Westminster Abbey Choir School
London, Westminster, Greater London · SW1P 3NY
There is nowhere else quite like Westminster Abbey Choir School. As the only school in the country devoted entirely to educating the choristers of a major abbey, it takes a tiny cohort of around 29 boys aged 8 to 13 and gives them an education built around the daily life of Westminster Abbey. Founded in 1560 and Anglican in character, this is a small boarding community where music and worship sit at the heart of school life. The Independent Schools Inspectorate judged it excellent in its most recent inspection, with personal development also rated excellent and all compliance standards met.
29
Pupils
excellent
ISI
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Boys
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 8-13
- Pupils
- 29
- Location
- London, Westminster, Greater London
- Website
- https://www.westminster-abbey.org/
- Telephone
- 020 7654 4918
Headteacher
Head Dr Emma Margrett
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Teaching & academics
With an intimate roll of fewer than 30 pupils, teaching here is necessarily personal and closely tailored to each boy. The ISI's excellent rating speaks to the quality of education delivered alongside the demanding musical schedule. Around a fifth of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting a school accustomed to meeting a range of individual needs within its small classes.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 20.69%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Beyond the classroom
Music is not an extra here but the organising principle of the school, with boys singing as choristers of Westminster Abbey as part of daily life. Music scholarships are offered, reflecting the central role of choral excellence.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1560
- Religious character
- Anglican
- Boarding
- Yes
Money matters
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £11,710
- Bursaries up to
- 100% of fees
Available up to 100 per cent
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 7 February 2023
The last word
A singular choice for a musically gifted boy, where boarding fees of up to £11,710 are softened by bursaries reaching 100 per cent for those who qualify.
The Passmate verdict
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Westminster Abbey Choir School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Westminster Abbey Choir School located?
Westminster Abbey Choir School is located at Dean’s Yard, London, SW1P 3NY.
What type of school is Westminster Abbey Choir School?
Westminster Abbey Choir School is an independent (fee-paying) school in Greater London.
How many pupils attend Westminster Abbey Choir School?
Westminster Abbey Choir School has approximately 29 pupils on roll.
What is Westminster Abbey Choir School's inspection rating?
Westminster Abbey Choir School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 7 February 2023.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.