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 since September they and the boys have sung equal numbers of services each week. The girls are currently aged 9 to 16, but the starting and leaving ages are gradually being lowered. From September 2024 girls from Year 4 upwards will be able to become choristers, finishing at the end of Year 8, and the change will be complete from September 2025, when girls from Year 3 upwards will be part of the choir.

Ely's girl choristers are all educated at King's Ely. 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. Choristers leaving the choir are automatically awarded a further fee reduction for the remainder of their time at King's Ely.

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