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Extra-curricular activities

Find advice on the best extra curricular activities in secondary schools and primary schools here.

Original poster

Choristerships in London/non-boarding

27 replies

FalalaLondon · 14/03/2021 17:17

I didn't realise these might even exist, but - via a chance conversation with an acquaintance - have discovered this:
www.templechurch.com/become-a-chorister/

I don't quite understand how it works. I don't think they sing services every day, and I don't know which schools the scholarships are for. Or if you then have to apply for certain schools. I guess I could give them a ring and find out (although I imagine they're close at the moment)? I'm not even sure where this place is. Also, I'm not clear about the age range but heard from my source that they're currently interested even in older boys (Year 4/5) as they have gaps. I thought choristers usually started earlier.

Anyone know about this place?

It also inspired me to look at others and I see Southwark have a similar set-up, but - again - not sure what it all amounts to in terms of commitment.

cathedral.southwark.anglican.org/worship-and-music/music/the-choir/joining-the-choir/

Do they really PAY the kids to sing?!?! Seems an unusual deal if they also offer lessons free of charge? Seems too good to be true ...

Can't believe I've missed this. I've always avoided thinking about choristerships because I was ruling out the boarding aspect. This has made me think again. My sons are Year 2 and Year 4. But we don't live in central London so not sure if that counts us out.

OP posts:
Bvop · 14/03/2021 17:27

Almost all choir schools start at Y4. The exceptions are St Paul’s and New College Oxford, which oddly has a path to choristership from Y2. Temple is an excellent choir, and many of the boys study at City of London school which is nearby. I know a boy who went there (had a brother at a different, boarding chorister school) and who thrived. It’s an excellent musical training for a child (one of mine was a chorister), and it’s worth contacting the school to find out if there are spaces. Your son doesn’t need to be a brilliant singer already, just be musical - he’ll be taught to sing when he gets there.

PointeShoesandTutus · 14/03/2021 17:23

Temple church is the church within Inner and Middle temples, which are 2 of the four inns of court (legal quarters for barristers) in the city. They’re near Temple tube station, sandwiched between Embankment and Fleet Street. Not far from Holborn.

I imagine standards would be very high and it would require a lot of commitment, but I understand that you can use the scholarship for any school of your choosing.