Gloucester Cathedral Choristers attend the King’s School with a School Fees bursary of 75%.
Chorister Scholarship
This highly prestigious award is divided between Gloucester Cathedral (40%) and The King’s School (35%) from the time the Chorister joins the Choir. On leaving the choir the award will continue at 75% for one term and then reduces to an ex-chorister award of 60% (35% from The King’s School and 25% from Gloucester Cathedral). As part of their award, ex-Choristers are encouraged to take a full part in school music and to join the Cathedral Youth Choir.
Who may apply?
Boys between the age of 6 and 9 may apply to undertake a Voice Trial. Voice Trials are held annually but prospective candidates may ask to be heard at any time of the year when special arrangements are made between The King’s School, the Cathedral Director of Music and the parents.
All potential Choristers are required to spend a ‘Taster Day’ at The King’s School to ensure that they can access the curriculum. The Headteacher of the candidate’s present school is asked for a report on academic and social abilities and progress.
The Voice Trial is conducted by the Cathedral Director of Music. No special coaching or voice training is required or expected of those who attend a Voice Trial. The Cathedral Director of Music looks for boys who have an interest and ability in singing and a confident approach to challenges. A prospective Chorister is asked to bring along one song that he enjoys singing; this can be a hymn, a carol or even a nursery rhyme. Tests will also include those designed to measure the quality of the voice, the accuracy of the ear, the ability to pitch a note and the candidate’s sense of rhythm. Reading aloud is also part of the test as a Chorister has to be able to read old and contemporary English with reasonable confidence.
How to apply
Registration and application forms may be obtained from the Registrar, The King’s School, Gloucester. There is no registration fee for application as a Chorister. The Headmaster and the Cathedral Director of Music are pleased to see prospective candidates and their parents by appointment.