Happy 240th birthday to The Mount!

2025 marks a very special year for The Mount School York, as we celebrate our 240th anniversary!

Founded on 1 January 1785, we’re turning 240 today! (1 January 2025)  

Esther Tuke, wife of William Tuke—both prominent Quakers—wished to provide a formative education for the daughters of Quaker families. This vision led to the establishment of the girls’ school, which opened on New Year’s Day 1785. 

The Friends’ Girls School
Originally named the Friends’ Girls School, we first opened our doors in Trinity Lane, off Mickelgate. Within a short time, our initial enrollment of 17 pupils more than doubled to 38, including the Tukes’ daughters, Ann and Mabel, then aged 18 and 15. Tuition at that time was 14 guineas a year, covering instruction, board, and laundry. 

A year to look ahead and reflect!
2025 is a year of both excitement and celebration. We are delighted to welcome our new Head, Anna Wilby, and also embark on a year-long celebration of our remarkable 240-year legacy. This anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on our school’s rich history of educating young women and our steadfast commitment to Quaker values. 

Throughout 2025, we will be reflecting on this incredible journey, exploring different aspects of The Mount’s history, including the move to our current location and the change to our present name. Join us as we celebrate our past and look towards the future! 

240 years in the making!
From our first 17 pupils in Trinity Lane to the vibrant community we are today, we are excited to celebrate our Quaker roots and rich history. Over the next 12 months, we will be marking this anniversary in numerous ways, creating our very own “240 memories” series. Stay tuned this year to find out more about how you can get involved andoin us for a year of celebrations!