School Life
FAQs
I am very interested in my son joining the school, what should I do?
The best way to start is to telephone the team in the School Office. They will be able to send you further details and arrange a mutually convenient time when you can either come to visit or bring your son for an informal hearing. They will also be able to reserve you privileged seating at a choral service in the Abbey when you and your son can see first-hand what it might be like to sing in the Abbey Choir. You might also be interested in your son attending one of our regular Chorister Experience days. The School Office will be able to give you all the details.
What is an Informal Hearing?
The informal hearing will only last about 10 – 15 minutes. It allows an initial impression to be formed, but more importantly, it means that when boys return for the more formal audition, they will already have seen Mr. Nethsingha and will feel confident with him. The formal audition usually lasts for the whole school day (09:30 to 15:30) as it involves academic work as well as music. We like it to be a relaxed day with plenty of opportunities for breaks and playtime too.
I am very interested in the choir school but I have never intended that my son should board. Is it really worth that sacrifice?
This is one of the most common questions we are asked. There are very few of our existing families who would originally have considered a boarding school for their eight-year-old son, but they see this as an incredible life-changing opportunity and one which, far from being a sacrifice, opens up so many new doors. Boarding is very different from that of a generation or two ago. Why not pay us a visit and come and see for yourself? Alternatively, you might like to talk to one of our current parents.
Who will be looking after my son in the boarding house?
The simple answer is that we all will be. Since all the boys are boarders the Headteacher takes a hands-on approach. She is assisted by two matrons and seven other resident staff all of whom play a vital role in caring for the boys. As a community we have our meals together and there are plenty of people on hand to keep a watchful eye.
Are parents welcome?
Yes, of course. There are lots of opportunities for you to see your son, though it is important to allow him to settle into a school routine as quickly as he can, and sometimes visiting too frequently can be unsettling, both for him and for the other boys. All boys are welcome to go out with parents on Saturday and Sunday afternoons after Evensong and many parents also like to come to weekday Evensong and see their sons briefly afterwards. Some boys like to telephone home regularly and there are landlines freely available for the boys’ use. Another excellent way to keep in touch is via email through the school’s secure platform. Parents are always very welcome to support sports fixtures.
Does it matter what religion we are?
Obviously, it is important that boys are able to take a full part in the Christian services of the Abbey, but we make no stipulation as to a particular denomination, nor are all boys necessarily baptised when they arrive. Equally we welcome boys who are members of other faiths if they feel comfortable to participate in Abbey services and they are in sympathy with the teachings and mission of the Abbey. It is important, too, for parents to feel that they can support their sons in singing services
What is the food like?
We pride ourselves on the food. Our resident chef manager ensures that we all eat well and healthily. The kitchens are managed by Harrison Catering services Ltd, a specialist educational catering company, and everything is cooked on the premises, with fresh ingredients. The boys get to know the kitchen staff very well, and the team are another important figures in looking after the boys. We all sit down to lunch together – boys and staff – and this is an important focus of the day. Breakfast and supper are more informal and a good time to mull over the events of the day.
How is prep (homework) managed?
After supper on three nights a week there is a period of prep with an additional session on a fourth evening for boys as needed. We think it important that boys develop the habit of good private study and although the sessions are deliberately short, they are very carefully supervised by the duty staff. Boys are encouraged to learn to manage their time effectively.
What are the sleeping arrangements in the boarding house?
The dormitories are divided into cubicles accommodating three or four boys. Each boy has his own wardrobe space, a locker and a large drawer for his casual clothes and belongings. The dormitories are arranged by age and we readjust the cubicle allocations every term. Boys are very much encouraged to decorate the space around their beds with posters and photographs and they bring their own duvet covers from home to personalise their space.
What are the bed times?
The boys lead incredibly busy lives and we are very careful to allow sufficient rest and sleep. The youngest boys start their bedtime routine at 7:30 pm and having got ready for bed there is always time for reading and/or listening to a story before lights out. The matrons keep a very close eye on the youngest boys in particular and they are on call throughout the night should anyone need them for any reason. The oldest boys start their routine just before 9:00 pm, and they have their lights out by 9:40 pm.
How do you keep the boys safe?
Looking after other people’s children is always a huge responsibility and it is one we take very seriously indeed. There is 24-hour security in the precincts and, being such an iconic site, the Abbey and the surrounding area is probably one of the most secure areas in London. The school itself is self-contained and boys are only allowed out of the building under staff supervision. Dean’s Yard feels a wonderfully safe place in which to live and work, as indeed it proves to be, but we remain vigilant and safeguarding in the broadest sense is a key part of staff training.
Can boys phone home when they wish?
Boys are able to phone home freely outside of the school day (3:30pm - 7:45 am). If boys need to contact home during the school day, they can speak to the school office who can help. There are two private phone booths available exclusively for the boys so there is no need to have mobile phones, and consequently these are not allowed in school. Another good way of keeping in touch is by email through the school's secure system.
Where can I find the latest inspection reports?
Our latest inspection reports are available to download (PDF, 199KB).
