Chorister School, Durham

The Chorister School is a co-educational independent school for the 3 to 13 age range. It consists of a nursery (opened in September 2008), a pre-preparatory and preparatory day and boarding school in Durham, England. It is located at 9 The College, a Grade I listed building adjacent to Durham Cathedral. The majority of the pupils at the school attend on a "day" basis, with about 45 boarders of both sexes making up the balance. Boys and girls who are choristers all board. Pupils are taught in small classes in a collection of historic buildings all of which form part of the college, or cathedral close.The Chorister School should not be confused with Durham School, a mile or so to the west.HistoryIts creation dates back to 1416 as a school for the cathedral's choirboys. Whilst historically the school had fewer pupils, from 5 to 24, ages 8 to 20, expansion began in 1948 to reach the numbers of today. This necessitated a number of moves of building in the cathedral area. The school became co-educational in 1994.ChoristersAll Durham Cathedral choristers attend the Chorister School.The Durham Cathedral Choir consists of 20 girl choristers and 20 boy choristers who sing separately alongside the 12 men of the choir. Choristers typically join the choir between the ages of 7 and 9 and remain until the age of 13.The choristers receive a (50%) discounted education as boarding pupils. Further means tested financial support can be provided. Choristers are able to participate fully in all of the extra-curricular activities that the school offers, including drama and sport.