Ages 
‘That’s a pretty classroom,’ we commented as we peered into an English lesson. ‘Oh, that’s Cardinal Wolsey’s old study,’ our guide told us, cool as anything. These boys know how lucky they are whilst being totally unpompous about it, and as a result there’s a rather magical feel to this quirky little school, ‘something undefinable’, parents say. ‘They’ll be larking about,’ a mum tells us, ‘but as soon as they put their cloaks and hats on they turn into choristers, incredibly focused.’ Bright, curious boys with a musical inclination will thrive at this delightfully warm and eccentric place, rich in both history and charm.
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Overview & data
- Notes
- Boys aged from 7 - 13. Co-ed aged 3-7
- Pupil numbers
- 150 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- C of E
- Fees
- Day £17,730 - £27,018; Boarding choristers £16,980 - £18,744 pa
- Local authority
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mr Richard Murray
Since 2014, Richard Murray BA MA PGCE. Bradfield College, then Durham to read English, history and philosophy; stayed for an MA. PGCE at Cambridge. Taught English at King’s School, Gloucester, Rendcomb College and then St Edward’s, Oxford, where he
Entrance
Main entry points are nursery, reception and year 3. From year 5, cathedral choristers join as full boarders. Always worth enquiring about entrance at other points, though. Taster days for all; assessments slightly more formal from year 3. First
- Open days
- See website for details
Exit
Diverse destinations at 13+, reflecting range of backgrounds and aspirations. Most to d’Overbroeck’s School and St Edward’s School. Others to Abingdon, Rugby, Marlborough College and Dean Close. State secondaries draw a few each year, eg the Swan
Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
All cathedral choristers are full boarders, though probationers do not board at weekends in year 4. A growing handful of day boys take up flexi offering. One boarding house (integrated within the school); dorms organised by year group. Very jolly,
Pupils
Money matters
Cathedral choristers receive two-thirds fee remission by default, though this can be means-tested up to 100 per cent. Those joining year 3 can apply for a Cardinal Scholarship, worth 15 per cent. Those singing at Worcester or Pembroke can apply for
- Fee information
- Day £17,730 - £27,018; Boarding choristers £16,980 - £18,744 pa
Our view
Nurturing, loving, slightly idiosyncratic, a school where boys can be themselves. Classes are small – the biggest year group when we visited had 20 boys in it, divided into two teaching groups – enabling familiarity and pastoral support. The
The last word
‘That’s a pretty classroom,’ we commented as we peered into an English lesson. ‘Oh, that’s Cardinal Wolsey’s old study,’ our guide told us, cool as anything. These boys know how lucky they are whilst being totally unpompous about it, and as a result
