Founded in 1918, the Choir Schools' Association (CSA) promotes the education and welfare of choristers and supports the schools that educate them. It represents approximately 44 schools attached to cathedrals, churches, and college chapels across the UK, most of which are independent. The association functions as a support network for members, sharing best practices in choral education and pastoral care. Additionally, the CSA operates as a charity, administering bursaries (such as the Chorister Fund) to ensure financial barriers do not prevent talented children from accessing choristerships.
CSA Member Schools (14)
St George's School, Windsor Castle is an independent co-educational preparatory day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 13. Located within the historic grounds at the foot of the North Wall of Windsor Castle in Berkshire, the school retains a long-standing association with the College of St George, having originally been established to educate the choristers of St George's Chapel. The school occupies the historic Travers Building and provides an education for both choristers and non-choristers within a setting noted for its heritage and proximity to the royal residence.
St Edmund's School Canterbury is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18. Set within 62 acres on St Thomas' Hill, the school overlooks the historic city and its cathedral. Founded in 1749, it occupies a Grade II listed main building designed by Philip Charles Hardwick. The school is notably the place of education for the Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral. Its ethos emphasises individuality and creativity, supported by facilities including a dedicated performing arts centre, music school, and a 25-metre heated outdoor swimming pool.
The Prebendal School is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 13, situated in the heart of Chichester, West Sussex. Recognised as the oldest school in Sussex, its history dates back to the 11th century as a song school for Chichester Cathedral, with which it maintains a close official link today. The school is housed in a collection of historic buildings, including a 13th-century school house. It provides a broad education with a strong musical tradition, serving as the choir school for the cathedral’s choristers.
St Cedd's School is an independent, co-educational day preparatory school and pre-school located in Chelmsford, Essex, catering for pupils aged 3 to 11. The school provides a nurturing environment that balances academic rigour with a broad curriculum. Specialist teaching begins in the pre-school stage across subjects such as science, music, French, and physical education. A member of the Choir Schools' Association, the school offers strong musical opportunities, including regular performances by its junior and senior chamber choirs at Chelmsford Cathedral. Additionally, an extensive co-curricular programme features over 80 clubs and activities.
St Paul's Cathedral School is a co-educational preparatory school for pupils aged 4 to 13, situated in the heart of the City of London. Tracing its origins back to 1123, the school was founded to educate cathedral choristers and maintains this link today, providing boarding for the choristers of St Paul’s Cathedral. The school offers a broad curriculum within a Christian ethos, frequently utilising the cathedral for assemblies. Housed in 1960s purpose-built facilities, the school provides a holistic education with an exceptional focus on music alongside strong academic and pastoral foundations.
Westminster Abbey Choir School, situated in Dean's Yard in central London, is a small boarding preparatory school for boys aged 8 to 13. Founded around 1560, it is the only school in the United Kingdom to educate choristers exclusively. Housed in a purpose-built 1915 structure, the school provides a specialised academic curriculum alongside elite musical training. Pupils sing for daily services and significant national events, including royal weddings and coronations. With around 30 pupils, the school maintains a close-knit community focused on choral excellence and preparation for the Common Entrance examinations at 13+.
Westminster Cathedral Choir School is an academically selective, Roman Catholic preparatory school for boys aged four to 13, situated in central London. Founded in 1901 by Cardinal Herbert Vaughan, the school is dedicated to training the choristers of Westminster Cathedral, who reside as boarders from Year 4. The school offers a broad 'liberal arts' education alongside a strong tradition in music and competitive sport. As one of only two Catholic cathedral schools in the United Kingdom, it maintains a unique focus on liturgical music and academic excellence within a faith-centred environment.
Christ Church Cathedral School is an independent day and boarding preparatory school in the centre of Oxford. The school offers a co-educational start in its nursery and pre-prep departments before transitioning to a boys-only education through to age 13. Originally housed within the college itself, the school now occupies historic premises on Brewer Street, including a 15th-century building once used by Cardinal Wolsey. Famously focused on its rich choral tradition, it continues to educate choristers for the internationally renowned Christ Church Cathedral Choir, alongside the chapels of Worcester and Pembroke colleges.
Situated in the heart of Oxford, Magdalen College School is a selective independent day school for boys aged 7 to 18 and girls in the sixth form. Founded by William Waynflete as a department of Magdalen College, the institution maintains strong links with the university city. The school’s Christian collegiate foundation shapes an ethos aimed at inspiring pupils to learn, flourish, and serve. Beyond its rigorous academic curriculum, the school offers an extensive range of extra-curricular pursuits, with noted strengths in sport, music, art, and drama.
City of London School is an independent day school for boys aged 10 to 18, located on a riverside site in the City of London. Tracing its origins to a 1442 bequest from John Carpenter, the school was formally established by an Act of Parliament in 1834. The current purpose-built campus, opened in 1986, is situated beneath St Paul’s Cathedral and features a sports centre, swimming pool, and professional theatre. The school emphasises academic breadth and social diversity, maintaining close historical ties with the City of London Corporation.
Junior King’s School is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 13, situated on the Milner Court estate in Sturry, Kent. Set within 80 acres along the River Stour, the campus features a 16th-century manor house and a historic tithe barn. The school serves as the junior department of The King’s School, Canterbury, offering a curriculum that balances academic study with music, sport, and performing arts. Facilities include a dedicated music school, a sports hall, and a heated outdoor swimming pool.
King’s School Rochester is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18. Founded in 604 AD, it is the world’s second oldest school and is situated within the historic Cathedral precinct, overlooking the River Medway. The school maintains a close relationship with Rochester Cathedral, which serves as its chapel. Housed in buildings ranging from the 16th-century Satis House to modern facilities, it emphasises well-rounded development through academic rigour and a diverse co-curricular programme, including a notable rowing tradition and an established choral heritage.