Cambridgeshire school which dropped historic sex offender Samuel Pepys' name reveals replacement figurehead

Staff and students at Hinchingbrooke School, in Huntingdon, have voted Olivia Bernard Sparrow as the new figurehead for one of its pastoral houses.

Sparrow, who was a local philanthropist committed to improving education, will replace the famous diarist Samuel Pepys as the house’s figurehead.

As reported in January, pupils voted to drop Pepys’ name, after diary revelations suggested the 17th century figure was a sex offender.

Pepys, a former student of the school in the 1640s – then known as Huntingdon Grammar – is famed by historians for documenting the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of London of 1666 in his diary. However, recently decoded extracts from his diary revealed disturbing entries about women – including his underage wife.

After dropping his name, and conducting research, the School Council selected three local figures as potential replacements. Other candidates shortlisted were Mary Stuart and former headteacher at Huntingdon Grammar School, and John Wakelin, who were both key figures in transforming Hinchingbrooke from a small grammar school to the largest comprehensive school in Cambridgeshire, as it is today.

More than 1,900 staff members and students took part, with Sparrow receiving 904 votes (42%). Mary Stuart received 645 votes, (30%) and John Wakelin received 385 votes (18%). There were 18 spoiled papers.”

Sparrow, who lived between 1775 and 1863, was committed to improving education and supporting local communities and invested her own resources into strengthening village schools, supporting teachers and widening access to learning. Her philanthropic work reached across the Hinchingbrooke estate and surrounding areas, where she helped to support parish life, schooling and local welfare.

The change of house name came in the light of increased discussion about Pepys and his attitudes and behaviours, notably towards women.

Andy Hunter, Principal of Hinchingbrooke School, part of the CAM Academy Trust, said: “Olivia Bernard Sparrow was a remarkable and influential figure in Huntingdonshire’s history and the school community has enjoyed finding out more about her important work.

“Her belief in education as a force for opportunity and fairness, combined with her strong local ties, makes her an inspiring and relevant figurehead for our students today and we are very pleased to be naming one of our houses after her.

“Throughout this process, what has stood out most to me as Principal has been the level of thoughtful discussion and genuine engagement from the students in this matter.

“They have approached the responsibility of choosing a new figurehead with maturity, curiosity and respect and it has been wonderful to see them debating ideas, weighing up the criteria and taking ownership of the final decision.

“I have been incredibly proud of the real sense of student agency I have witnessed across the school.

“I would also like to thank all parents and carers for their support throughout this process. Their encouragement has helped our students take pride in their school community and engage meaningfully in decisions that shape it.”