There was probably a school associated with the Cathedral from the time of the foundation of the see in the late 7th century.[1] Thus Hereford Cathedral School is likely to be among the oldest in England. The earliest documentary record of its existence dates from 1384 when Bishop John Gilbert appointed Richard de Cornwaille as school master and authorised him to rule over the school with birch and rod. The school's library is named after Bishop Gilbert[2] and Cornwall house is named for Richard de Cornwaille.
During the following centuries the school attracted generous benefactors. It was rebuilt under the reign of King Edward VI, and it received considerable emoluments from Queen Elizabeth I in 1583. During the 17th century Dean Langford, Roger Philpotts, a former Mayor of Hereford, Sarah, dowager Duchess of Somerset (wife of John Seymour, 4th Duke of Somerset), and King Charles I all gave to the school for the foundation of scholarships and the purchase of buildings.
An aerial view of the Portman Centre, No. 1, and the Science Block
By 1762 the school building was once again rebuilt after it had fallen into disrepair and by the mid 19th century teaching was being carried out in the Headmaster's house. In 1875 new class rooms were built in School Yard.[3]
The school remained relatively small in size until the inter-war period. It attained direct grant status in 1945 and by 1970 had expanded to 370 pupils, all of whom were boys and many of whom were boarders.[1] In 1973, the school became co-educational. It was a direct grant school until 1975, and when this scheme was abolished, it chose to become independent.[4] The school also participated in the Assisted Places Scheme from its introduction in 1980 until its abolition in 1997.[1]
As of September 2022, the Headmaster of the school is Dr Michael Gray.
In 2019 Hereford Cathedral School reintroduced boarding for international students, opening a new boarding house in How Caple.[5]
Curriculum
As well as core disciplines, other subjects taught in the school include Ancient History/Classical Civilisation, Art, Business Studies, Design and Technology, Drama, Economics, French, Japanese, Spanish, Greek, Latin, Further Mathematics, Psychology, Music and Textiles.[6]
Sport
Among sports practised in the school are: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Canoeing, Cricket, Cross Country, Fencing, Fitness Training, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rounders, Rowing, Rugby, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball[6]
Traditions
Every year pupils at the school run a cross-country race called the Hull Cup. The origins of this competition are said to be found with Hereford Cathedral organist Percy Hull who believed that the choristers at the time were in poor shape and so demanded that they take part in an annual run.
Although there is no official school song, the de facto school anthem is the hymn Jerusalem (English Hymnal 656A). It has become a school legend that the singing of this hymn during an assembly in the Cathedral on Friday, 27 May 1983 was heard outside Marks and Spencers in High Town. The hymn is a popular choice in weddings, memorial services and funerals of Old Herefordians.
House system
Upon entry into the school every pupil is assigned a house. The houses are as follows:
The Old Deanery, once a boarding house, is now the administrative centre of the school.
The four extant houses are: Langford (after Charles Langford, Dean of Hereford and benefactor 1607), Stuart (named after King Charles I, benefactor 1637), Somerset (named after Sarah Seymour, Duchess of Somerset, benefactor 1682) and Cornwall (named after Richard de Cornwaille, first known headmaster of Hereford Cathedral School, 1384).
Before the abolition of boarding at the school, there were also separately named houses for boarders, namely: School House, Number 1 (Castle Street) and Old Deanery. In those days, Cornwall, Langford, Somerset and Stuart consisted entirely of day pupils.
Uniform
In the senior school (years 7–11) pupils are expected to wear a blazer with school crest, navy pinstripe trousers or skirt, plain white shirt, and an authorised school tie for boys. In the sixth form pupils are allowed to wear a grey, navy or black suit with authorised school tie. School ties include: house ties, sports colours, the Dean's Scholar tie, the sixth form tie, and various other ties awarded for specific contributions to the school.
1898 Reverend Prebendary William Henry Murray Ragg, MA
1913 Reverend John Henson, MA
1920 Dr J. H. Crees
1940 C. Fairfax-Scott
1944 A. F. J. Hopewell
1956 W. J. R. Peebles
1967 David M. Richards
1975 Barry B. Sutton
1987 Canon Emeritus Dr Howard C. Tomlinson, BA, PhD, FRHistS
2005 Paul Smith, BSc
2021 Dr Michael Gray
Controversy
In December 2005 a former teacher was jailed for 27 months for setting up a secret camera in one of the school's changing rooms to film girl pupils undressing, and for downloading nearly 900 indecent images of children from the internet.[7]
In November 2010, a former teacher, Neil Moore, was sentenced to 15 months for seducing a male pupil with alcohol at his home after messaging him on a dating website.[8]
In February 2017, the school was sued by a former pupil who alleged that when he was transitioning from female to male, the school discriminated against him.[9] In response, the school's governing body said that the pupil had been withdrawn before any decision on his support had been made.[9]
In July 2020, a former teacher was convicted on several counts of having sexual activity with a student whilst in a position of trust. The acts occurred over a decade prior.[10]
Extracurricular activities
Combined Cadet Force
The school operates a Combined Cadet Force composed of Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force sections. It is the second oldest school CCF in the country.[citation needed] Recently the organization has had notable success in the CCF (Army) March and Shoot. The unit is currently commanded by Sqn Ldr A D Howell.
The last Biennial Inspection was on 8 May 2014. The inspecting officer was Col Seal, who is the Deputy Commander of 143 Brigade.
Chamber Choir
The Hereford Cathedral School Chamber Choir tours internationally and has won a number of awards.
Upon leaving the school former pupils and staff are referred to as Old Herefordians (OH) and become members of the Old Herefordians Club. This entitles them to wear the colours of the Old Herefordians Club (navy blue, yellow and white).
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