in closed spaces for hours at a time. The same pupil also reported being waterboarded with Listerine. Alistair Dunn, the school's acting headmaster, said in response that "St Peter's is a caring and nurturing school and initiation rites are unacceptable." Residential Development: In 2022, St Peter's submitted an application to develop land in the green belt of York, behind the school. The plan would turn green fields on the flood plan into artificial sports fields and a large car and coach park. The plan would also turn a neighbouring narrow cul-de-sac into a busy through road for coaches and cars, with over 100 local residents submitting complaints to the council with regards to this development. Local residents have reported health and safety concerns for their families, as well as the loss of grass verges and protected ancient trees on the road. York Central MP Rachael Maskell and local councillors have expressed alarm over the impending redesignation of this land as educational facilities, removing the green belt protection. They noted that the site was already in a flood level 3 area and that as recently as 2015, local houses next door to St Peter's were flooded. Whimsy In March 2022, the York Press reported that Headteacher Jeremy Walker rolled up his sleeves one Saturday to serve meals in the school canteen, due to a high level of COVID-19 related staff absences. Jeremy commented, "I was delighted to respond to the call for help this weekend and I am happy to report to duty whenever required". Academic The school has a history of high academic achievement across all age ranges. Language-learning is also encouraged from a young age. Latin is compulsory for the first four years of study and also offered at GCSE and A Level. Religious Studies is a compulsory GCSE subject. Sport A wide range of activities are available at the school: these include rugby, football, hockey, netball, tennis, cricket, rowing, athletics, basketball, badminton, cross-country, climbing, squash, swimming, weight training, trampolining, water polo and aerobics. The school has sporting fields, gymnasiums, an indoor swimming pool, two multi-sport indoor centres, tennis courts, multi-use astroturf pitches, a rifle range, and a boathouse. For 27 years, cricket was coached by Keith Mohan. In 2002 the school's U15 rugby team won the national Daily Mail Cup competition and the U18 team were narrowly beaten in 2005 in the final against Exeter College, Exeter .