Every September up to six choristers join Westminster Cathedral Choir School in Year 4. Becoming a chorister offers boys the opportunity to sing in a world-class choir, and to join one of London’s top independent prep schools with up to 100% off fees.
We’d love to hear from boys who love to sing!
WCCS is an inclusive community; almost all choristers join us from maintained-sector schools. They all receive generous scholarships, supplemented by means-tested bursaries of up to 100% of fees.
Boys board at the School during the week, going home to their families from Friday evening at 6.30 pm*, until 9.45 am on Sunday morning.
All choristers leave WCCS for leading schools at 13+, normally with music scholarships or awards.
*Boys in Years 4 & 5 go home a little earlier on Fridays – either after School at 3.50 pm, or after prep (homework) at 5.00pm.
What kind of music does Westminster Cathedral Choir sing?
The Choir sings the best choral music of the last millennium.
Be part of living musical tradition
Boys start with the basics of singing technique, sight-reading and music theory. Combined with tuition in two instruments, and playing in orchestras and chamber groups, they become immersed in a living musical tradition. Practising and performing six days a week makes boys expert and instinctive musicians.
Who makes a great Westminster Cathedral chorister?
Peter Stevens, Assistant Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, says:
Applying is simple and there’s no commitment until families have accepted an offer.
Stage 1 – informal voice trial (over Zoom)
No need to prepare. Boys do some simple ear tests and scales, and read a paragraph of text. During lockdown, this happens over Zoom.
Stage 2 – formal voice trial and assessments
Boys simply prepare a hymn or song to sing and, if they play an instrument, perform a prepared piece. They also do some age-appropriate assessments in English and maths – sample papers here
A great Westminster Cathedral Chorister
What does WCCS offer chorister families?
Neil McLaughlan, Head, says:
‘WCCS offers chorister parents a world-class musical and academic education for their sons, with up to 100% remission on fees, and a pathway to a top senior school at 13+.’
Applying for a chorister place: what's involved?
Applying is simple and there’s no commitment until families have accepted an offer.
Stage 1 – informal voice trial (over Zoom)
No need to prepare. Boys do some simple ear tests and scales, and read a paragraph of text. During lockdown, this happens over Zoom.
Stage 2 – formal voice trial and assessments
Boys simply prepare a hymn or song to sing and, if they play an instrument, perform a prepared piece. They also do some age-appropriate assessments in English and maths – sample papers here
A great Westminster Cathedral Chorister
‘WCCS offers chorister parents a world-class musical and academic education for their sons, with up to 100% remission on fees, and a pathway to a top senior school at 13+.’
– and normally join the choristers for a couple of evenings to see how they find boarding. This year arrangements will depend on when restrictions are lifted.
Who should interested parents contact?
Informal voice trials are easily arranged over Zoom. Parents simply contact Lucy Auger, Director of Admissions, to arrange one, or with any other queries
Tel 020 7798 9081 Email [email protected]
As soon as the COVID-19 restrictions lift, families will be welcome to visit the School, meet the team and tour the music and boarding facilities.
Our mailing address is:
Westminster Cathedral Choir School
Ambrosden Avenue
London, SW1P 1QH
United Kingdom
We’d love to hear from boys who love to sing!
WCCS is an inclusive community; almost all choristers join us from maintained-sector schools. They all receive generous scholarships, supplemented by means-tested bursaries of up to 100% of fees.
Boys board at the School during the week, going home to their families from Friday evening at 6.30 pm*, until 9.45 am on Sunday morning.
All choristers leave WCCS for leading schools at 13+, normally with music scholarships or awards.
*Boys in Years 4 & 5 go home a little earlier on Fridays – either after School at 3.50 pm, or after prep (homework) at 5.00pm.
What kind of music does Westminster Cathedral Choir sing?
The Choir sings the best choral music of the last millennium.
Be part of living musical tradition
Boys start with the basics of singing technique, sight-reading and music theory. Combined with tuition in two instruments, and playing in orchestras and chamber groups, they become immersed in a living musical tradition. Practising and performing six days a week makes boys expert and instinctive musicians.
Who makes a great Westminster Cathedral chorister?
Peter Stevens, Assistant Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, says:
Applying is simple and there’s no commitment until families have accepted an offer.
Stage 1 – informal voice trial (over Zoom)
No need to prepare. Boys do some simple ear tests and scales, and read a paragraph of text. During lockdown, this happens over Zoom.
Stage 2 – formal voice trial and assessments
Boys simply prepare a hymn or song to sing and, if they play an instrument, perform a prepared piece. They also do some age-appropriate assessments in English and maths – sample papers here
A great Westminster Cathedral Chorister
- loves to sing
- has a passion for music
- has an inquisitive, engaging mind
- has energy and enthusiasm
- can concentrate
- can listen carefully
- enjoys a challenge
- loves being part of a team
What does WCCS offer chorister families?
Neil McLaughlan, Head, says:
‘WCCS offers chorister parents a world-class musical and academic education for their sons, with up to 100% remission on fees, and a pathway to a top senior school at 13+.’
Applying for a chorister place: what's involved?
Applying is simple and there’s no commitment until families have accepted an offer.
Stage 1 – informal voice trial (over Zoom)
No need to prepare. Boys do some simple ear tests and scales, and read a paragraph of text. During lockdown, this happens over Zoom.
Stage 2 – formal voice trial and assessments
Boys simply prepare a hymn or song to sing and, if they play an instrument, perform a prepared piece. They also do some age-appropriate assessments in English and maths – sample papers here
A great Westminster Cathedral Chorister
- loves to sing
- has a passion for music
- has an inquisitive, engaging mind
- has energy and enthusiasm
- can concentrate
- can listen carefully
- enjoys a challenge
- loves being part of a team
‘WCCS offers chorister parents a world-class musical and academic education for their sons, with up to 100% remission on fees, and a pathway to a top senior school at 13+.’
– and normally join the choristers for a couple of evenings to see how they find boarding. This year arrangements will depend on when restrictions are lifted.
Who should interested parents contact?
Informal voice trials are easily arranged over Zoom. Parents simply contact Lucy Auger, Director of Admissions, to arrange one, or with any other queries
Tel 020 7798 9081 Email [email protected]
As soon as the COVID-19 restrictions lift, families will be welcome to visit the School, meet the team and tour the music and boarding facilities.
Our mailing address is:
Westminster Cathedral Choir School
Ambrosden Avenue
London, SW1P 1QH
United Kingdom
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