Westminster Cathedral Choir School
Westminster Cathedral Choir School
Org 1: IAPS
Ambrosden Avenue, London, SW1P 1QH
Telephone: 020 7798 9081
Age Range: Pre-Prep/Infants, Prep/Junior to 13
Day or Boarding: Day, Full Boarding
Gender: Boys
President: HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster
Chair of Governors: David Heminway
Headmaster: Neil McLaughlan, BA Hons
Age range. 4–13.
Number of boys. 283 (23 Choristers, 260 Day Boys).
Fees per term (2024-2025). Chorister Boarders: £3,777; Day Boys (Reception to Year 3): £7,183; Day Boys (Years 4 to 8): £8,180.
Founded in 1901, Westminster Cathedral Choir School is a day prep and pre-prep school and boarding choir school. Choristers must be Roman Catholic, but day boys of all denominations are welcome.
The school forms part of the precincts of Westminster Cathedral and enjoys such facilities as a large playground and a Grade I listed Library.
Choristers and day boys alike achieve a high level of music-making. The Choristers sing the daily capitular liturgy in the Cathedral and are regularly involved in broadcasts, recordings and tours abroad. There is also a day boy choir, two orchestras and a substantial programme of chamber music. Boys can learn the piano and any orchestral instrument in school.
The major sports include football, rugby and cricket and the boys travel to Vincent Square, Battersea Park and the Queen Mother Sports Centre for games.
There is a wide range of extracurricular activities available including: chess, computing, debating, fencing, football, judo, drama and a Saturday rugby club.
The school is justly famed for its fantastic food!
Assessment for Choristers is by academic assessment and voice trial, generally in November and February. Day Boy assessments are held in November (pre-prep) and January (7+ and 8+).
Charitable status. Westminster Cathedral Choir School is a Registered Charity, number 1063761.