King Edward VI Grammar School celebrates its 475th Anniversary

King Edward VI Grammar School, established in Louth in 1551, celebrated the 475th anniversary of its royal charter, granted on 21st September 1551. Students at the school spent the day learning about the history of the school, creating materials for a time capsule, attending a special church service and participating in a whole school quiz.

Although the school can trace its origins back to 1276, it was on the 21st September 1551 that King Edward VI formally established the school as we know it by royal charter along with land and money. The original documents still exist and every year the school celebrates its Charter Day on this date. As part of the celebrations, the school were delighted that some Old Ludensians (the official term for former pupils and staff), some of them in their eighties, attended the church service and toured the school afterwards.

“Charter Day is always an important date in the school calendar and this year it’s even more special with the 475th anniversary,” commented Sam Cassidy, Headteacher. “This significant milestone provides the school with a great opportunity to celebrate its heritage and to remind students and the wider community that we have been a feature of Louth for many, many years.

“While proud of our history, KEVIGS is also looking forward to the future to ensure we provide a modern, relevant and high-quality education to the local area. For instance, as Louth’s only post-16 provider, we are incredibly proud to offer young people from Louth and the surrounding area an ambitious Sixth Form curriculum delivered by subject experts.”

The 475th anniversary comes at an exciting time for KEVIGS Sixth Form, as the school continues to broaden its post-16 curriculum and opportunities for students. Alongside its established academic offer, students can now choose from an expanding range of subjects including Law, Criminology, Computer Science, Accountancy and English Language. Prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to find out more at the school’s Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 30th September, where they can meet staff and students, explore the Sixth Form and learn more about the courses and opportunities available.

King Edward VI Grammar School, having been founded by royal charter in 1551, is one of the oldest schools in the country. While proud of its heritage and tradition, it has evolved into a forward-thinking grammar school that values not just academic success but also the broader, holistic education of its students. The school prides itself on its ability to equip students with the skills, confidence, and resilience to navigate future challenges