The Independent Schools Council is a politically independent, not-for-profit organisation representing 1,270 independent schools educating more than 500,000 children. It exists to promote choice, diversity and excellence in education, developing talent at all levels of ability and from all backgrounds.

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Choir Schools

Independent schools provide almost all the UK's Cathedral and Chapel choirs, many of which have world-wide reputations. They are attached to cathedrals, churches or college chapels. A child who sings well could win a free or heavily subsidised place at a choir school. Normal ages of entry, after voice trials, are 7-9; some places are available at 10. Choir schools educate 15,000 pupils, including 1,000 choristers who receive a first-class musical and academic education.

Nine out of ten choristers qualify for financial help with fees. Schools provide generous fee assistance, while Government support comes through the Choir Schools' Scholarship Scheme. Some schools cater for children aged 7-13, others are junior schools with senior schools to 18; most are Church of England but the Roman Catholic, Scottish and Welsh churches are all represented. A growing number offer opportunities for girl choristers. Further details are available from the Choir Schools' Association.

The following ISC schools are members of the Choir Schools' Association:

Junior & Senior (ages 7-18)
Bristol Cathedral School, Bristol
The Cathedral School, Hereford
King's School, Gloucester
King's School, Rochester
King's School, Worcester
Magdalen College School, Oxford
Norwich School, Norwich
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield
St James' School, Grimsby
St John's College, Cardiff
Wells Cathedral School, Wells

Junior (ages 7-13)
The Abbey School, Tewkesbury
The Cathedral Choir School, Ripon
The Cathedral School, Exeter
The Cathedral School, Llandaff
The Cathedral School, Salisbury
Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford
The Chorister School, Durham
King's College School, Cambridge
King's Junior School, Ely
Lanesborough School, Guildford
Lichfield Cathedral School (St Chad's), Lichfield
Lincoln Minster Preparatory School, Lincoln
The Minster School, York
New College School, Oxford
The Pilgrims' School, Winchester
Polwhele House School, Truro
The Prebendal School, Chichester
Reigate St Mary's Prep & Choir School, Reigate
St Edmund's Junior School, Canterbury
St Edward's College, Liverpool
St George's School, Windsor
St John's College School, Cambridge
St Paul's Cathedral Choir School, London
Westminster Abbey Choir School, London
Westminster Cathedral Choir School, London