King's Scholar Writes A New Page In The History Books

WHEN Olivia Martin was admitted as a Queen's Scholar and a member of the Foundation of Ely Cathedral on Friday, she wrote a new page in the school's history as the first daughter of a King's Scholar to wear the distinctive scarlet gown. Her father, Clive, became a King's Scholar in 1979.

Tradition dictates that 12 King's and Queen's Scholars are created each year - a reward for their academic achievements. They wear their gowns at services in the cathedral and on other special occasions.

"It was a very proud day for the family and a very special day," said 45-year-old Mr Martin, who farms at March.

Olivia is studying English, economics, biology and religious studies at AS-level. Her father also studied English, economics and chemistry at A-level at King's before going on to Shuttleworth Agricultural College.

Also admitted as Queen's Scholars were Grace Currah, Bella Grant and Claire Martin.

New King's Scholars are Kyoichi Aizawa, Edward Cumberland, Robert Deamer, Matthew Ixer, Grigorii McKain, Parker Ramsay, Jack Riordan and David Wallis.

As one of the oldest schools in the UK, King's traces its history back over 1,000 years and was granted its first royal charter in 1541 by King Henry VIII. At the same time he established King's Scholars.

In 1970, the school admitted girls for the first time, and three years later the boy King's Scholars were joined by Queen's Scholars (girls) at the request of Queen Elizabeth II when she toured the school during a visit to Ely.

Pic cap: The 12 new King's and Queen's Scholars with Sue Freestone, head of the King's School Ely, from left, Parker Ramsay, Kyoichi Aizawa, Grigorii McKain, Claire Martin, Jack Riordan, David Wallis, Robert Deamer, Matthew Ixer, Olivia Martin, Bella Grant, Edward Cumberland and Grace Currah in Ely Cathedral.

Photo: SUPPLIED.