Westminster Abbey Choir School is a school like no other! Founded around 1560, we are the only remaining choir school in the United Kingdom which exclusively educates choristers. Boys from across the UK and beyond, attend our school between ages 8 and 13, receiving a highly subsidised education in very small classes.
Since we only educate the Abbey choristers, the school roll stands at 30 pupils – approximately 5 or 6 in each year group, offering a particularly personalised programme. The outstanding pastoral care provided by our school means that the boys can fully engage with a broad and balanced academic curriculum, in addition to immersing themselves in the considerable opportunities afforded by singing in one of the finest choirs of its type in the world.
As well as singing in daily services at Westminster Abbey, the choristers play a central role in the many significant occasions which take place here. These have included the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II; the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla; and memorial services for leading figures including Stephen Hawking and Nelson Mandela. The Choir also pursues a varied schedule of recordings, concerts and tours, exposing the boys to unforgettable experiences.
Our Choristers
Boys sing daily Evensong every day apart from Wednesday and alternate Mondays during term time. They sing one service on Saturday and three services on Sunday.
We welcome enquiries all the year round. If you are at all interested in finding out more, why not get in touch? Boys start at the Choir School in Year 4 when they are eight years old, so a good time to get in touch is in Year 2 or 3, but even if you have missed the boat, it is still worth contacting us since, for the right candidate, we may be able to make a space available. More information about admissions can be found at on the Westminster Abbey Choir School website.
Boys in Year 4 board from Monday – Friday and from Year 5 and above board 7 days a week during term time.
Boys benefit from specialist teaching in music, drama, science, French, PE and Art from Year 4, with specialist teaching in English, maths, humanities, Latin and Greek from Year 6.
