The highest achieving sixth form students became King’s and Queen’s scholars during a special installation service at Ely Cathedral on Friday.

The occasion, which has long been one of the highlights in the life of King’s Ely, sees a number of students selected on the basis of excellence in their GCSE examinations.

They are chosen and installed upon entry into year 12 and continue until year 13.

As academic leaders of the school, the scholars receive their distinctive red gowns – the colour traditionally associated with royalty.

After the service, the new scholars and their families joined staff and guests for a candlelit Evensong with the school’s chapel choir.

Celebrations then continued in the Monastic Barn.

Two international scholars are also appointed each year and join the King’s and Queen’s scholars in leading the school academically and during many important formal occasions.

Sue Freestone, principal of King’s Ely, said: “I am inspired by the achievements of our young people and the red gown gives acclaim to academic excellence. It’s something to which many students aspire.”