Key Moments – York Minster Choristers

Cover Story Choristers York Minster

“I love singing every day and especially singing in the Minster. I like spending time with all my chorister friends.” (Bea, J2)

With a shared heritage dating back to 627AD, St Peter’s and York Minster have a long history of collaboration. When York Minster made the difficult decision to close the Minster School in June 2020, we wanted to do everything we could to ensure the continuation of the worldfamous choir and provide the best possible education for the Minster’s 40 girl and boy choristers.

The closure of York Minster during Covid-19 led to a catastrophic loss of visitor income which sadly led to the closure of the Minster School, where the Choristers were educated. To safeguard the Minster’s centuries-old choral tradition, it was essential to secure an alternative education for the choristers. All choristers and their siblings were guaranteed a place at St Peter’s from September 2020, helping to reassure Minster School parents and pupils during a tumultuous time. Choristers now have full access to our active Music School, one of the largest and most diverse music departments in the UK, and enjoy an outstanding education at St Peter’s 8-13, supplemented by our extensive Co-Curricular programme.

The choristers have quickly settled into school life, and their daily routine is carefully scheduled so they can take full advantage of the exciting opportunities offered both at St Peter’s and York Minster. They have enhanced our already excellent music provision, contributing to our thriving Music School by participating in ensembles and inspiring other pupils to pursue their own musical talents.

Lola said: “I really like the school. The Music Department is amazing and having facilities like the science labs is great. The grounds are big and I have lots of friends. I love being a chorister because I love the music and the services, and I feel calm when I sing.”

Chorister fees continue to be subsidised by York Minster, to ensure that all local children have the opportunity to join the choir. Located just five minutes’ walk from York Minster, St Peter’s is ideally situated as the new Choir School. It is now the second oldest choir school in England as well as the fourth oldest school in the world.

Jeremy Walker, Head Master, said: “There is a sense of a homecoming and confirmation of the long, entwined relationship between St Peter’s and the Minster. Our music has always been excellent, and this will ensure our ability to provide an outstanding education for the choristers as well as strengthening music at St Peter’s.”

Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, said: “The very sad decision to close the Minster School was set alongside an excellent opportunity for our choristers to continue to be educated together a short distance away, and for the Minster’s mission and choral tradition to continue to flourish for years to come.”

St Peter’s School, York, has joined 35 choir schools across the country as a member of the Choir Schools Association, in recognition of its new role as the Choir School for York Minster.