Inspectors praise Abbey Choir School

The inspectors, who visited the school in November last year, said the school was:

highly successful in fulfilling its role of educating and caring for the boy choristers and in meeting its aim to help them to develop as confident, well-rounded individuals.

The report went on:

The school balances its commitment to developing the pupils' musical talents with the demand of an academic curriculum extremely well, whilst at the same time providing pupils with an excellent range of extra-curricular activities and excellent teaching.

The pupils achieve high academic standards and exceptional qualities of choral and instrumental musicianship. The pupils' extensive involvement with the Abbey contributes strongly to their excellent spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The pupils are well-informed individuals who develop an innate sense of how to behave in the most appropriate manner in different situations. Pupils from different ethnic backgrounds live and work together harmoniously. As choristers they make an outstanding contribution to the local, national and global communities.

The inspectors also noted that the school had excellent links with parents who were 'highly delighted' with the quality of education and were unanimous in their praise for the way the school is led and managed.

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall said:

We are very proud of Westminster Abbey Choir School and delighted to have this confirmation of its exceptionally high achievements under the inspiring leadership of the Headmaster Jonathan Milton. The pupils, all of whom serve as Abbey choristers, receive an outstanding musical and general education and the extraordinary opportunity of being part of the Abbey community and participating in occasions of world-wide significance.

The Headmaster of the Choir School, Mr Jonathan Milton said:

We are delighted that the inspectors were able to see and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the choristers here. That each aspect of the school's work was given the highest "Excellent" rating is a mark of the incredible all-round experience it is to be a chorister of Westminster Abbey. Furthermore, it is testimony to the dedication of the Choir School staff and the delightful enthusiasm and positive energy of the boys. We are all very proud.