Dean Close Preparatory School is the choir school for the choristers of Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum. Our choristers benefit from an excellent all-round education and enjoy a busy and fulfilling way of life. They rehearse each morning before school and sing Evensong up to four times each week during school term time. Through their work in the choir, choristers in Schola Cantorum acquire not only the ability to focus from a young age and a first-class musical training, but also learn important life skills such as a strong worth ethic, the ability to work as a team and good personal organisation. When people visit Dean Close Preparatory School, what invariably strikes them is the warm and welcoming atmosphere, with both staff and children happily enjoying being part of the school. Whilst many factors contribute to this, it is the school’s strong Christian ethos, underpinning all that we do, that is undoubtedly the influence.
Our Choristers
Chorister places in Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum are open to both boys and girls. Our choristers sing up to four services every week in term time (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) alongside the team of lay clerks. Choristers in Schola Cantorum can be either day pupils or boarders. Children are usually accepted into the choir in either Year 3 or Year 4, but occasionally we are able to admit older children. Our next chorister open day is in January 2027, and auditions take place shortly after this event. Choristers at Dean Close Preparatory School receive a 20% scholarship once they are full choristers, and 10% in their probationary year. Generous additional means tested bursaries are available. Our choristers also receive singing and theory lessons as a part of their choristership. For an informal conversation, please email the Director, Simon Bell (sabell@deanclose.org.uk)
