Girl Choristers

Singing at Ely Cathedral is an experience which sets girls up for life. Our choristers receive an unrivalled musical education, performing daily as professionals in the Cathedral as well as in venues all over the world. The girls toured to France in 2024 and are getting ready for a trip to the Netherlands in 2027. 

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.

The girls are currently aged 7 to 16, but the starting and leaving ages are gradually being lowered. From September 2025 girls from Year 3 upwards have been able to become choristers, and all new entrants will now finish at the end of Year 8.

Ely's girl choristers are all educated at King's Ely. Most are day pupils, but full and flexi-boarding options are available. The choristership award is at least £8,787 per year, equivalent to a 40% reduction of the day fee. Choristers leaving the choir at the end of Year 8 and remaining at King's are automatically awarded a further fee reduction of 33% in Year 9-11 and 25% in Year 12 and 13. All choristers also receive singing and theory lessons free of charge. 

We strive to ensure that no girl 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. 

Would you like to find out more about what girl choristerships involve, the audition process and whether it's right for your daughter? Sarah MacDonald, the Director of the Girl Choristers, will be glad to talk to you informally and guide you through the process. You can telephone her on 01353 660586 or email: sarah.macdonald@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