The shared heritage between St Peter’s School and York Minster can be traced back to the year 627 AD, when the School and the Minster were founded in the same year and on the same site by St Paulinus of York. Today, St Peter’s School is the second oldest choir school in England and the fourth oldest school in the world. 

Choristers benefit from the rich opportunities presented by this shared heritage, including an outstanding education at St Peter’s School alongside the chance to sing in one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals each day. Choristers form part of a 1,000-year-old tradition of church music. 

All pupils at St Peter’s develop a lifelong love of learning from a young age, with an all-round education supplemented by an extensive co-curricular programme to develop their talents in music, academics, culture or sports.  

We are only a short walk away from York Minster, so the choristers can enjoy being members of the York Minster Choir whilst taking full advantage of everything St Peter’s School has to offer. 

Choristers also take part in recordings, live TV and radio broadcasts, and international tours.

All choristers are educated at St Peter’s School and their fees are subsidised by the Dean and Chapter of York Minster, with a minimum subsidy of 60%, to ensure that all children have the opportunity to join the choir.