Inspectors praise Abbey Choir School

'A supporting and nurturing boarding community'

The inspectors, who visited the School in March 2026, found that leaders and governors work together to provide 'a balanced education and a supporting and nurturing boarding community for the choristers of Westminster Abbey.' 

Their report observed that: 'Teachers provide well-planned, engaging lessons that build securely on pupils' prior learning and are adapted to their individual needs’ and that ‘teachers' high expectations, clear explanations and skilful questioning sustain pupils' curiosity and deepen their understanding.'

Inspectors acknowledged that 'enthusiastic teaching in calm and purposeful classrooms, targeted support and appropriately challenging tasks enable pupils to succeed. As a result, they develop independence as learners and achieve high standards.' They also noted that within the broad and balanced curriculum, pupils are provided with the opportunity to focus on developing their musical abilities, and 'contribute music of a professional standard to the life of the Abbey'.

The inspectors remarked too that leaders and staff 'create a nurturing, inclusive environment' which is 'guided by the school's culture of kindness' where ‘positive relationships with teachers and consistent praise promote positive self-image and confident communication.' They found that boarding is 'well led by trained and caring resident staff who monitor pupils' wellbeing carefully' and that pupils 'communicate confidently and courteously and contribute positively to the school community.'

'Unparalleled opportunities'

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, said: 

'The Abbey community knows that our worship and music are at the heart of what we do. We rejoice in the gifts that our choristers give us day by day. It is not surprising news to those of us who know the school and its staff, but it is very good to know that others recognise the care and the skill of Dr Margrrett and her colleagues. We are delighted by the music that the boys make, but it matters most that they flourish in all that they do.'

The School's Headteacher, Dr Emma Margrett, said: 

'Although school inspection reports are no longer graded, I am delighted that our recent inspection recognises that we continue to build on the excellent standard achieved in our previous ISI inspection in 2023. Westminster Abbey Choir School offers a truly unique environment, providing unparalleled opportunities for boys aged 8 to 13. The inspection team took time to understand and appreciate the distinctive nature of our setting and acknowledged the remarkable contribution our pupils make to the life of Westminster Abbey.

'I was particularly impressed by the level of engagement demonstrated by our pupils throughout the inspection process; they proved themselves to be thoughtful, articulate and reflective young people. I am also deeply grateful to my colleagues for their unwavering dedication and support for every pupil in our care.

'This report stands as a testament to our shared commitment to the highest standards of academic excellence and outstanding pastoral care.'

A complete academic and musical education

Westminster Abbey Choir School offers a complete academic and musical education to the boys who sing in the Abbey Choir. The School was founded in around 1560 and is the only remaining choir school in the UK which exclusively educates choristers. 

As well as singing the daily services in the Abbey, the choristers play a central role in the many royal, state and national occasions which take place here. They also pursue a varied schedule of recordings and concerts and have recently returned from a tour to the USA.  
 
A programme of tailored extracurricular activities prepares the boys for the next stage of their schooling, whatever path they later choose to follow.

Further reading

Westminster Abbey Choir School

Independent Schools Inspectorate report 2026