Senior Chorister Scholarships (ages 13-18)

Truro Cathedral Choir currently consists of 18 choristers, 18 senior choristers and 12 adult professional singers.

Truro Cathedral has had a choir in the traditional form of boys and men since it first opened its doors in 1887. In September 2015, the Cathedral Choir welcomed the addition of a 13-18 aged girl chorister programme, marking a significant moment in the Cathedral’s musical history.

In June 2025, the Cathedral announced that from September, their age 8-13 chorister programme will become mixed gender. To promote this change, children of all genders are being welcomed to apply as part of an additional round of recruitment for 2025. Find out more about these changes here. The Cathedral is also undertaking a similar review of the senior chorister programme and hopes to share more details soon.

Like the 8-13 choristers, the senior choristers rehearse each weekday morning before school under the guidance of 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, the senior choristers share BBC broadcasts, CD recordings and international tours alongside the Cathedral Choir. Truro Cathedral choristers are recognised and celebrated not only in Cornwall but across the UK and beyond.

All senior choristers attend Truro School, where boarding is also available. They currently receive 25% scholarships. These scholarships are towards the school fees and can be supplemented by means-tested bursaries if required.

What are the benefits of being a senior chorister?

• Performing music by great composers with an outstanding choir directed by specialist professional musicians in one of the South West’s finest buildings.
• Taking part in live broadcasts for television and radio, CD recordings and foreign tours.
• Receiving scholarships and bursaries to support an education at Truro School.
• Developing leadership skills in a supportive environment with a great deal of individual attention.
• Working as part of a close team with a special purpose and a strong sense of identity.

How does the selection process work?

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.

What scholarships and bursaries are available?

The senior 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. 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.

Boarding at Truro School

Truro School offers boarding between the ages of 11 and 18. Visit our boarding pages for more information.

What is the time commitment?

Senior choristers 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.

Senior choristers also sing in the school chamber choir, attending one rehearsal per week as well as performances.