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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 Choir currently consists of 18 choristers, 18 senior choristers and 12 adult professional singers.
Truro Cathedral has had a choir in the form of boys and men since it first opened its doors in 1887. In 2015, the Cathedral Choir welcomed the addition of a 13-18 year-old girl chorister programme. In 2025, the 8–13 year-old chorister programme became mixed gender, opening up this foundational stage of choral training to both boys and girls.
We are now pleased to announce that from September 2026, Truro Cathedral will introduce parallel girl and boy programmes for the senior choristers (ages 13–18). This evolution reflects both the natural development of young voices and a shared commitment to offering high-quality, inclusive musical opportunities.
“This exciting development ensures that every chorister is supported in the way that best nurtures their vocal potential,” said James Anderson-Besant, the Cathedral’s Director of Music. “By introducing parallel girl and boy programmes, we can offer tailored rehearsals and training that recognise the changes in young singers’ voices during adolescence, while maintaining the collaborative spirit that makes our choral community so special.”
The new structure will include three weekly rehearsals for the senior choristers. Two rehearsals will be gender-specific (all-girl or all-boy), and one will be mixed, bringing all choristers together.
All pupils, regardless of age or voice type, will continue to sing together in other Truro School Choirs, ensuring collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared musical experience. Cathedral performances involving all choristers will remain high-profile and central to the musical life of both institutions.
“Our partnership with Truro Cathedral continues to be a jewel in the musical, spiritual, and community landscape of Cornwall,” said Zoe Jobling, Truro School’s Deputy Head (Partnerships and Co-Curriculum). “This evolution builds on an already thriving programme and reflects our commitment to excellence, opportunity, and equity for every child.”
The annual ‘Be a Senior Chorister for a Day’ event is the perfect opportunity to experience life as a senior 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.
Children currently in Years 7 and 8 who are interested in finding out more about becoming a senior chorister as they enter into Year 9 are invited to attend the annual ‘Be a Senior Chorister for a Day’ event on Thursday, 6 November 2025.
For information about the event, please contact Truro School Admissions on 01872 246062 or email [email protected]. You can also sign up using the form below.
Applications for the evolved senior chorister programme will open in January 2026, and are open to all boys and girls who will be in Years 9–13 from September 2026, whether or not they previously sang as choristers.
As part of the lead-up to the changes, children currently in Years 7 and 8 who are interested in finding out more about becoming a senior chorister are invited to attend the annual ‘Be a Senior Chorister for a Day’ event on Thursday, 6 November 2025.
The Cathedral’s Director of Music is happy to meet and pre-audition any prospective choristers to give feedback. Please contact James Anderson-Besant [email protected] for more information.
For information about Truro School, including registration and chorister application forms, please contact Truro School Admissions on [email protected].
The senior chorister auditions take place at Truro School in January, followed by Truro School’s entrance exam. Experienced staff from the Cathedral assess each application carefully to decide whether a senior chorister place is right for the student and the Choir.
Prospective senior choristers 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). Prospective senior choristers must also pass the school’s academic selection criteria.
The senior choristers are educated at Truro School where they receive a 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. Truro School’s Chief Operating Officer will be pleased to discuss this aspect of a Chorister application at any stage.
The commitment they undertake is from Year 9 to Year 13 inclusive.
Truro School offers boarding between the ages of 11 and 18. Visit our boarding pages for more information.
The Cathedral’s Director of Music is happy to meet and pre-audition any prospective choristers to give feedback. Please contact James Anderson-Besant on 01872 276782 or [email protected] for more information.
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.”
Chorister
Nov 7th 2025
Oct 27th 2025
Oct 27th 2025
Oct 17th 2025
"The Truro Cathedral Choir give outstanding performances, with a satisfying equality of balance and tone between the choristers and the adults. 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
