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School life

​​​​​​​Chaplaincy and faith

We are the choir school of Winchester Cathedral and as such we are a Church of England school.  Christian values are at the heart of our community and form the guiding principles for our rules and relationships.  All boys are welcome, regardless of cultural backgrounds or faith, and we encourage and support them to follow their own conscience in matters of religion and faith.  

Each week there are three school assemblies. The Thursday Reflection is a time at the end of the day when every class is still and silent. Boys are encouraged to use the moments of quiet to respond in their own way.  On Sundays, boarders are able to attend Eucharist in the Cathedral or a religious service elsewhere.

Winchester Cathedral is our chapel. Many of our services are celebrated in its magnificent nave and Quire, the most memorable possibly being our carol service which marks both the end of the Christmas term and the exciting time that is yet to come. 

In the Lent term, Senior boys are invited to consider if they would like to be confirmed. The confirmation service is held in the Cathedral and candidates are supported by the whole school, their families, and friends. The school hosts a reception afterwards for the candidates and their guests. As preparation for their confirmation, boys meet weekly to explore the meaning of spirituality and their personal response to their faith. Confirmation classes are informal and usually involve chocolate.

The spiritual development of the pupils is excellent. Pupils are inspired both by the all-pervading spirituality of the historic environment and by the soul-inspiring and uplifting music, which permeate and enrich every aspect of life for the whole community. This is a strength of the school.
ISI Inspection 2015

Our Location

We are blessed with a truly idyllic location. Just an hour south of London by direct train, with easy access to all the major travel hubs, and yet we are surrounded by the stunning countryside of the South Downs National Park. The school is tucked away between Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College, within the secure and secluded Cathedral Close. Moments from our front door is the heart of the historic city of Winchester, or step through our back gate to find water meadows, countryside, and the South Downs Way.