The Cambridgeshire school where King Edward the Confessor and a Queer Eye stylist studied

King’s School in Ely has built up an impressive list of former pupils in its 1,000 years, including politicians, royals, sportspeople, television presenters and musicians. Having been granted a Royal Charter by King Henry VIII in 1539, its regal connections are long-established.

While the same centuries-long connection has not been built between the school and indie bands or style-based TV shows, former pupils have forged a link. Of course, having attended a public school known for churning out successful people, King’s School alumni had a head-start.

Until August 2024, annual fees for day students range from £4,159 for reception and years one and two – to £8,738 for years nine to 13. Annual fees for boarding students range from £27,843 for years three and four – to £38,655 for years 9 to 13.

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Take a look below to find out who your child could become for this price.

King Edward the Confessor

Not only a King, but also listed as one of England’s national saints until around 1350, Edward the Confessor is a worthy former pupil. He kept the kingdom united during his 24-year reign, although many historians portray him as being overshadowed by powerful nobles.

First mayor of New York

Many budding politicians have sat at King’s School desks. These include Tom Hunt, Conservative MP for Ipswich, and Antony Buck, who was a Conservative Colchester MP between 1961 and 1983.

A particularly notable political figure took up office a little further from Ely than Ipswich or Colchester. Thomas Willet was the first Mayor of New York between 1665 and 1666, and also has the title of third Mayor of New York, having taken the role again in 1667.

Goalkeeper for England

Nick Pope, Newcastle United and England goalkeeper, is in good company as an ex-King’s sportsperson. Included in this list are Olympic medallist for the javelin, Goldie Sayers, racing drivers Oliver Jarvis and Oliver Oakes, and golfer Benedict Jackson.

Keyboard player for Indie band Alt-J

Gus Unger-Hamilton’s musical talent was first recognised at King’s School, leading him to head back there for a day last year. He joined the school in 1998 as an Ely Cathedral Boy Chorister.

Queer Eye stylist

Julian Bennett has worked for the BBC as a fashion stylist on Queer Eye and presented a games show called The Jules and Lulu show on ITV1. Other King’s School faces you might have seen on television include Matthew Amroliwala, a BBC newsreader, and Alan Yentob, a retired TV executive and presenter who worked as head of music and arts for the BBC.

British High Court Judge

Dame Joanna Smith became a British High Court Judge in 2021. She is not the only notable woman to have studied at King’s School; Dame Smith is listed alongside award-winning playwright Gytha Lodge and former President of the Royal College of Pathologists Suzy Lishman, among others. However, women were only accepted in the school in 1970, so it will take some time before an even split is seen among alumni.