Founded in 1918, the Choir Schools' Association (CSA) promotes the education and welfare of choristers and supports the schools that educate them. It represents approximately 44 schools attached to cathedrals, churches, and college chapels across the UK, most of which are independent. The association functions as a support network for members, sharing best practices in choral education and pastoral care. Additionally, the CSA operates as a charity, administering bursaries (such as the Chorister Fund) to ensure financial barriers do not prevent talented children from accessing choristerships.
CSA Member Schools (10)
City of London School is an independent day school for boys aged 10 to 18, located on a riverside site in the City of London. Tracing its origins to a 1442 bequest from John Carpenter, the school was formally established by an Act of Parliament in 1834. The current purpose-built campus, opened in 1986, is situated beneath St Paul’s Cathedral and features a sports centre, swimming pool, and professional theatre. The school emphasises academic breadth and social diversity, maintaining close historical ties with the City of London Corporation.
Junior King’s School is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 13, situated on the Milner Court estate in Sturry, Kent. Set within 80 acres along the River Stour, the campus features a 16th-century manor house and a historic tithe barn. The school serves as the junior department of The King’s School, Canterbury, offering a curriculum that balances academic study with music, sport, and performing arts. Facilities include a dedicated music school, a sports hall, and a heated outdoor swimming pool.
King’s School Rochester is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18. Founded in 604 AD, it is the world’s second oldest school and is situated within the historic Cathedral precinct, overlooking the River Medway. The school maintains a close relationship with Rochester Cathedral, which serves as its chapel. Housed in buildings ranging from the 16th-century Satis House to modern facilities, it emphasises well-rounded development through academic rigour and a diverse co-curricular programme, including a notable rowing tradition and an established choral heritage.
Royal Grammar School Guildford is a historic independent day school for boys aged 3 to 18, situated in the heart of Guildford, Surrey. Founded in 1509 and granted a royal charter in 1552, the school is centred around its landmark Tudor building, which houses a rare sixteenth-century chained library. The ethos emphasises academic boldness and scholarship, supported by extensive modern facilities and over 70 extracurricular clubs. While the main campus is located on the High Street, the school also utilises its 20-acre Bradstone Brook site for competitive rugby and cricket.
St Edmund's School Canterbury is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18. Set within 62 acres on St Thomas' Hill, the school overlooks the historic city and its cathedral. Founded in 1749, it occupies a Grade II listed main building designed by Philip Charles Hardwick. The school is notably the place of education for the Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral. Its ethos emphasises individuality and creativity, supported by facilities including a dedicated performing arts centre, music school, and a 25-metre heated outdoor swimming pool.
St Paul's Cathedral School is a co-educational preparatory school for pupils aged 4 to 13, situated in the heart of the City of London. Tracing its origins back to 1123, the school was founded to educate cathedral choristers and maintains this link today, providing boarding for the choristers of St Paul’s Cathedral. The school offers a broad curriculum within a Christian ethos, frequently utilising the cathedral for assemblies. Housed in 1960s purpose-built facilities, the school provides a holistic education with an exceptional focus on music alongside strong academic and pastoral foundations.
The King's School Canterbury is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18, situated within the Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral. Founded in 597 AD, it is widely considered the oldest school in the world. The school occupies a UNESCO World Heritage site, incorporating historic medieval buildings alongside modern facilities such as the Malthouse Theatre and the Birley Centre for music. Its ethos focuses on holistic development, offering a traditional academic curriculum complemented by extensive programmes in sport and the arts, all set within a unique scholarly environment.
The Prebendal School is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 13, situated in the heart of Chichester, West Sussex. Recognised as the oldest school in Sussex, its history dates back to the 11th century as a song school for Chichester Cathedral, with which it maintains a close official link today. The school is housed in a collection of historic buildings, including a 13th-century school house. It provides a broad education with a strong musical tradition, serving as the choir school for the cathedral’s choristers.
Westminster Abbey Choir School, situated in Dean's Yard in central London, is a small boarding preparatory school for boys aged 8 to 13. Founded around 1560, it is the only school in the United Kingdom to educate choristers exclusively. Housed in a purpose-built 1915 structure, the school provides a specialised academic curriculum alongside elite musical training. Pupils sing for daily services and significant national events, including royal weddings and coronations. With around 30 pupils, the school maintains a close-knit community focused on choral excellence and preparation for the Common Entrance examinations at 13+.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School is an academically selective, Roman Catholic preparatory school for boys aged four to 13, situated in central London. Founded in 1901 by Cardinal Herbert Vaughan, the school is dedicated to training the choristers of Westminster Cathedral, who reside as boarders from Year 4. The school offers a broad 'liberal arts' education alongside a strong tradition in music and competitive sport. As one of only two Catholic cathedral schools in the United Kingdom, it maintains a unique focus on liturgical music and academic excellence within a faith-centred environment.