Students at a Cambridgeshire secondary school have made a decisive move to distance themselves from a celebrated historical figure following revelations about his personal conduct.
Student-led vote removes diarist's name
Pupils at Hinchingbrooke School in Cambridgeshire have voted to strip the name of 17th-century diarist Samuel Pepys from one of its houses. The move came after recent academic research brought to light detailed accounts in Pepys' own diaries of what the school describes as "abusive and exploitative" behaviour towards women.
A school-wide consultation culminated in a decisive ballot. The results showed clear support for change, with 1,764 students voting in favour of seeking a new figurehead for Pepys House, against 1,054 who wished to retain the name.
Historical association maintained despite renaming
Principal Andy Hunter was keen to provide context for the decision. He clarified that while the house name will change, the school's physical and historical links to Pepys will remain intact. The Pepys building and Pepys Stairs on the school grounds will not be renamed.
"The school maintains a strong historical association with Pepys," Hunter stated, indicating that the educational value of his legacy would continue to be acknowledged, just not through the house naming honour.
Search begins for a new inspirational figure
The process now moves to its next phase. School authorities will begin developing a shortlist of potential alternative historical figures to inspire the students of the soon-to-be-renamed house. The selection will aim to identify an individual whose legacy aligns more closely with the school's contemporary values.
This student-led initiative reflects a growing trend in educational institutions re-evaluating historical figures through a modern ethical lens. The vote, held on Wednesday 14 January 2026, demonstrates the active role students are taking in shaping their school's culture and the symbols it chooses to celebrate.
