Founded in 1616 by Dr Chaloner, with a charter from King James I, the school has enjoyed a long and distinguished history in which the continuing factor has been a tradition of academic excellence and service to the local community.

Since 1971 King James’s has been a highly successful 11-18 comprehensive school with a catchment area extending well beyond the small historic market town of Knaresborough itself.

The school’s history is re-enacted each year at our Founder’s Day service in October. The King James’s foundation is reflected in the Stewart tartan that forms the basis of our distinctive school uniform.

King James’s School Charter was signed by King James I on 26th October 1616. It gave permission for the Rev. Robert Chaloner to establish a free school for the sons of the inhabitants of Knaresborough and Goldsborough. Robert Chaloner provided the income for the school from the rents of his land in Buckinghamshire. This legacy of 1616 continues today in King James’s School. The tartan kilts and ties worn by students are three variations of the Stewart tartan.