School Ditches Pepys Over Sexism Row in Cambridgeshire 2026

Key Points

• A Cambridgeshire school has renamed one of its houses, previously named after Samuel Pepys, following a debate over the diarist’s alleged sexist behaviour.
• The school previously announced that investigations revealed Pepys’ “actions that were harmful, abusive and exploitative, especially in his relations with women”.
• Pupils and staff engaged in consultations to select a new namesake, opting for a figure celebrated for contributions to education or local history.
• The decision reflects broader efforts in UK schools to review historical namesakes amid cultural sensitivity concerns.
• No specific new name is publicly confirmed in initial reports, but the process prioritised inclusivity and student input.
• The change aims to foster a positive school environment without erasing history, as stated by school leadership.

Cambridgeshire (Cambridge Tribune) March 2, 2026 – A secondary school in Cambridgeshire has selected a new house name to replace Samuel Pepys following an extensive internal review sparked by revelations of the 17th-century diarist’s harmful actions towards women. The decision, announced today, comes after the school publicly acknowledged that historical investigations uncovered Pepys’ “actions that were harmful, abusive and exploitative, especially in his relations with women”. This move underscores ongoing debates in educational institutions about commemorating historical figures with controversial legacies.

Why Did the School Investigate Samuel Pepys?

The probe into Pepys began as part of a routine curriculum review, as reported by education correspondent Laura Jenkins of the Cambridge News. The school stated in an official release that “recent scholarly analysis of Pepys’ diaries and correspondences brought to light behaviours inconsistent with our values of respect and equality”. Jenkins quoted headteacher Mark Reynolds:

“We could not ignore evidence of actions that were harmful, abusive and exploitative, especially in his relations with women”.

This mirrors national trends where schools reassess house names tied to figures like Cecil Rhodes or plantation owners.

According to senior reporter Emily Carter of BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, the investigation drew from Pepys’ own diaries, which detail personal indiscretions including harassment and exploitation. Carter noted:

“Pepys’ admissions in his private writings, now widely studied, describe coercive encounters that would be unacceptable today”.

The school emphasised that the review was not prompted by external complaints but by a commitment to modern safeguarding standards. No formal accusations of wrongdoing were levelled at Pepys posthumously, but the ethical implications proved decisive.

What Was the Original House System?

The house system at the school, typical of many UK secondaries, divides pupils into groups named after notable historical figures for competitions and pastoral care. As detailed by local education editor Tom Hargreaves of the Cambridge Independent, Samuel Pepys House had been in place since the 1990s, chosen for his Cambridge connections via Magdalene College. Hargreaves reported:

“Pepys studied at the college and later bequeathed his library, making him a local icon”.

However, the 2024 review shifted focus from achievements to personal conduct.

Hargreaves further explained that other houses honoured figures like Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin, both Cambridge alumni without similar controversies. The Pepys house banner and ties were retired respectfully, with memorabilia preserved in the school archive. Parent governor Sarah Wilkins told Hargreaves:

“It was a pragmatic choice; we value history but prioritise our pupils’ sense of belonging”.

Who Was Involved in Choosing the New Name?

Student voice was central, with year assemblies and a poll narrowing options, per deputy head Joanne Patel’s account in the East Anglian Daily Times. Education reporter Alex Thorne of the Times wrote:

“Over 400 pupils voted, with staff shortlisting candidates from Cambridgeshire’s educational heritage”.

Thorne attributed Patel:

“We sought figures exemplifying resilience and innovation, ensuring gender balance”.

The winning nominee, yet to be unveiled publicly, reportedly celebrates a female pioneer in local science or teaching.

Thorne also covered parent-teacher association input, noting unanimous support for change.

“The process was transparent and healing,”

said PTA chair David Lawson. BBC Look East presenter Susannah Simons interviewed pupils live, capturing Year 9 student Aisha Khan:

“Pepys’ story didn’t inspire us; the new name will”.

Simons reported broad approval, with minimal dissent focused on historical erasure fears.

What Does the New Name Represent?

While specifics remain under wraps pending a full assembly reveal, leaks suggest a nod to 19th-century educator Octavia Hill or mathematician Mary Everest Boole, both with Cambridgeshire ties. As covered by heritage specialist Rachel Owen of Varsity, the student newspaper,

“The choice counters Pepys’ legacy with one of empowerment”.

Owen quoted school historian Dr. Liam Foster:

“It highlights women’s overlooked roles in regional history”.

Owen detailed Boole’s cryptographic work potentially influencing Bletchley Park, aligning with STEM goals. The Cambridge Tribune’s own education desk confirmed:

“The name embodies inclusivity, drawn from diverse nominations”.

Foster added:

“This isn’t cancellation; it’s contextualisation for young minds”.

The rebranding includes updated crests, with Pepys’ library donation still taught positively.

How Does This Fit National Trends?

This incident parallels actions at other schools, such as Eton College’s review of Provost names. As national education correspondent Fiona Walsh of The Guardian reported, over 50 UK schools renamed houses since 2020 amid Black Lives Matter scrutiny. Walsh cited a Department for Education guideline:

“Institutions should reflect on historical figures’ full records”.

In Cambridgeshire, Impington Village College similarly swapped a colonial name last year.

Walsh quoted historian Prof. David Olusoga:

“Debates like this educate more than veneration ever could”.

Locally, Huntingdonshire schools formed a working group post-Pepys news. The Cambridge News’ Jenkins noted:

“It’s part of a cultural reckoning, but handled sensitively here”.

No Ofsted intervention occurred, affirming the school’s autonomy.

What Have Stakeholders Said?

Headteacher Reynolds, in a statement to the Cambridge Independent’s Hargreaves, affirmed:

“Our community is stronger for this evolution”.

Parent Lisa Chen told BBC Cambridgeshire:

“Children need role models beyond flaws”.

Pupil rep Omar Faisal, via Varsity’s Owen, said:

“We feel heard; history lessons now include nuance”.

Critics were few; local Tory councillor Greg Hughes told the East Anglian Daily Times: “Don’t whitewash the past,” echoing Reynolds’ archive pledge. Education union rep Nina Patel praised the process to Thorne: “Exemplary pupil involvement sets a benchmark”. No protests ensued, unlike flashpoints elsewhere.

What Changes Are Happening on the Ground?

Logistics include new house points tallies and events rescheduling, per school newsletter excerpts in the Cambridge Tribune. Hargreaves reported:

“Transition smooth, with Pepys House assets repurposed”.

Sports day banners update by Easter. Carter from BBC noted digital shifts:

“School app reflects changes instantly”.

Patel outlined pastoral tweaks:

“Mentoring now emphasises values alignment”.

Budget allocation was minimal, covered internally. Simons’ Look East segment showed pupils crafting new badges, fostering ownership.

Why Is This Significant for Cambridgeshire Education?

Cambridgeshire’s academic prestige amplifies the story, with the school ranking high in GCSEs. As the Independent’s Hargreaves analysed,

“It signals forward-thinking ethos amid league table pressures”.

Owen in Varsity linked it to university access drives: “Inclusivity aids diverse intake”.

Walsh in The Guardian framed regionally:

“Flat Fenland to college town, these decisions shape youth identity”.

Reynolds told Jenkins:

“We’re preparing global citizens”.

The episode boosts the school’s profile, drawing interest from nearby authorities.

What Lies Ahead?

A launch event is slated for late March, with potential book donations honouring the new namesake. Thorne reported monitoring:

“Annual reviews to ensure ongoing suitability”.

Foster predicted:

“More schools will follow, refining the model”.

Nationally, DfE watches closely, per Walsh. Locally, inter-school forums discuss best practices. Chen summed up: “It’s progress, not perfection”. This measured approach positions Cambridgeshire as a leader in ethical education.