Post by The King's (The Cathedral) School

Celebrating 50 Years of Co‑Education at King’s! 2026 marks 50 years since girls first joined King’s, and we couldn’t let such a milestone pass without celebrating it properly! We’re hoping to reconnect with as many members as possible from the very first cohort of girls who joined in 1976. Our aim is to welcome that pioneering year group back to Speech Day on 11th September, followed by tea at school afterwards. To make the celebration inclusive, we’re also planning an evening social event for everyone who was part of the school community in that year. Many of you have already been contacted through existing networks, but we’re still missing a few people. If you were one of the girls who joined King’s in 1976, or you were part of that year group in any way, please get in touch with Heather Biccarino (née Nellist) – Secretary of the Old Petriburgians’ Association [email protected] Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing more details about the anniversary celebrations, along with some wonderful archive material. For now, here’s a little throwback — an extract from the Peterborough Standard (October 1977) reflecting on the first year of co‑education at King’s. It’s heartening to see how strongly those early foundations have endured. Standards Remain High After ‘Historic’ Change at King’s School Peterborough Standard – Friday, October 21, 1977 Education standards at King’s School remain as high as ever a year after the introduction of the comprehensive and co‑educational system, headmaster Mr. Michael Barcroft told the audience at Speech Day on Friday. Mr. Barcroft described the September 1976 transition as “momentous and historic,” noting that after 436 years as a boys’ grammar school many had wondered whether King’s would “shed a skin.” “If it has,” he added, “the new skin is remarkably similar to the old one.” He reaffirmed that the school remains a Christian foundation dedicated to academic excellence and a well‑rounded education. King’s, he said, strives to provide guidance, encouragement, and the freedom for students to develop their talents within a secure and friendly atmosphere based on respect and consideration. The first and second comprehensive year groups have fully integrated into the school’s ethos. Mr. Barcroft also praised staff who developed the careers programme, now serving pupils from the third year upwards. Given rising unemployment, he said, strong careers support had become essential. He reported that academic achievement among younger pupils was “most encouraging,” helping the school maintain momentum as it continued toward its educational objectives.