Chorister School

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The Chorister School
The Chorister School, Durham - geograph.org.uk - 460375.jpg
Address
The College

Durham
,
County Durham
,
DH1 3EL

England
Coordinates54°46′20″N 1°34′40″W / 54.772096°N 1.577786°W / 54.772096; -1.577786Coordinates: 54°46′20″N 1°34′40″W / 54.772096°N 1.577786°W / 54.772096; -1.577786
Information
TypePreparatory day and Boarding
Choral foundation school
Cathedral school
Religious affiliation(s)Church of England
Established1416; 606 years ago (1416)
Closed28 September 2021
OfstedReports
Chair Of GovernorsAndrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham
HeadmasterIan Wicks
Staff~35
GenderMixed
Age3 to 13
Enrolment~225
Houses  Flambard
  Langley
  Pudsey
  Skirlaw
Colour(s)Purple and Gold    
School fees£13,605 p/a; £23,280 Boarding
Websitehttp://www.thechoristerschool.com

The Chorister School was a co-educational independent school for the 3 to 13 age range. It consisted of a Pre-School (opened in September 2008), a pre-preparatory and preparatory day and boarding school in Durham, England. It was set in an enviable position on a World Heritage Site, in a range of Grade I listed buildings adjacent to Durham Cathedral, surrounded by the woodlands and riverbanks of the River Wear.

The majority of the pupils at the school attended on a 'day' basis, with about 45 boarders of both sexes making up the balance. Pupils did not have to be Cathedral choristers, but those boys and girls who were choristers could be either boarders or day pupils. Pupils were taught in small classes in a collection of historic buildings all of which formed part of the college, or cathedral close.

The Chorister School merged with nearby Durham School, closing 28 September 2021.[1][2]

History[]

Its creation dates back to 1416 as a school for the cathedral's choirboys. Whilst historically the school had fewer pupils, from 5 to 24, ages 8 to 20, expansion began in 1948 to reach the numbers of today. This necessitated a number of moves of building in the cathedral area. The school became co-educational in 1994. On 28 September 2021 the school closed as a result of a merger with Durham School.[1]

Choristers[]

All Durham Cathedral choristers attend The Chorister School.

The Durham Cathedral Choir consists of 20 girl choristers and 20 boy choristers who sing separately alongside the 12 adults of the choir. Choristers typically join the choir between the ages of 7 and 9 and remain until the age of 13.

The choristers receive a discounted education as boarding or day pupils. Further means tested financial support can be provided. Choristers are able to participate fully in all of the extra-curricular activities that the school offers, including drama and sport.

Choristers receive a first class musical education and experience performing to the highest of standards in one of Britain's favourite buildings. The majority of the choir's singing takes place during the daily worship of Durham Cathedral. However, the choir also takes part in concerts, recordings, live broadcasts on the radio and tours.

Music[]

Music was a huge part of the school with many school choirs and a variety of ensembles that perform regularly during the year. A wide range of specialist music teachers offered tuition in a range of instruments. Many pupils left the school at the end of Year 8 with music scholarships to their chosen next school.

Academic studies[]

A broad curriculum was offered to the pupils, tailored to the needs of today but with traditional elements, covering all of the national curriculum subjects but also French and Latin, and from Year 7, Critical Thinking and Mandarin. Pupils worked towards reaching Common Entrance level by the end of Year 8. Many pupils left the school at the end of Year 8 with academic scholarships to their chosen next school.

Sport[]

Sports facilities were impressive with a purpose built sports hall and two spacious and picturesque playing fields. The school played a wide range of sports, with pupils from Year 3 upwards competing against both independent and state schools with great success. Many pupils competed both locally and nationally in wide range of sports and activities. The school also had a competing equestrian team and rowing club. Many pupils left the school at Year 8 with sports scholarships to their chosen next school.

Drama[]

Drama at The Chorister School was a key part of the academic and extra-curricular provision. Productions were varied and took place throughout the year for pupils from Pre-School upwards

Head teachers[]

  • Henry Madden: 1876–?
  • F. S. Dennett: 1914–1929[3]
  • Henry Yorke Ganderton: 1929–1957
  • John M. Grove: 1957–1978
  • Raymond G Lawrence: 1978–1994
  • Stephen Drew: 1994–2003
  • Ian Hawksby: 2003–2010
  • Lin Lawrence (interim): 2010
  • Yvette Day: 2011–2017[4]
  • Ian Wicks: 2018—2021

Notable former pupils[]

See also: Category:People educated at the Chorister School, Durham

References[]

  1. ^ a b "The Chorister School - GOV.UK". www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  2. ^ "Building project helps merger of historic Durham schools". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  3. ^ "Of Choristers, ancient and modern: Durham". ofchoristers.net. Archived from the original on 20 July 2011.
  4. ^ "Letter from Governors of King's College School, Cambridge". kings.cam.ac.uk.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "School Alumni Roll Call". thechoristerschool.com. Archived from the original on 24 August 2009.
  6. ^ a b "Obituary of Christopher Hancock". Independent.

External links[]

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