghamshireBuckinghamshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan home county in South East England. The county town is Aylesbury, the largest town in the ceremonial county is Milton Keynes and largest town in the non-metropolitan county is High Wycombe....
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Artists, Musicians, Writers & Actors:
- John Barry (composer)John Barry (composer)John Barry Prendergast, OBE was an English conductor and composer of film music. He is best known for composing the soundtracks for 12 of the James Bond films between 1962 and 1987...
- best known for composing 11 James BondJames BondJames Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short story collections. There have been a six other authors who wrote authorised Bond novels or novelizations after Fleming's death in 1964: Kingsley Amis,...
soundtracks. - Laurence EusdenLaurence EusdenLaurence Eusden was an English poet who became Poet Laureate in 1718.- Life :Laurence Eusden was born in Spofforth in the North Riding of Yorkshire in 1688 to the Rev. Laurence Eusden, rector of Spofforth, Yorkshire. Eusden was baptized on 6 September 1688...
- became Poet Laureate in 1718. - Justin HillJustin HillJustin Hill is an English novelist whose novels have been nominated for the Man Booker Prize three times. Born in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island in 1971, he grew up in Yorkshire. He was educated at the historic St Peter's School, York....
- English novelist. - Jimmy Thompson (actor)Jimmy Thompson (actor)James Edward Thompson was an English actor, writer, and director.He was born in Halifax and educated at St. Peter’s school in York...
- actorActorAn actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, writerWriterA writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
, and directorFilm directorA film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
. - Greg WiseGreg WiseGreg Wise is an English actor and producer. He has appeared in many British television works, as well as several feature films .- Early life :...
- English actorActorAn actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
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Politicians:
- AlcuinAlcuinAlcuin of York or Ealhwine, nicknamed Albinus or Flaccus was an English scholar, ecclesiastic, poet and teacher from York, Northumbria. He was born around 735 and became the student of Archbishop Ecgbert at York...
(Flaccus Albinus Alcuinus), former Head Master, went on to be Chancellor to the Emperor Charlemagne. - James ClappisonJames ClappisonWilliam James Clappison, commonly known as James Clappison, British barrister and Conservative Party politician. He is the Member of Parliament for Hertsmere, and serves as Vice Chairman of the Conservative Friends of Israel group.-Personal life:The son of a Yorkshire farmer, James Clappison was...
- British politician and barristerBarristerA barrister is a member of one of the two classes of lawyer found in many common law jurisdictions with split legal professions. Barristers specialise in courtroom advocacy, drafting legal pleadings and giving expert legal opinions...
. He is the Conservative Member of ParliamentMember of ParliamentA Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
for Hertsmere. - John HealeyJohn HealeyJohn Healey is a British Labour Party politician, who has been the Member of Parliament for Wentworth and Dearne since 1997, and former Minister of State for Housing and Planning. In 2010 he was elected to the shadow cabinet and appointed shadow health secretary...
- British Labour politician, who has been the Member of ParliamentMember of ParliamentA Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
for Wentworth and Dearne since 1997, and former Minister of State for Housing and Planning. - Sir John Rodgers, 1st BaronetSir John Rodgers, 1st BaronetSir John Charles Rodgers, 1st Baronet , was a British Conservative politician.Rodgers was educated at St Peter's School, York and in France and Oxford. He became a scholar in modern history at Oxford and subsequently joined the staff of University College, Hull...
- most nobale British Conservative politician. - John WrightJohn Wright (Gunpowder Plot)John Wright , and Christopher Wright , were members of the group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a conspiracy to assassinate King James I by blowing up the House of Lords. Their sister married another plotter, Thomas Percy...
- conspirator in the Gunpowder PlotGunpowder PlotThe Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in earlier centuries often called the Gunpowder Treason Plot or the Jesuit Treason, was a failed assassination attempt against King James I of England and VI of Scotland by a group of provincial English Catholics led by Robert Catesby.The plan was to blow up the House of...
. - Neil CarmichaelNeil Carmichael (Conservative politician)William Neil Carmichael is an English businessman, academic, and Conservative Party politician. He has been the Member of Parliament for the Stroud constituency in Gloucestershire since the 2010 general election.-Politics:...
- Conservative Member of ParliamentMember of ParliamentA Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
for Stroud.
Religious figures:
- George Forrest BrowneGeorge Forrest BrowneGeorge Forrest Browne was an English clergyman, the inaugural Anglican Bishop of Stepney from 1895 until 1897 when he was appointed Bishop of Bristol....
- clergyman, became Bishop of BristolBishop of BristolThe Bishop of Bristol heads the Church of England Diocese of Bristol in the Province of Canterbury, in England.The present diocese covers parts of the counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire together with a small area of Wiltshire...
. - Maurice HarlandMaurice HarlandMaurice Harland was a 20th century Anglican Bishop, his most prestigious appointment being Bishop of Durham from 1956–1966.-Early life:He was born on 17 April 1896, the son of William and Elizabeth Harland and educated at St Peter's School, York...
- 20th century Bishop of Durham. - Robert William Bilton HornbyRobert William Bilton HornbyRobert William Bilton Hornby was an antiquarian, priest and Lord of the Manor of Heworth York, England.- Ancestry :...
- an antiquarianAntiquarianAn antiquarian or antiquary is an aficionado or student of antiquities or things of the past. More specifically, the term is used for those who study history with particular attention to ancient objects of art or science, archaeological and historic sites, or historic archives and manuscripts...
, priestPriestA priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities...
, and Lord of the ManorLord of the ManorThe Lordship of a Manor is recognised today in England and Wales as a form of property and one of three elements of a manor that may exist separately or be combined and may be held in moieties...
of Heworth York. - Henry Herbert WilliamsHenry Herbert WilliamsThe Rt Rev Henry Herbert Williams, CH, DD was born into an ecclesiastical family on 19 December 1872 and educated at St Peter's School, York and The Queen's College, Oxford. He began his ministry in 1900 as a Tutor and Lecturer in Philosophy at Hertford College, Oxford and in 1913 he became...
- of an ecclesiastical family and Bishop of Carslile.
Armed Forces:
- Frank BinghamFrank BinghamFrank Miller Bingham was an English doctor, all round sportsman and army officer who died in World War I. As a cricketer, he played for Derbyshire in 1896....
- army officer who died in World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. - Walbanke Ashby PrittWalbanke Ashby PrittLieutenant Walbanke Ashby Pritt, MC, DFC was a British World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories. He flew with the Royal Flying Corps in 1917/1918; flying Sopwith Pups.-Early life:...
- British World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
flying ace credited with five aerial victories. He flew with the Royal Flying CorpsRoyal Flying CorpsThe Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
in 1917/1918; flying Sopwith Pups.
Business leaders:
- Gordon GibbGordon GibbGordon Gibb is the CEO of Flamingo Land Ltd and former chairman of Bradford City Football Club.-Personal:Gordon Gibb was born in Strathaven in Scotland, moving to Yorkshire when his father, Robert Gibb, a former professional footballer, set up the family run theme park Flamingo Land...
- prominent business man, owner of theme park Flamingo Land Resort and former director of Bradford City Football Club. - Joseph TerryJoseph TerrySir Joseph Terry was an English industrialist.Terry was born in York, England, and educated at St Peter's School, York. In 1854, he took over his father’s confectionery business, together with his two younger brothers....
- confectioner who presided over Joseph Terry & Sons Ltd.Terry'sTerry's was a chocolate and confectionery maker in York, England. Its history stretched back to 1823, but in 1993 it was taken over by Kraft Foods. The York factory closed in 2005 and Terry's products are now produced in other Kraft facilities in Poland, Sweden, Belgium, and... - Frank PickFrank PickFrank Pick LLB Hon. RIBA was a British transport administrator. After qualifying as a solicitor in 1902, he worked at the North Eastern Railway, before moving to the Underground Electric Railways Company of London in 1906...
- manager in transport sector including Underground Group and London Passenger Transport BoardLondon Passenger Transport BoardThe London Passenger Transport Board was the organisation responsible for public transport in London, UK, and its environs from 1933 to 1948...
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Television personalities:
- Harry GrationHarry GrationHarry Gration is a television presenter based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. He is one of the main presenters for the BBC Yorkshire regional magazine programme Look North.-Early life:...
- broadcaster with the BBCBBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
. - Sam BondSam BondSam Bond is an English amateur natural bodybuilder, weightlifter and television personality who has competed for the British National Bodybuilding Federation and the National Physiques Competition.He attended St...
- professional bodybuilder at TV personality on GladiatorsGladiatorsGladiators is a British television series produced by LWT for ITV on Saturdays nights from 10 October 1992 to 1 January 2000. It is an adaptation of the United States game show American Gladiators. An Australian spin-off and a Swedish one followed...
. - James Thompson (racing driver)James Thompson (racing driver)James Thompson is a British auto racing driver and commentator for Eurosport's motorsport coverage. He has twice been champion of the British Touring Car Championship , and was third in the 2007 World Touring Car Championship.-Racing career:He started racing in the BTCC in a privately-entered...
- auto racingAuto racingAuto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
driver and commentator for EurosportEurosportEurosport is a pan-European television sport network operated by French broadcaster TF1 Group. The network of channels are available in 59 countries, in 20 different languages providing viewers with European and international sporting events...
's World Touring Car ChampionshipWorld Touring Car ChampionshipFor the video game, known as World Touring Car Championship in Japan, see TOCA World Touring CarsThe FIA World Touring Car Championship is an international Touring Car championship sanctioned by the FIA.-History:...
coverage.
Terrorists:
- Guy FawkesGuy FawkesGuy Fawkes , also known as Guido Fawkes, the name he adopted while fighting for the Spanish in the Low Countries, belonged to a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.Fawkes was born and educated in York...
- Conspirator of the Gunpowder PlotGunpowder PlotThe Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in earlier centuries often called the Gunpowder Treason Plot or the Jesuit Treason, was a failed assassination attempt against King James I of England and VI of Scotland by a group of provincial English Catholics led by Robert Catesby.The plan was to blow up the House of...
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