Cover photo courtesy of Steven Hatton Photography
The King’s School Canterbury is proud to announce that its newest Day House will be named in honour of former pupil Michael Morpurgo, one of Britain’s most celebrated authors and a cherished member of the King’s community. The formal naming will take place at a special ceremony in early September.
Morpurgo, who attended King’s from 1957 to 1962, has gone on to become a literary figure of international renown, best known for works such as War Horse and Private Peaceful. His writing, often inspired by history, memory, and human resilience, has touched generations of readers and earned him numerous accolades, including his tenure as Children’s Laureate. Naming the new Day House after him recognises not only his extraordinary contribution to literature, but also his enduring connection to the School.
Jude Lowson, Head commented:
“Michael Morpurgo is one of the most cherished members of our school family, and it is a profound honour to name our newest house after him. As our 17th house and fourth day house, Morpurgo House marks an exciting milestone in the life of our school – and what better way to mark it than by celebrating a man whose storytelling has moved and inspired generations of readers around the world. Michael’s connection to this school is something we treasure deeply, and we hope that every pupil who calls Morpurgo House their home will carry a little of his spirit; his creativity, his compassion, and his belief in the power of a good story.”
Michael Morpurgo at ‘Stories round the fire-pit’ – October 2025
Michael Morpurgo said:
‘This is such an honour. I can’t tell you how much it means to me. My name is unfortunately a mouthful and an earful, which is why at school I was variously known as Pongo, or Montypergo, or Flamingo when I acquired a scarlet gown.
Memories are still vivid, the fiddle to do up my wing-collar, the saggy beds, the night watchman outside the window of my dorm in Galpin’s calling out 11 o’clock a fine night and all’s well, choir practice in the Undercroft, the Sunday morning rehearsals of the Symphony Orchestra, the doughnuts in the tuck shop, being a spear carrier in Othello, playing a small part in the great rugby team of 61, the friends I made and failed to keep up with, the passing of too many, the visits I’ve made since to the school, failing once to gain entrance at the Mint Yard Gate to my old home, the storytelling event most recently in November out in the cold of the Mint Yard with students gathered round their braziers in the silence of the dark, the compline afterwards. The memories the joys and sadnesses live on. I could not have had a better or more enriching start in life.
Wishing all you pupils and staff, a well and happy time at Kings, and especially those in Morpurgo House.’
This announcement is accompanied by a remarkable collection of archival photographs, each capturing vivid moments from Morpurgo’s time at King’s and offering a glimpse into the formative years of a future storyteller.
Among them is a characteristically informal 1st XV rugby team photograph, in which Morpurgo appears at the far right, caught looking away from the camera. The image, previously used in an obituary written by Morpurgo for a fellow OKS pictured beside him, reflects both the camaraderie and humour of school life – qualities that would later find their way into his writing.
Another striking image dates from 1962 and features an unexpected brush with cinema history. Director Ronald Neame had decided to use the School as a filming location, reportedly without formal permission. Pictured during the filming of I Could Go On Singing, it shows Judy Garland and Dirk Bogarde in the Precincts. In the background, the Red Dean – recognisable by his hat, and then Captain of School Michael Morpurgo, can be seen escorting him off the premises.
A further photograph from the same year shows Morpurgo alongside the Queen Mother, likely during King’s Week, marking a moment of royal occasion within his school career.
Perhaps most evocative is a 1961 image of Morpurgo delivering a speech at the opening of the Maugham Library, with Somerset Maugham, the distinguished OKS after whom the library is named, and the Red Dean. Michael recalls the occasion vividly, describing the speech as his first significant public address, and admitting just how nervous he had felt at the time.
Together, these images not only document key moments in the life of a King’s pupil, but also foreshadow the voice and presence Morpurgo would later bring to audiences around the world.
The naming of the new Day House stands as a tribute to a life shaped in part within these historic surroundings, and to a writer whose stories continue to inspire.