Boy Choristers

Singing at Ely Cathedral is an experience which sets boys up for life. Between the ages of 7 and 13, our boy choristers receive an unrivalled musical education, performing daily as professionals in the Cathedral as well as in venues all over the world. The boys toured last year to Germany and are getting ready for a trip to Norway in July 2026. 

They learn skills of self-discipline and confidence, and gain an appreciation of hard work and high standards which lasts a lifetime: choristers go on to successful careers in all fields and develop a passion for music. It's a big commitment for them and their families, but they make life-long friendships and have a lot of fun.
 

All of our choristers attend King's Ely. Boys can join the choir from age 7 in Year 3, following a lighter timetable, before moving to the full schedule during Year 4. The choristership award is at least £8,787 per year, equivalent to a reduction of 40% of the day fee. All choristers also receive singing and theory lessons free of charge.

Most boy choristers attend King's Ely as day pupils, but full and flexi-boarding options are also available. Boys who stay at the school after the end of Year 8 automatically qualify for a further fee award as long as they continue to contribute significantly to its musical life. This award is 33% of the day fee in Years 9-11, and 25% of the day fee in Years 12-13.

We strive to ensure that no boy is prevented from taking up a choristership solely for financial reasons. We aim to offer extra assistance, on a means-tested basis, to families for whom school fees are an obstacle to choristership.

Contact Us

Would you like to find out more about what boy choristerships involve, the audition process and whether it's right for your son? Edmund Aldhouse, the Cathedral's Director of Music, will be glad to talk to you informally and guide you through the process. You can telephone him on 01353 660336 or email: e.aldhouse@elycathedral.org

You can also find out more about life at King's Ely, including boarding, fees, and even organising a taster day. The Admissions Department are always happy to help, and you can contact them on 01353 660707 or email: admissions@kingsely.org | www.kingsely.org