Sexism-conscious school puts Merry Gentlemen to rest

 Highgate School changed the lyrics of the carol God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen to “Gentlefolk” because the traditional words did not reflect “modern progress in gender equality”.

The north London private school, which this year has been hit with controversy over proposals for genderneutral uniforms and toilets, sang the alternative lyrics at its carol services. A song sheet seen by The Daily Telegraph, understood to have been given to the choir at the event, shows the end of the word “Gentlemen” crossed out and replaced with “folk”.

Chris Mcgovern, chairman of the pressure group the Campaign for Real Education, said the change was “nonsense”.

A spokesman for the school said: “The change was made to the words of this particular carol a few years ago.

“Its original lyrics long predate modern progress in gender equality, and it was felt right to update them for the 21st century, making the lyrics more inclusive and accessible to all.”