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Exeter Cathedral School
The Chantry, Palace Gate
Exeter, EX1 1HX
Children are warmly invited to enjoy a joyful and enriching day. They will take part in singing practice in the historic Song Schools and explore the beauty and heritage of Exeter Cathedral through a specially guided tour.
The day also includes a creative workshop led by Ms Zoe Cooper, Exeter Cathedral School’s Head of Art and Cathedral Choir Chaperone, offering a chance to express imagination in a relaxed and friendly setting. A free snack and lunch will be provided, ensuring everyone feels well looked after.
The event will be led by the Cathedral’s Director of Music, Mr Timothy Noon, and his experienced team, who are dedicated to nurturing young musical talent in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Children will have the opportunity to sing alongside the current Choristers in a final performance, and each participant will receive a named certificate recognising their involvement in the ancient choral tradition of Exeter Cathedral.
No previous experience is required, just a love of singing and a sense of curiosity. This free event is open to all and offers a caring space to explore the joy of choral music and the warmth of our community.
This event is open to pupils, external and internal, who are currently in the following year groups: Years 2, 3, 4 & 5.
10:45am– parents and guardians should take their children to the main Cathedral entrance, where they will be met and signed in by the Music staff and Chaperones for the day
11am – parents and guardians will receive a briefing about the day from Cathedral staff
2pm – return to the Cathedral for a special presentation in the Lady Chapel
4pm – performance starts
4:45pm – performance ends; children will wait in their groups with one of four chaperones, so please make your way to the main exit of the building to sign out your child
10:45am – children will be signed in and divided into groups
11:15am – children will complete a circuit of activities: singing practice with music staff, a tour of the Cathedral with chaperones and guides, and art activities with School staff
1:15pm – packed lunches will be provided
1:45pm – children will return to their groups to complete the final activity on the circuit
2:45pm – all children will come together for a rehearsal with the Cathedral choristers
3:30pm – breaktime to use the toilets, and have a drink and a snack before the performance
4pm – performance starts
4:45pm – performance ends
No musical experience is necessary on the day, just an enthusiasm for singing.
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept bookings for children younger than Year 2. We encourage to keep singing and we look forward to meeting you next year!
We ask that children wear smart-casual clothing for the day. i.e. this does not need to be school uniform, suits, ties or party dresses…but we ask that you respect that this is a place of worship and help your child to choose appropriate clothing accordingly.
While the event will take place inside, please remember that the Cathedral is a very old building. You may want to consider sending an extra layer!
We recommend parking in the Cathedral & Quay carpark, which is short walk from the Cathedral. If you have access requirements, do get in touch.
Yes! You can bring as many audience members as you like.
We have carried out a comprehensive risk assessment which will operate in addition to the robust safety procedures we use on a day-to-day basis when welcoming children into the Cathedral. Children will wear name badges all day and high-vis jackets when moving around in public. They will be divided into colour-coded groups, each with an assigned chaperone. Chaperones are DBS-checked members of Cathedral staff who are trained in safeguarding and experienced in working with children. Details about medical needs, allergies etc will be shared with chaperones where necessary. Trained first aiders will be on hand throughout the day.
Be a Chorister for a Day is intended to be a fun day for children to experience being a Chorister. There is no obligation to apply for Voice Trials and to become a Chorister at Exeter Cathedral School.
Not at all! This event acts as a discovery day but forms no part of the formal assessment process. When voice trial booking becomes available, any child may apply.
You will have the opportunity in late January and early February 2026 to submit your official application for Voice Trials 2026. Voice Trial dates are to be confirmed.
New entrants to the Choir are admitted as Probationers: they receive specialist musical and voice training, attend Cathedral services and occasionally sing with the Cathedral Choir. The length of the probationary period is not fixed; it varies according to the age of the Probationer and how quickly he or she learns the repertoire. When they are ready, Probationers are installed as full Choristers.
All Choristerships are offered on the understanding that children remain in the Choir and at the School until they reach the normal age of leaving – the end of Year 8 (13+). In addition to the Cathedral Scholarship, each Chorister/Probationer receives free instrumental tuition on one musical instrument and some voice coaching.
At the age of thirteen, pupils move on to a range of leading senior schools. The School has a proven record of scholarship success to many senior schools and a number of senior staff are in place to advise families on the next steps. Often, Exeter Cathedral Choristers receive offers of music scholarships/awards to a number of top senior schools.
