Westminster Cathedral Choir School
School summary
At the heart of this small Catholic boys' school is a living musical tradition: choristers here sing at Westminster Cathedral, and music shapes the rhythm of school life. With around 269 pupils aged 4 to 13 and a pupil-to-teacher ratio of about 18, it offers a focused environment in central London, with boarding available alongside day places. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school 'excellent', a judgement echoed in its assessment of pupils' personal development, and compliance standards were met. It is a distinctive choice for a musically gifted boy and a family drawn to a Roman Catholic ethos.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 14 June 2023
Teaching & academics
The ISI's 'excellent' rating reflects strong all-round standards within an intimate setting. A pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly 18 supports close attention, while a SEN support figure of around 4 per cent suggests a cohort with relatively modest additional needs. Entry at 11+ is available for families seeking a place beyond the early years.
Headmaster · Mr Neil McLaughlan
Beyond the classroom
Music is the school's defining strength, with daily singing at the Cathedral giving choristers a level of performance experience few schools can match. Music scholarships recognise and reward this talent, and choristers may receive bursary top-ups to help with fees.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- RC
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 4.29%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Mobile phone policy
No phones or electronic devices, including Apple and smart watches, allowed. Boys in years 7 and 8 who travel to school by themselves may have a phone but it must be dropped at the gate in the morning and collected at the end of the day.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £26,640 - £30,330
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £12,840
Choristers can receive bursary top-ups
Schools nearby
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Sussex House School
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King's InterHigh Online School
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DLD College London
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The Royal Ballet School
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Wetherby Senior School
London, Greater London
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A rare specialist setting where a chorister's voice and a Catholic faith life sit at the centre of everything. Best suited to musically committed boys and families who value that focus.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Westminster Cathedral Choir School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.