Westminster Abbey Choir School
London · SW1P 3NY
Westminster Abbey Choir School is a highly selective all-boys prep school of just 29 pupils, uniquely structured around membership in the world-renowned Westminster Abbey Choir. Boys aged 8–13 receive an integrated academic and musical education while fulfilling their duties as working choristers in one of England's most significant liturgical institutions. The school combines traditional boarding ethos with exceptional musical training, drawing boys from across the UK and internationally.
- →Access to world-class choral training within the context of Westminster Abbey's liturgical and ceremonial role
- →Highly individualised education in a tiny, intimate setting with unparalleled musical opportunities
- →Integration of academic rigour with daily professional musical practice in a historic institution
Who thrives here
Boys with genuine musical talent (particularly treble voices), self-discipline, and resilience; families who value both academic grounding and elite musical development, and who understand that choristership is a professional commitment, not merely an extracurricular activity.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Dean's Yard
London
SW1P 3NY
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Dan Lyddiat
Composer and organist
Frequently asked questions
How do you get into Westminster Abbey Choir School?
Westminster Abbey Choir School admits pupils at 8+, 11+, 13+. Entry is assessed by Assessment Day, Interview. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
Is Westminster Abbey Choir School a boarding school?
Westminster Abbey Choir School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Westminster Abbey Choir School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Westminster Abbey Choir School “Excellent” (2023).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Unrivalled access to professional choral training and international performance opportunities
✓Exceptional pastoral care and mentorship in a tiny, tight-knit community
✓Strong academic foundation alongside musical excellence; boys are not treated as musicians first
✓Character-building benefits of boarding, discipline, and early responsibility
Common concerns
!Significant boarding demands and early mornings create fatigue and can be emotionally taxing for young choristers
!Limited diversity of curricular or co-curricular offer; the school's entire identity is built around the choir
!Voices break unpredictably, meaning choir membership is time-limited and can create identity issues upon voice change
!Very small pupil body limits social range and friendship diversity