Join us for a host of events to celebrate the 1400th Anniversary of St Peter's School.
Celebrating 1400 Years
St Peter’s School is one of only a handful of institutions worldwide with an educational heritage stretching back to the early medieval period, making it the third oldest school in the UK and the fourth oldest in the world.
We’ll be marking and celebrating our 1400th Anniversary with an exciting programme of events open to the community. As well as celebrating 1400 years of education at St Peter’s, we will also be commemorating 50 years of girls in 2026 and 40 years of being fully co-educational in 2027.
This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of age – it’s also a celebration of continuity, resilience, legacy and purpose. Marking 1400 years is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honour a story that belongs not only to the St Peter’s community of past and present, but also the City of York - and the wider history of education itself.
Our 1400th anniversary year will culminate in two exciting community events: a Gala Evening at the National Railway Museum, and a Festival hosted on-site at St Peter's School.
Gala Evening, National Railway Museum
Join us on 25th June 2027 for a truly special evening as we mark an extraordinary milestone - 1400 years of St Peter’s School.
This event brings together the St Peter’s community, past and present. Guests will be welcomed with champagne and live string‑quartet music, followed by archival displays and soundscapes reflecting the school’s long history.
Throughout the evening, a range of dishes will be served as guests mingle, with live music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere continuing into the night - an occasion not to be missed.
Ticket includes:
-
Champagne on arrival
-
Live string quartet
-
A selection of dishes served throughout the evening
-
Dessert
-
Live band and dancing
-
Vintage-style photo booth
Dress Code: Black tie / Formal Attire
St Peter's Community Festival
Join us on 26th June 2027 for a vibrant, feel-good celebration bringing the whole St Peter’s community together. With free entry for all, it’s the perfect chance to enjoy a full day of fun with friends and family.
There’ll be something for everyone: delicious food from our in-house team, a BBQ from Tasca York, “Afternoon Tea with a Twist,” sweet treats from the ice cream van, and drinks including St Peter’s branded beer from Wold Top Brewery and our own St Peter’s York Gin.
Explore stalls run by Old Peterites, enjoy live music throughout the day, and keep younger visitors entertained with a wide range of children’s activities. With a lively festival atmosphere from start to finish, this will be a joyful, high-spirited celebration not to be missed.
Register your interest here
Many more events will be running throughout the year. Explore the schedule below.
Over Ancient Ways
Founded in AD 627 by St Paulinus of York, in the same year and on the same site as York Minster, St Peter’s School has been a centre of learning for fourteen centuries. By the eighth century, it had already become a beacon of scholarship: the renowned Northumbrian intellectual Alcuin served as Head Master in AD 778, attracting scholars from across Europe and later shaping educational reform under Charlemagne.
Across the centuries, St Peter’s School has endured and evolved through every major chapter of British history. It survived the burning of the Minster in 741, the Norman Conquest, the Black Death, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the destruction of its buildings during the Siege of York in 1644. Each time, the school rebuilt, reimagined, and renewed itself, moving through various sites in the city before settling on its Clifton campus in the nineteenth century.
Our alumni community of Old Peterites have contributed to the nation’s story in every era, from medieval scholars to modern leaders in science, the arts, public service, and beyond. Even our most infamous former pupil, Guy Fawkes, reflects our school’s deep entanglement with the history of York and the country.
Today, St Peter’s School remains a thriving, forward‑looking community, recognised for academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care, and a rich co‑curricular life. Upcoming developments, including the Junior and Senior structure, The Rise Nursery, and the new Sixth Form Centre, demonstrate a commitment to honouring tradition while preparing pupils for the future.
Programme of Events:
Commemoration and Prize Giving Service - York Minster
Our annual Commemoration and Prize Giving Service is a chance for the whole community to come together at the end of term to celebrate achievements, mark milestones and say farewell to those moving on from the St Peter's community.
This year will be particularly special as we celebrate 50 years of girls at St Peter's. Alongside musical ensembles and awards for student accomplishment, the service will feature a special address from OP President Victoria Inness.
Victoria was the first Head Girl at St Peter's, and is a current parent and President of the OP Committee.
Peterite Day - St Peter's School
Join us at St Peter's for a day of sporting excellence, student-led music and fantastic food.
Sports fixtures this year include the annual Leavers vs OP Rugby, Hockey, Netball and Cricket matches, alongside Rowing and Cycling. You can also get involved in Golf and Padel, in association with our Old Peterites.
Peterite Day 2026 is a special one, as we will be marking the academic beginning of our 1400th anniversary year.
Celebration of Girls Sport Dinner - St Peter's School
We look forward to welcoming Old Peterites back to school on Saturday 3rd October as we host a celebration of Girls Sport at St Peter's.
On the day, there will be the opportunity to take part in fixtures, watch our 1st XI Hockey and 1st VII Netball teams compete. followed by a dinner and dance for those who wish to socialise into the evening.
Please save the date - we will be sharing more information on the event in due course.
Fireworks - 5th November
Our annual St Peter's fireworks extravaganza will light up the sky on the 5th November, celebrating the school's extraordinary history and its unique connection to the date, as alma mater of the infamous Guy Fawkes!
In keeping with good humour and good taste, we do not have a bonfire on 5th November - it would be inappropriate to burn an effigy of an Old Peterite. Instead, spectators can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display set to music, with hot food and drinks served throughout to keep everyone warm and satiated as we once again mark the significant date.
Nine Lessons and Carols Service - York Minster
Our annual Nine Lessons and Carols service is a wonderful event for the school community to come together before the Christmas break.
Friday 25 June 2027 7:00pm-11:00pm - Station Hall, National Railway Museum
Join us for a truly special evening as we mark an extraordinary milestone - 1400 years of St Peter’s School.
Across fourteen centuries, St Peter’s has shaped generations through character, community, and a legacy of individuals who have gone on to do remarkable things. This occasion brings together the St Peter’s community, past and present, as we look ahead.
Guests will be welcomed with a glass of champagne on arrival, accompanied by a live string quartet performing Bridgerton‑inspired music, setting a tone of elegance and refinement. Throughout the evening, archival displays and atmospheric soundscapes will offer moments of reflection on the school’s rich and remarkable history.
The evening continues with a selection of dishes served throughout, designed to be enjoyed as guests mingle. As the night unfolds, enjoy live music, dancing, and a vibrant celebratory atmosphere.
More than a gala, this will be a celebration of 1400 years of St Peter’s - bringing our whole school community together for a night to be remembered.
Ticket includes
- Champagne on arrival
- Live string quartet
- A selection of dishes served throughout the evening
- Dessert
- Live band and dancing
- Vintage-style photo booth
Dress Code: Black tie / Formal Attire
Early booking is recommended.
Secure your tickets here
Bookings close on 21 May 2027.
St Peter's Community Festival
Get ready for one of the highlights of our 1400th anniversary year! Join us on Saturday 26 June 2027 for a vibrant, feel-good celebration bringing the entire St Peter’s community together for a day packed with fun and a fantastic atmosphere. With free entry for all, it’s the perfect opportunity to come along, soak up the excitement and celebrate in style with friends and family.
There will be something for everyone, from delicious catering by our fabulous in-house team to a sizzling BBQ by Tasca York, indulgent “Afternoon Tea with a Twist,” and a selection of sweet treats from our ice cream van. Visit the beer tent for St Peter’s branded beer from Wold Top Brewery, or raise a glass with a refreshing G&T made with our very own 'St Peter’s' York Gin.
Discover a lively mix of stalls showcasing businesses run by Old Peterites, enjoy live music throughout the day, and younger visitors can enjoy a wide range of fun-filled children’s activities. With a true festival buzz from start to finish, and food and drink available to purchase throughout the day, this promises to be a joyful, high-spirited and unmissable celebration for all.
St Peter's Day Service of Rededication - York Minster
School service - students and staff only.
Commemoration and Prize Giving Service - York Minster
Our annual Commemoration and Prize Giving Service is a chance for the whole community to come together at the end of term to celebrate achievements, mark milestones and say farewell to those moving on from the St Peter's community.
This year will be particularly special as we celebrate 40 years of St Peter's being a fully co-educational school. Alongside musical ensembles and awards for student accomplishment, the service will feature an address from a special guest speaker.
Peterite Day - St Peter's School
Join us at St Peter’s for a day celebrating sporting excellence, student music and artwork, and fantastic food as our community comes together for Peterite Day in this landmark 1400th anniversary year.
Sports fixtures will once again feature friendly rivalries between U6 Leavers and Old Peterites across Rugby, Hockey, Netball and Cricket, alongside Rowing and Cycling. There will also be opportunities to get involved in Golf and Padel in partnership with our Old Peterite community.
Peterite Day will be a highlight of this historic year - a chance for the whole school community to come together and celebrate 1400 years of St Peter’s.
Fireworks - 5th November
Our annual St Peter’s fireworks extravaganza returns on 5th November 2027, closing our once‑in‑a‑lifetime 1400th anniversary year with a show like never before. As the alma mater of Guy Fawkes, the date holds a unique place in our history - and this year’s display will be our most spectacular yet.