The Chapter of Winchester Cathedral is adjusting boarding requirements for boy choristers at The Pilgrims’ School.
The arrangement for Years 5 and above will not change from current practice: boy choristers enrolled for ‘full boarding’ may be away from school overnight at weekends if not required for certain services, and other dispensations may be granted to be away on one weekday night in particular circumstances.
This flexibility is explained to parents actively enquiring about choristerships but may not be understood by those just reading of the offer. Chapter wishes to endorse and clarify this practice as widely as possible, to give an accurate picture of what families can expect after Year 4. Chapter will review this boarding pattern once the new Dean and Director of Music have been appointed.
The principal adjustment is in Year 4, where most probationers begin.
The choral demands on children of 8 or 9 are not as great as those for older year groups and can, in Chapter’s judgement, be met without full boarding. Therefore, parents will be able to choose whether to board their boys at this stage or not, except in ‘choir time’ at the end of the summer term, when boys prepare for major festivities, which will prepare them for the years ahead.
This decision puts Choristers on a par with Quiristers at Winchester College, who begin their choral career, and therefore boarding, in Year 5. Places are still available for further probationers this year, and it is hoped that this change will encourage applications.
Interim Dean Roland Riem says: “We intend to work closely with the School and College to widen participation and therefore maintain the Cathedral’s high standards of choral excellence. These small adjustments, addressing the needs of more local families, will help us on our way.”
Canon Riem adds: “Boarding for seven nights a week in term remains a possibility from Year 4.”
Chapter’s decision is in line with its Music Strategy, which has been revised after a thorough process of consultation with chorister parents and the School.