Lichfield Cathedral School is a non-selective, co-ed day school of pupils from 2½ to 18 years. Built on the foundations of faith, learning, leadership and service, the school has c570 pupils. The cathedral informs school life and culture, from the day-to-day experience within the environment of the cathedral close; collective worship and assemblies; feast days and daily services, school concerts, theatrical performances and carol services. The school feels rooted within the physical and spiritual Cathedral community. Many choristers become choral scholars and all pupils benefit from the musical excellence in the school.
Traditions unique to our school and the Cathedral help to form both our culture and our sense of belonging to an enduring institution committed to religious and intellectual enquiry. In early March, the patronal festival of St Chad is a significant event in the liturgical calendar. Pupils, parents and staff take the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation through the Cathedral, while our alumni are welcome to be married in the Cathedral. As one of the oldest places of Christian worship, the burial place of the great Anglo-Saxon Bishop, St Chad, and a magnificent example of extraordinary architecture, Lichfield Cathedral is a treasured landmark.
Our Choristers
The Cathedral Choristers and Sixth Form Choral Scholars of the Lichfield Cathedral Choir are all educated at the School as day pupils. The choral foundation includes a boys’ and a girls’ choir alongside lay vicars. They sing 3 evensongs per week and alternate Sundays, alongside special services and celebrations. Age of entry for choristers is 8 and auditions take place at the start of February every year and throughout as necessary. Enthusiasm, intelligence and potential are the keys to becoming a chorister – girls and boys are not expected to have a fully developed voice, nor is any formal singing experience necessary. Enjoyment of singing and a willingness to work hard are far more important than experience. The ‘choir family’ (choristers, the chorister staff team, parents and wider family) enjoy many social gatherings throughout the year and are a very strong supportive community.
