Winchester Cathedral has launched a search for boy choristers, aged 8–13, offering a world-class musical education and the chance to be part of one of the world’s longest continuous choral traditions.
Music has graced daily worship at the cathedral for more than 900 years, with generations of boy choristers playing their part. The cathedral is widening awareness of an extraordinary opportunity which many families may not realise is open to them.
Chorister singing is at the heart of cathedral life, and choristers bring a unique clarity and purity of tone that lies at the very centre of the choral sound. The boys contribute to regular services, concerts, broadcasts and recordings, while receiving expert musical training alongside a full, balanced and child-centred education.
Boy choristers sing alongside experienced professional singers, gaining exceptional ensemble skills, musical confidence and musical knowledge from an early age. They also have the opportunity, on occasions, to sing with the cathedral’s girl choristers, aged 11–18, at the major Christian festivals.
Along with The Pilgrims’ School, Winchester Cathedral is seeking boys aged 8–13 who simply love to sing and show natural musical talent. Its aim is to cast the net as widely as possible, reaching beyond traditional pathways to discover and nurture the talent within communities around the country.
Unlike many elite musical pathways, choristership at Winchester Cathedral is not reserved solely for those with extensive prior training or privileged musical backgrounds. Instead, it is grounded in potential – a willingness to learn, a curiosity for music, and a developing voice that can be carefully nurtured over time.
Current chorister Oscar said:
“I love being a chorister because it’s such an exciting thing to do. You get to sing in an incredible building, travel to perform, and be part of something really special. It’s challenging in a good way and opens up amazing opportunities, while offering a brilliant experience that’s completely different from spending time on your phone or in front of a screen. You make great friends, and I feel really proud to be part of it.”
Winchester Cathedral Interim Director of Music Andrew Lucas said:
“Becoming a chorister at Winchester Cathedral is about far more than musical excellence. It gives boys the chance to grow up with music as part of everyday life, building their confidence, discipline and teamwork, while opening doors to life-changing opportunities they may never have imagined.
“For more than 900 years, music has been woven into the daily life of the cathedral, passed from one generation of choristers to the next. Today, however, attracting the next generation of talented young singers is becoming more challenging, as children have more interests, activities and digital distractions competing for their time. For this extraordinary tradition to continue, we must actively seek out and nurture new talent.
“As fewer children encounter singing naturally in their daily lives, it is more important than ever that families know these pathways exist and are open to them. Every new chorister plays a vital role in keeping this ancient tradition alive, helping to ensure our legacy of choral worship continues to thrive for centuries to come.”
Tim Butcher, Headmaster of The Pilgrims’ School, said:
“At Pilgrims’ we offer boys an exceptional education alongside the extraordinary choral opportunities. Our boys work hard and have a lot of fun. Choristers will be on the sports field covered in mud, and the next minute they will be singing in the world-famous cathedral. We are also the only double choir school in the country, not just educating the Choristers but also the Quiristers who sing in the chapel at Winchester College. We see firsthand each day how music brings numerous benefits, helping to develop confident, happy, well-rounded boys who take joy in their learning. It helps in the formation of treasured memories and supports the better understanding of the world that our curriculum and co-curricular activities build. Crucially, music making that progresses to the highest level goes hand in hand with the formation of character and values that have both stood the test of time and that will prove of utmost importance in an AI world.”
Generous chorister scholarships are offered to all choristers, with additional means-tested bursaries available. This support helps ensure that the opportunity is accessible to families from a wide range of backgrounds.
Families of all faiths and of none are warmly welcomed into a close-knit cathedral and school community, where a sense of belonging is fundamental, supported by strong pastoral care that underpins both musical and personal development. The sense of community is genuine and inclusive, ensuring that boys feel encouraged and able to thrive from the moment they arrive.
Choristers follow the same academic, sporting and co-curricular programme as their peers at The Pilgrims’ School, with careful support to balance rehearsals, services and school life. Choristers must board from Year 5, but do not have to board until then.
At age 13 choristers often win musical scholarships and go from Pilgrims’ to a variety of state and private schools, including Winchester College, Eton and Charterhouse.
Families interested in exploring boy chorister opportunities are encouraged to get in touch or to attend the next Open Mornings for The Pilgrims’ School on Saturday 14th March and Saturday 16th May.
Please do get in touch for further information: choirs@winchester-cathedral.org.uk