Wells Cathedral School?

[Mouserr]

Considering Wells Cathedral School and think that it sounds a very exciting place for a child whose world is singing and drama.

Does anyone have recent experience of the school? How have you found it?

Mixed feelings! I don’t think it’s for everyone. It did take the fun out of it for me. I went there for sixth form - for the music - and although the tuition is amazing, it can really knock your self-confidence too. Listening to all the future soloists practising is amazing, but it did feel definitely cliquey. Everyone seemed to know how you’d been graded on your initial audition - whether you were a specialist, special provision or general musician - whether you’d ever make the grade, basically. I found it all a bit overwhelming and a bit gloomy and I’ve met other people that said the same. They even rearranged the table layout in the canteen at one point to make it less intimidating for all the anorexic students. But this was in the 90’s. Maybe they’ve got more fun by now? And maybe the drama department is a bit jollier? But I did always love playing in the Cathedral.

Thanks Mayly - it's what I had thought from the 90s, but I think it's v different now and they've addressed that. But I just wanted to see if anyone with experience now can confirm! Will see ...

Following!

IIRC 2/5 of the finalists in last Sunday's Young Musician keyboard round came from the school. That's impressive in itself!

I am also interested in this thread as we are seriously considering Wells for our DC.

I know all schools have their sales pitch, but there was literally nothing I didn't like/wasn't sure about and I cannot say that about any of the other schools we have visited. Everyone was lovely and I really had the feeling that they value every child, whatever their individual talent or contribution, and are good at finding out what that might be if it is not already obvious. I have seen Wells on a number of different occasions now and from various angles and each time I have visited I like it even more.

Obviously this is still an outside perspective at this stage, so I would also be interested to hear what others think. I am particularly interested to hear from anyone who has children who enjoy music but are not playing at the top level - will they still enjoy the same opportunities, e.g. playing in orchestras and ensembles, as the specialist musicians?

DD has just been offered a Specialist Musician place for September. She is also very much into MT and performs professionally and at national level. Because of Covid, we haven't actually been able to visit the school yet - her audition was done over zoom! So we are a little nervous, even though it seems like a perfect fit for her. Everyone we have had dealings with has been genuinely lovely, very warm and welcoming. All we want for her is to find something of a balance between her music, MT and regular education and their views on this seem to be so completely aligned with ours I could cry with relief! But it still feels really odd to be contemplating sending her to pretty much live in a place we've never been in person...

For info - there is a virtual open day tomorrow 😊

Thanks @folkmamma - that's useful to know.

Folkmama, What’s MT? And how is your daughter getting on there now? I’m considering it for DS for next year, as a specialist musician.

Any opinions on what WCS would be like as a non music specialist? My children are fairly musical but they’re young and I have no idea how big a focus music will be for them by secondary school. Would they be side lined and risk being out off if they were keen but not particularly talented singers/instrumentalists?

issuu.com/wells-cathedral-school/docs/sport.
dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/wells-cathedral-school-wells/.
Important to remember that WCS is not just a music school! Large numbers of 'non-musical' pupils having a terrific education.

mobile.twitter.com/sportatwells?lang=en
Sport is fantastic at WCS.

Name change! DD is sooooo happy at
Wells, absolutely the best decision! MT =
Musical Theatre. Definitely a very rounded school, DD has a wide group of friends that are a mix of musicians and non-musicians, boarders and day boarders. The kids are genuinely encouraged to follow their passions whatever they may be. Absolutely not 'just' a music school. But as a specialist musician it ticks all the boxes for DD whilst offering a really well rounded academic education and friends with wide ranging interests which suits her very well.

Last time I posted we were considering the school. My eldest DC did start there in September and I can honestly say that I have been delighted with it. I have found the staff to be wonderful and my child has made lots of friends is literally thriving.
Whilst they are a specialist music school, this is probably the large minority of children and the rest have a wide range of other interests/specialisms. They have now introduced general music scholarships as well as specialist ones as they obviously recognise that many children will enjoy music whilst not necessarily wish to specialise in it. The only thing I would add is that the music lessons are disproportionately expensive at £57 per hour, however, they are top class teachers so I try to keep that in mind. There is also an extensive range of ensembles, workshops and performance opportunities, not just for specialists.
Whilst I think most children there do play a musical instrument, there are many other opportunities for children with other interests including sport, drama, art and CCF so I'm sure any child would feel at home whatever they are in to.
I am also finding their handling of the covid situation and currently lockdown provision to be very good.
Feel free to PM me if you like.