Founded in 1880 as the boys' choir school of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. In 1972 it widened its scope to become a specialist music school, accepting both boys and girls as instrumentalists, and later girl choristers. While it continues its choral tradition, the bulk of its pupils are now instrumentalists. Composition, singing, counterpoint, harmony and aural training are also taught. The core of the curriculum is music making. But a sound general education is also provided and examination results are very good - academic work takes two thirds of the timetable in the early years and about half from S5. The school moved in 1995 to new premises at Coates Hall, 5 minutes walk from the cathedral, where it has good facilities and accommodation. There is a range of sports as well as Alexander Technique. All pupils go on to higher education, most to music college or to degree courses in music. The school attracts government help for pupils under the Aided Places Scheme and is a founder member of MADE (the UK's nine schools of music and dance excellence).
Pupils: Total age range 9-19; 70 pupils, 44 day (26 boys, 18 girls), 26 boarding (10 boys, 16 girls). Senior department 11-18, 54 pupils. Entrance: Main entry ages 9 (choristers) and at any stage (instrumentalists). No religious requirements. Good musical skills required; admission by rigorous audition.
47 means-tested aided places (41 instrumental, 6 chorister) under the government Aided Places Scheme; cathedral scholarships for choristers. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
50+% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.
Headteacher: Mrs Jennifer Rimer, appointed in 1996. Educated at Edinburgh University (music), also LRAM, Diploma in Education. Previously Head of Academic Music Guidance and Careers at the school. Teaching staff: 9 full time, 50 part time. Annual turnover 1-10%. Average age mid-40s.
S-grade: On average, 6 pupils in S4, passing an average of 6 subjects. A-level/Highers: 6 pupils in S6, passing 4-5 subjects at Highers, Advanced highers and/or A-levels.
90% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), almost all to courses in music.
S-grade, Highers, Advanced highers and A-level. All take music. Languages: French, German, Italian and Gaelic offered. ICT: Taught across the curriculum. Sibelius music program used. Computer lab containing 8 computers for staff and pupil use.
Music: All pupils learn 2 musical instruments; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 15+ musical groups including chamber music groups, orchestras, choirs, cathedral choir etc. Several members of National Youth Orchestra and National Children's Orchestra (both of Great Britain and Scotland). Drama: Some pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 1-2 take S-grade, 1-2 Higher, 1-2 Advanced Higher.
Sport: General PE compulsory. Activities: Clubs include an active debating club.
Uniform: School uniform worn until age 14, then for special occasions. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. Prefects, head and deputy head of school. Religion: Christian, non-denominational. Compulsory attendance at school assembly. Social: Occasional musical activities and joint trips with other local schools and musical tours. Meals self-service. No alcohol allowed.
Most pupils share rooms (in pairs). Central dining room. 3 exeats each term, 3-10 days. Visits to the local town allowed.
Daisy Chute (singer), David Horne (composer), Steven Osborne (pianist), Rocco (David) Smith (flautist and Young Musician of the Year finalist).
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