The Godfrey Searle Choir was established at St Mary’s Prep School, Reigate in 1953 when its founder, Godfrey Searle bequeathed his estate so that there might be a choir school based at ‘Sunnyside’, his beautiful home. The school has evolved around this building which still stands opposite the parish church of St Mary’s. This philanthropic act has kept the wonderful tradition of cathedral style choral singing thriving in Reigate.
The Godfrey Searle Choir is now made up of girls and boys from Reigate St Mary’s and Reigate Grammar School. The choir is central to the role of music making in both schools and as well as singing regular services throughout term time, the choir also ventures out, such as to St Paul’s Cathedral where they will sing evensong in March 2025. We are also excited that our Head Chorister is taking part in the finals of the BBC Songs of Praise ‘Young Chorister of the Year’ competition, due to be televised over Xmas 2024/25.
Our Choristers
The choristers sing up to 4 public services a week and they rehearse daily. Choristers may join the choir as young as aged 7 and remain until voice change for the boys, with no upper limit for girls who often elect to remain singing in the choir until year 11.
