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. 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 girl choristers play in integral role in the cathedral's scheme of worship, and from September 2022 they and the boys have sung equal numbers of services each week. The girls are currently aged 11 to 16, but the age range is gradually being lowered. From September 2023 girls from Year 5 upwards will be eligible to join. From September 2024 girls from Year 4 upwards will be able to become choristers, and from September 2025 girls from Year 3 upwards will be part of the choir.

Ely's girl choristers are all educated at King's Ely, joining in year 7 and staying through to year 11, with a reduced schedule in their final year to reflect public examinations. They can attend King's Ely as day pupils, flexi-boarders or full boarders. The choristership award is equivalent to 40% of the day fee.

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. Former girl choristers are automatically awarded a further fee reduction of 25% in Years 12-13 if they stay at King's Ely for Sixth Form, as long as they continue to contribute to school life.

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