Being a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral is an inspiring experience that gives children a unique start in life. As members of one of the world’s great cathedral choirs, our choristers perform around the globe, while receiving an exceptional academic education and boarding at St Paul’s Cathedral School. In September 2025, our boy choristers were joined in the boarding programme by girl choristers for the first time.
Life as a chorister: Choristers sing Choral Evensong on most days during term time, as well as Choral Mattins and Sung Eucharist on Sunday mornings. They also take part in special services, broadcasts, concerts and tours. Alongside their singing, every chorister learns the piano and a second instrument with our specialist music teachers.
Beyond music, choristers follow the full school curriculum, both academic and sporting, and are cared for by our dedicated boarding staff.
The first year: Choristers join the Cathedral Choir as probationers. During this first year, they are introduced to choir life and build strong musical skills before taking a full part in the Cathedral’s worship and music.
Looking ahead: Our choristers often go on to win major scholarships to leading schools across the country.
Joining the choir: Boys and girls can join the Cathedral Choir as probationers from the age of 7. They may already attend our Pre-prep department or join us from another school. To become a chorister, your child must pass the Cathedral Music Department’s Voice Trial and meet the school’s standard admission requirements, as set out on our Admissions page. We also consider your child’s suitability for boarding and for the intensive chorister programme.
Fees and funding: The educational element of choristers’ fees is paid by the Cathedral, and means-tested support of up to 100% is available towards boarding fees. Parents pay a deposit of £300 when their child joins. The Chorister Trust provides scholarships to fund the education and musical training of our choristers, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
How to apply
Chorister auditions are arranged by the Cathedral Music Department and take place throughout the year. The journey to becoming a chorister begins with an online information session, where children and parents can learn a song together, meet our choristers and enjoy a virtual tour of the Cathedral and school. The next session is on Tuesday 10th November at 6pm. Your child can then choose one of the two songs from the video on the Cathedral website here and practise it at home using the backing track. After the online session, children are invited to a friendly, informal meeting where they’ll sing their chosen song, either with the words in front of them or from memory. If they play an instrument, they’re welcome to play that too, though it isn’t expected. The final step is a formal audition, which is very similar to the informal meeting but includes some simple listening and rhythm games, and needs no preparation. At this stage, your child will also spend a day at school, just like the assessment for a day pupil, and Cathedral and school staff will meet parents and carers to talk through boarding and bursaries.
Please see the Cathedral website here for more details. If you have any questions about the application process or life as a Chorister, please email choristerrecruitment@stpaulscathedral.org.uk.
