St Olaves grammar school or Westminster Cathedral choir school

[JamesHarrow]

Hi! I need a bit of inspiration and motivation from current parents who had similar choices. My son has to choose between St Olaves grammar school and Westminster Cathedral choir school . What the advice and things to consider would be?

How are those your choices? One is a prep school finishing at 13, Catholic and centred around singing at multiple services; and one is a state secondary grammar in a different part of London. Chalk and cheese! How old is your son and where has he been until now? Does he 100% love singing? Are you as a family ready for the responsibilities of his schedule? And what do you see happening at 13 - a place at St Olaves won’t be there so can you afford a private school?

I seem to remember there are some chorister places at St Olaves? The question remains around 11 vs 13 though.

https://stolaves.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/key_information/Admissions-Policy-2025-26.pdf?t=1701362765

It looks like the chorisyerships are for year 7 entry, although the process starts earlier in year 5?

Is your DS RC, C of E or of another or of no faith?