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Performing music with an outstanding choir directed by specialist professional musicians in one of the South West’s finest buildings.
Truro Cathedral has had a choir in the traditional form of boys and men since it first opened its doors in 1887. September 2015 witnessed the welcome addition of girl choristers. Like the boy choristers, the girls rehearse each weekday morning before school with the Cathedral’s specialist musicians. They sing services and concerts at the Cathedral with the twelve professional singers who sing the lower parts. In addition to these regular services and concerts, girl choristers share BBC broadcasts, CD recordings and foreign tours that the Cathedral Choir undertakes each year. The girl and boy choristers are celebrated not only in Cornwall but across the UK and internationally.
TBC November 2025
Our ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’ event is the perfect opportunity for girls to experience life as a chorister, from morning rehearsal through to school lessons, and finally a short service of Evensong when they will have the chance to sing with the Cathedral Choir.
The event takes place every November and is open to girls currently in Years 7 and 8, especially those considering entry to the choir as they enter Year 9.
To find out more about our next ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’ please email [email protected]
Girls currently in Year 8 can apply for entry into the Choir when they reach Year 9 the following September. Girls from any school can apply, though if successful they have to move to Truro School.
The official chorister auditions take place at Truro School in January, followed by Truro School’s entrance exam.
Experienced staff from the Cathedral and School assess each application carefully to decide whether a Chorister place is right for the student and the Choir.
Girls are asked to prepare a song of their choice that shows off their voice well. They will be assessed on their voice, sight-reading ability, ear and general aptitude (for example, concentration and commitment). Girls must also pass the school’s academic selection criteria.
The girl choristers are educated at Truro School where they receive a 25% scholarship from the school which can be supplemented by a means-tested additional bursary of up to 100% with the aim that selection is based on pure ability.
Bursaries will aim to make the school fees affordable for applicants of any financial background, but parents will be expected to make some sacrifices. Bursaries are reviewed annually and will be adjusted if parental circumstances change. The Bursar will be pleased to discuss this aspect of a Chorister application at any stage.
Because of the level of commitment required of choristers, they are not eligible to apply for other school scholarships. The commitment they undertake is from Year 9 to Year 13 inclusive.
Truro School offers girls boarding between the ages of 11 and 18. Visit our boarding pages for more information.
The girls rehearse at Truro School on weekday mornings before school, from 8.10am to 8.55am. In addition, there is a two-week pattern for singing in services at the Cathedral, as follows:
Week A: Tuesday and Thursday 4.40pm rehearsal for 5.30pm service.
Week B: Thursday 4.40pm rehearsal for 5.30pm service; Sunday 8.50am rehearsal for 10.00am service and 3.15pm rehearsal for 4.00pm service.
In addition to these core duties, the Choir sings services at Christmas and Easter as well as concerts and performances at churches in Cornwall. Occasionally there is a foreign tour during the Easter or Summer holiday.
Girl choristers also sing in the school chamber choir, attending one rehearsal per week as well as performances.
The Cathedral’s Director of Music is happy to meet and pre-audition any interested students to give feedback. Contact James Anderson-Besant on 01872 276782 or [email protected].
For information about Truro School, including fees, scholarships and means-tested bursaries, registration and chorister application forms, contact Truro School Admissions on 01872 246062 or email [email protected].
“Being a chorister is an amazing experience that I will fondly look back on for the rest of my life. I’ve been fortunate to have sung in some incredible venues, including St Paul’s Cathedral. Between the brilliant music and one-to-one training, I’ve been able to build on my musical talent.”
Sofie Palmer, Chorister
Dec 18th 2024
Dec 17th 2024
Dec 12th 2024
Dec 3rd 2024
"The Truro Cathedral Choir under the tireless direction of James Anderson-Besant give outstanding performances, with a satisfying equality of balance and tone between the boys and the men. Luke Bond’s colourful accompaniments and Gary Cole’s typically superb recording add to the listening pleasure of this truly outstanding CD."
Gramophone
Our school motto, Esse Quam Videri (to be, rather than to seem to be), captures the essence of our identity and is defined by the 5 C's below. Underpinned by strong Christian principles, we are a caring and inclusive community which values, nurtures and develops each individual.
Click on the links below to find out more.
Curiosity to always want to discover and learn more, academically and more widely too.
Because we believe that academic excellence is an important part of human excellence. Every child is an individual and we celebrate and develop their uniqueness, helping them to become an independent learner and encouraging each child to explore, understand and cultivate their talent and abilities, whatever they may be.
Compassion to understand and champion the needs of others, in our community and beyond.
Because our mission challenges us to be a vibrant community which enables people to live their lives to the full and transform society for the better. Located in the heart of Cornwall, our distinctive, serene location supports the development of balanced, unpretentious and reflective children who understand their role as global citizens.
Confidence to build resilience by learning from both successes and failures alike.
Because we want every pupil to be comfortable in their own skin, celebrating the uniqueness of each individual in the school community. Through drama, presenting and public speaking opportunities, as well as appearing in productions and concerts, pupils learn key communication skills and gain the confidence to prosper in the real world.
Creativity to be imaginative in how we express ourselves and approach new challenges.
Because we value the development of pupils’ imaginative and creative dimensions as well as their characters. Through a broad curriculum and wide range of co-curricular activities, pupils discover the important balance between creative and logical thinking. These opportunities are fundamental to ensuring your son or daughter discovers their hidden gifts, developing a sense of individuality and a confidence in their own abilities.
Courage to enjoy becoming the very best of who we are, with integrity and ambition.
Because we believe that essential life skills are often best taught outside of the classroom, balancing an academic education. Through a wide-ranging co-curricular programme, we offer every child the chance to participate, perform and lead in the fields of their choice. In a competitive world these opportunities are fundamental to ensuring your son or daughter develops essential life skills and an ambition for life.
Truro School is part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST)
MIST Registered Office: 66 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LH
Charity No. 1142794
Company No. 7649422
