Choristers FAQs

How do I know if my son is the right standard for King's Choir?

It is important to know that we are not looking for a trained singer: becoming a chorister at King's involves its own training! If you know that your son is interested in becoming a chorister, and you feel that this might be a lifestyle that you could commit to and support as a family, the first step is to email Katie Randle at choristers@kings.cam.ac.uk.

At what age should my son apply to King’s?

Most boys will be between the ages of six and nine at the time of their audition, ideally in Year 2 or 3. Sometimes we'll also look for boys in Year 4, depending on space.

How should I start the process?

To start with, we would love to hear from you if you are considering a choristership at King's for your son, or even if you just have some questions: contact Katie Randle at choristers@kings.cam.ac.uk

What happens at the audition?

At the moment, our auditions will be a bit different from usual, so that we can make sure everything is safe. For up-to-date details, it's best to get in touch with Katie Randle at choristers@kings.cam.ac.uk, who can give you more information about what will be involved in an audition.

When are the auditions?

We usually hold two auditions a year. Please see our Auditions page for the date of the next auditions.

We are always happy to talk and meet informally at any time in the year with you if you are considering your son becoming a chorister at King's, and in fact would suggest that this is the best place to start!

What sort of music should my child prepare?

A simple song, even a hymn, will be suitable just something that your son enjoys singing. It may be sacred or secular. We ask that you bring two copies of the music so that he can be accompanied on the piano.

What are you looking for in a chorister?

An enthusiasm for music and, in particular, singing! Your son will start off as a Probationer for two years, during which time he will learn many of the skills he will need to become a fully-fledged Chorister. Some of the most important aspects we look for in addition to enthusiasm are reasonable concentration, and supportive family.

Life as a Chorister

What does the training entail?

Before becoming a King's chorister, your son will usually undergo a two year probationary period. Most boys start as a probationer in Year 4, when they are given training to enable them to start performing with the Choir at some point in Year 5. If the probationary period is successful, your son will become a full Chorister at a special ceremony, usually in Year 6. At this point he will receive his top hat – a proud moment for both you and your son!

When will his choristership end?

At the end of Year 8, when he is thirteen; this coincides with him leaving King's College School and moving to secondary school. If his voice changes before the end of Year 8, he may have to stop singing with the Choir. In this eventuality he will continue to be supported within the school, although he will probably choose to board weekly rather than stay at school at weekends.

How does the work of a Chorister fit in with the usual school day?

All King's choristers follow a normal school programme alongside the other students at King's College School. Instrumental and Chorister practices take place around normal school lessons, and choral services in King's Chapel are at the end of the day, after school.

Can you explain how the financial arrangements for being a Chorister work?

While King's College School is a fee-paying school, all choristers have a reduction of at least two-thirds of fees: see the fees on the King's College School website. Further financial support may be available to those who need it: please contact the School to find out more about financial support. All Choir activities, including international tours, are fully funded by King's, with the exception of pocket-money.

What happens about concerts and touring?

In addition to regular services at King's College Chapel during the three 8-week University terms, the Choir usually performs in a number of concerts every year. These take place nationally and internationally and present an exciting opportunity for your son to travel around the world, learning about and experiencing different countries and cultures. While the Choir isn't currently traveling, touring and concerts will continue to form a key part of its activities when it is safe to do so.

How often do the Choristers perform?

The Choristers have choir practice at School on every weekday and Saturday afternoon, with the exception of Monday. They perform in Chapel as part of the Choir each day during the 8-week University terms except for Mondays and Wednesdays. This takes the form of regular evening choral services that take place in the Chapel.

The choristers also take part in a number of concerts, recordings and other events during the year, including at Easter and Christmas. For more information about the choristers' schedule, please contact Katie Randle.

Boarding at the School

When will my son start boarding?

From Year 6, all Choristers are required to board in termtime at King's College School due to their choir commitments. In Year 4, the boys board weekly, going home at the end of the school day on Friday, and coming back to School on Sunday evening so that they are ready for the next morning. In Year 5 your son will begin to board during some weekends, and in Years 6–8, he will board most weekends. All boys have the option of going home on a Friday evening and coming back to school on Saturday for lunch before their Saturday afternoon rehearsal.

Who will be looking after my son in the Boarding House?

he Boarding House at King's College School is run by the Housemaster and Head of Boarding, Mr Ed Sykes. Ed took over the House in September 2019, although previously worked at King's from 2013-17, when he was a Classics Teacher and Head of Year. Ed also lived and worked in the Boarding House for four years, firstly as a Resident House Tutor and later as Deputy Housemaster. Ed one of the people responsible for the Choristers pastorally and academically, and runs a house in which they feel safe, supported and happy.

Ed is supported by the Senior Matron, Ms Karen Williams, and a team of House Tutors and gap students, some of whom are residential.

Are parents welcome in the Boarding House?

There are lots of opportunities for you to see your son, both in the boarding house and in their free time. In addition, all boarders are welcome to go out with parents on a Wednesday afternoon after School and on Friday nights. There are other opportunities for those boarding over the weekend. Additionally, boarders are allowed 'dumb' mobile devices, and they have access to landline phones and computers for video calls.

What is the food like?

King's College School prides itself on the excellence of its food: everything is cooked on the premises, and is supplied by the best local suppliers. The kitchen has been awarded 5 stars for its excellent food hygiene. The children get to know the kitchen staff very well, and evening and weekend meals have a lovely feel to them. We encourage good table manners, and the children take it in turns to take part in duties such as wiping down tables so that they learn that the elves don't do everything for them!

How is homework managed?

Prep (homework) is included as part of the normal evening routine. Prep is always supervised, and all the boarding staff have a good understanding of the academic needs of each child. 

Should a boy wish to do academic work outside the allocated prep time, for example if he is doing academic scholarship exams for his next school, he is able to work in a quiet space and there are always staff on-hand to help.

What activities are there in the evenings?

Once prep is over, there is a full range of activities for the boarders. There is always an outdoor activity, ranging from football, to touch rugby, swimming and dodgeball; for those who would rather be more sedate in the evening, we provide games such as chess, pool, table-football and lego. All activities are supervised by the staff, who often enjoy them as much as the children!

What are the sleeping arrangements in the boarding house?

Boarders sleep in dormitory accommodation, split by gender and usually arranged by year-group. Each boarder has their own personal bed area, including wardrobe space, a bedside cupboard and an under-bed drawer. In addition, they each have a pin board over or near to their bed on which they can attach posters or cards and letters. We try to make the dormitories as comfortable as possible, so that the children feel at home. There are no more than eight beds to a dormitory.

What happens at the weekend?

The weekend schedule is busy, but we make the most of the free time which the boys have – they either go out with parents or friends, or we give the boys free time to relax in house. The Year 8 boys have the privilege of being able to walk into town, something which they very much enjoy. Saturday night is movie night, when we watch age-appropriate films in the common rooms, where popcorn or tuck often await them. Sunday morning sometimes gives the opportunity of a dog walk for early risers.

What are the bed times?

The boarders go up to their dormitories 45 to 30 minutes before bedtime, depending upon whether it is a bath or shower night. They have 15 minutes quiet time, in which we read to the younger children; the older children are encouraged to read their own books, although even our Year 8 boarders enjoy being read to at times! Bedtimes in the winter are:

Years 4 and 5: 8.30 pm

Year 6: 8.45 pm

Year 7: 9.00 pm

Year 8: 9.15 pm

These times are 15 minutes later in the summer months.

What happens at Christmas and Easter?

Once your son completes his training, he is expected to sing at all the Christmas and Easter services. While it might seem hard to be away from home at these family times, in fact the boys have a great deal of fun. When they're not singing, there is a programme of special trips and activities, including going to the pantomime, laser-quest and the cinema; they look forward to these times second only to the tours!

Father Christmas pays a visit to the House on Christmas Eve, but not before a Christmas tea with all the chorister families and an action-packed evening of activities after the traditional service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

There is a rumour that a pillow fight takes place early on Christmas Day morning, although the staff know nothing about this! The children go home after the Christmas Day Service in Chapel, which finishes at around midday.

Easter is similar, although this time the Easter Bunny comes to visit the House in an Easter Egg Hunt, following another family lunch. We are always mindful of the family significance of these days, and try to be as inclusive as possible, but we ask you to respect the fact that these are also times when the boys' professionalism is called upon more than ever.

Where can I find the latest inspection reports?

Inspection reports, as well as School policies, and a full list of governors, can be found on the School website - see the link below.

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The Choristers are all educated at King’s College School, a leading co-educational prep school with 400 boys and girls aged 4–13.
Performing at the Royal Albert Hall
Outside of school hours the Choristers rehearse and perform with the internationally renowned Choir of King’s College Cambridge.
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We are always pleased to hear from parents who would like to know more about choristerships and welcome you to get in contact.
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From the Director of Music to the vocal coaches, there is ample support available to help our Choirs improve their craft.

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