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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:
JumpinJellyfish · 28/02/2024 09:20

Catsandchocolate1980 · 27/02/2024 21:48

Hi @JumpinJellyfish yes we took
the plunge and it has been life changing for our son. He has an outlet for his natural curiosity about music, languages etc and has made some of his best friends there. In some ways the intellectual challenge for him begins AFTER school each day, when he gets to choir. The audition process was simple - I told him we were ‘just going into town to do some singing’ (never called it an audition) and he didn’t question. He sang Away in a Manger and then had to do some simple tests. It IS a big commitment for us as a family - I have gone down to 4 days a week and my husband works flexibly too. But this is partly in order to protect our younger daughter from having the feeling that it’s ’all about’ her brother’s schedule. We never wanted her to feel like she can’t do things because of his commitments. Not everyone can make this adjustment but we could, and for us it’s been the right thing. Temple are recruiting at the moment and now accepting 2 boys and 2 girls each year. Happy to talk to you personally about it if we can sort that!

Thank you so much for the reply! It sounds fantastic. I will DM you.

Original poster
FalalaLondon · 29/02/2024 13:56

glad this thread is still proving useful. We've gone in another direction but I still find that world interesting. I have noticed that Temple are now also recruiting girls, which I understand can be a bit controversial. Good luck to them all!

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