Nottinghamshire - Southwell Minster School Junior School?

[sarahsuthall]

We're moving to Nottinghamshire (just west of Newark upon Trent) and we're looking at potential primary/secondary schools for the kids (5 and 6).
Southwell Minster School is the best local secondary school, but is apparently over-subscribed. However, it also has a small junior school attached for musically talented students. So, they could audition to be cathedral choristers and they'd get into the school, sing in the cathedral, and get free instrument/singing lessons as well. Seems too good to be true, I am wondering if anyone can share their experiences?

I know the Minster well. Admission is usually in year 3, and places in other years are very rare.

Are your children particularly musical? Whilst the test is designed to look for potential rather than experience, in reality most of the children will be well prepared for it.

Thank you MrsMaiselsMuff. They love singing and music and I'd like them to learn instruments. I noticed the school puts information about the tests on their website, so I could prepare them for the audition.

They are offering 5 places for September 2020. You'll need more than enjoying singing. You also need to take into account the additional burden being a chorister brings with it. Are you going to be living in Southwell?

I wish you well, but I'd start looking at other options.

I used to go to the Minster School...and chose not to send my children's there!
Having a child who is a chorister is a big commitment, weekday services, weekend services and main festivals including Christmas Eve and Day. Travelling takes a chunk of time and it can really eat into family life, living in Southwell helps. You might like the idea but your children would have to be committed to a different lifestyle then man you children.