Become a Chorister

“It instilled a lot of discipline in me. My five years at St Paul’s played a huge part in the person and the cricketer I have become. My dad reckons my time there is the only reason I have got so far in cricket. He reckons it hardened me up, and made me prepared to put in the necessary effort required to reach the top.” Alastair Cook, England Cricketer

Choristerships in Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum are open to both day pupils and boarders. Each chorister receives a scholarship of 20% of the day fees at Dean Close Preparatory School, which may be topped up by a bursary either from Dean Close School or from external trusts. Many of our choristers go on to hold scholarships at Dean Close School, and recent alumni have won scholarships to sing in the choirs of major Oxford and Cambridge foundations or have gone on to study singing or other instruments at music college.

The experience of a choristership teaches significant life-enhancing skills. Choristers are highly organised team players who are well motivated and develop resilience and commitment in everything that they do.

The Director the Choir, Mr Simon Bell, is always pleased to hear from prospective chorister parents. Please contact him by email sabell@deanclose.org.uk or by telephoning the Admissions department at Dean Close Preparatory School (01242 258001). Voice trials for potential choristers take place every year, following the “Be a Chorister for a Day” event in the Michaelmas Term. However, we are happy to meet and hear potential choristers at any stage of the year.