Industry News
Plan to link private choir schools to state schools
Posted on 25th March 2008
Many choir schools, which have traditionally provided a world-class musical education in return for high fees and dedication to both singing and learning, are now considering opening their doors to all.
According to the Times, "plans are afoot" to link dozens of choir schools to nearby state schools and turn some into state academies, which would be free of charge and open to anyone.
Currently, many prestigious choir schools charge fees of up to £20,000 a year and require students to pass an entrance exam before they can be admitted.
They tend to offer high educational standards and get good results out of their pupils, which may be why Tony and Cherie Blair are reportedly thinking of placing their youngest son Leo at the choir boarding school at Westminster Cathedral.
The Times reports that financial pressures on the schools and a serious shortage of trebles - because young boy's voices are breaking earlier - are the motivating factors behind the move.
Hugh Monro, the headmaster at Bristol Cathedral school, which is set to be the first to make the change this September when it will scrap its £9,000 fees, told the newspaper he has already received significantly more applications than usual for chorister places.
This latest development comes as the government tries to encourage more private schools to link-up with state academies. 