Wells Cathedral School

[Quacketyduck]

DC is musical and am thinking of applying for a specialist music place for her. She'd need to board. Does anyone have a child at the school. Is it good academically and pastorally as well as musically? There are some mixed reports in past posts about the school, but it would be great to have an up to date view.

My DD is there in year 8 as a specialist and loves it. She boards because of her music commitments even though we have now moved closer so she comes home some weekends.

Her brothers are now there too, as day pupils. Academically it seems fine and we are happy with the pastoral care they get. Like all schools, I'm sure there are good and bad points. We wish we had moved our boys there sooner.

In years 7 to 9 the specialist and special provision musicians are taught apart from the non musicians for most subjects and DD says they are like a family.

We were unsure about sending her off to board in year 7 but she is looked after really well in the boarding house and gets to do lots of fun things. I do like it now we are closer and can see her more often but we have no regrets about sending her.

Have you been to one of the open days? If you have any other questions please ask.

Have a student who went there for Year 7 and it was absolutely the right choice for her - she was (and still is) an absolutely exceptional musician so received a generous scholarship (we're talking Distinction at Grade 8 in two instruments at the age of 9!!)

Now has lots of good support and time for her music practise and lessons (and international competitions).
If your DD is not sure whether she actually wants to to be a pro musician it is a great balance of 'regular' and specialist teaching, as opposed to somewhere like Purcell, Chets or Yehudi Menuhin.

Thank you both for this - very helpful. Audition in January!

All the best to your DD.

I would be very weary of this school... there are quite a few leaving at the moment us included and we have had nothing but issues and it's not just us.

Yes, there is new management and things may change (slowly) but we don't have time to wait it out to see if things do change for the best.

I would suggest try to speak to a few parents at the school when you visit and read between the lines! There should be no hesitation if a parent is happy... you should be able to tell. Speak to them.

Feel free to PM me for details. It's probably unfair to give open details here but am happy to provide them privately.