The QEH community gathered in the magnificent setting of Bristol Cathedral on 27 March to observe Charter Day 2026. Marking the 1590 Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I, the service featured stirring performances from our blue-coated choir as a fitting celebration of our rich heritage and the shared values that continue to unite us.
The QEH community gathered in the historic surroundings of Bristol Cathedral on Friday, 27 March, to celebrate Charter Day, a cornerstone of the school’s annual calendar.
This significant occasion commemorates the Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I on 21 March 1590. More than four centuries later, the service remains a poignant opportunity for pupils, staff, parents, and alumni to reflect on the school’s rich heritage and the enduring values that continue to shape our future.
A Heritage of Doing Good
Central to the service was the display of the original Charter itself. The beautifully illuminated document, written in Latin, features an illustration of Queen Elizabeth I delivering the decree. It bears the inscription which remains our school motto today:
‘Dum tempus habemus operemur bonum’ – Whilst we have time, let us do good.
Highlights of the Service
The ceremony began with a formal rendition of the National Anthem, followed by a series of hymns and readings that set a reflective tone for the morning.
• Our Chair of Governors, Mr Kevin Riley, opened the proceedings with a powerful and evocative citation.
• Insightful readings were thoughtfully delivered by our Captains of School, Luke M and Saffron C.
• The QEH choir, dressed in their distinctive and traditional blue coats, performed with exceptional poise. Their repertoire included a stirring rendition of Do Not Be Afraid by Philip Stopford and the arrangement of The Joyful Eastertide by Charles Wood.
Connecting Generations
One of the most rewarding aspects of Charter Day is the opportunity to welcome back our Old Elizabethans. Following the cathedral service, former pupils reconnected with the school, underscoring the lifelong bonds and the vibrant sense of community that defines QEH.
As the spring term concludes, Charter Day 2026 stood as a fitting celebration of our history, blending music, tradition, and reflection.