Historic Exeter Cathedral School to Close Preparatory Division After 850 Years
Exeter Cathedral School, one of Britain's oldest musical institutions, will close its preparatory school due to financial strain. The decision follows a 20% tax on independent school fees introduced by the Labour government in January 2025. Campaigners warn that other cathedral choir schools could soon face the same fate.
The school, which has educated choristers since 1179, will relocate its young singers to Exeter School from September. A fundraising effort to save the preparatory school has so far raised £40,000, though its £650,000 target remains distant.
Since the fee tax took effect, over 100 private schools have shut, displacing nearly 25,000 pupils—far exceeding initial forecasts. Mark Armstrong, a campaigner for choir schools, argues that these institutions are vital to British culture and not simply elite establishments. He predicts that less wealthy cathedrals will be the first to abandon their choir schools, with others likely to follow.
To cope with financial pressures, some cathedrals have already adapted. Salisbury Cathedral School has partnered with a state school since 2019, while others offer scholarships or hybrid boarding options. These measures aim to keep chorister training affordable while maintaining high musical standards.
The closure of Exeter Cathedral School's preparatory division marks a significant shift in the centuries-old tradition of cathedral music education. Without further support, more institutions may struggle to survive under the new tax policy. The long-term impact on Britain's choral heritage remains uncertain.
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