Choral scholarships

I am delighted with the progress of our partnership with St Nicholas Cathedral that makes us the only school in Newcastle offering Choral Scholarships for talented young singers.

We already provide an excellent academic and all-round education.  This can now be combined with one of the best and complete musical educations available.

Our first three Choral Scholars have taken up their Junior School places this September and there are more places available again next year.

We are looking for boys aged between 7 and 13 with unbroken voices and a natural aptitude and passion for singing.  In return, our successful scholars can receive a significant discount of fees to give access to the education and experience to families who might not otherwise afford it.  At age 11 or 13, Choristers can apply for one of our Senior School music scholarships.

Successful Choral Scholars take a full part in the life of the School including, of course, its choirs.  They also attend the Cathedral three or four times a week for rehearsals and services.

The advanced musical education, including the individual singing lessons which the choristers receive, is entirely free and worth over £1,000 a year.  Choristers even receive pocket money which increases with experience and expertise.  And it’s not all singing.  Choristers enjoy a full social programme at the Cathedral and the opportunity to join overseas choir tours.

Applicants are assessed to ensure that they meet our academic standards and undertake an audition at the Cathedral overseen by its Director of Music, Michael Stoddart.  Both the School’s entrance exam and the Cathedral audition will take place in January prior to a September entry or award.

Choristers develop not only musically, but in self-discipline and leadership, maturity and social skills.  They learn how to manage their time effectively and acquire a sense of achievement experienced by few others at such a young age.

These experiences and skills stay with Choristers and can give them a huge advantage over their contemporaries at school, university and in later life.  A number of famous people including England cricket captain – Alastair Cook; newsreader – Jon Snow; pop star – Gareth Gates and MP – David Lammy, enjoyed being choristers.

Cathedral choristers continue a tradition going back hundreds of years.  The music is wide-ranging with the repertoire encompassing some of the greatest music from the 14th century to the present day. There is no requirement for Choral Scholars to have experience of Anglican worship or traditions, but they need to be comfortable with the ethos of the Cathedral.

For more information about this excellent opportunity, please contact:

Newcastle School for Boys junioroffice@newcastleschool.co.uk 0191 255 9300

St Nicholas Cathedral music@stnicholascathedral.co.uk 0191 232 1939.