Westminster Abbey Choir School

The purpose-built school, set in the heart of the Abbey precincts, offers a complete preparatory school boarding education but tailored precisely to the needs of choristers.

The Choir School is all but unique in that it is entirely dedicated to looking after the thirty or so boys who sing in Westminster Abbey as choristers. We offer a highly subsidised, first-class, all-round education within what is a secure, happy and supportive environment. Our aim is to provide the best possible experience specifically for choristers, which prepares them for the next stage of their schooling, and indeed for adult life, whatever path they later choose to follow.

If you know of a boy aged between about 7 and 10 who would enjoy singing in this world-famous choir, we would be delighted to meet you and to show you the school and something of the life of a Westminster Abbey Chorister. It could be a life-changing experience, as it has been for so many boys in the past. Do please contact us at any time.

The school surely has one of the most generous staff to pupil ratios anywhere. With just 30 boys in the school, year groups are very small with normally between only five to seven boys in each.  These small groups are taught by subject specialist staff, with excellent facilities, in dedicated curriculum areas. While the teachers are passionate about their subjects, they appreciate entirely the demands made on choristers and we are able to tailor the school day around the needs of the individual boys.

Perhaps even more important is the pastoral care that is possible within so small a community. Boys, their parents and school staff all work together closely to ensure the happiness and welfare of the boys.

The School is owned by Westminster Abbey, which is absolutely committed to maintaining a specialist choir school and subsidising its running costs very considerably. The management, control and direction of the School is the responsibility of a Governing Body which includes several members, independent of the Abbey, who bring specialist experience and advice.

Just as important as the formal meetings are opportunities for governors to visit the school regularly to see, at first hand, all that goes on. Governors have very genuine responsibilities to oversee the well-being of the school and its professional operation, including its compliance with all relevant legislation and educational best practice; they take great pride in this responsibility.