King’s is more than Christmas Yvette Day Head and Master over the Choristers, King’s College School, Cambridge
In the fifteenth century, King’s Choristers were provided with meals and clothing, and eight pence a week for their board. Things have certainly changed since then!
Today King’s Choristers are recognised all
College School, which grew from the
over the world, perhaps largely due to the
foundations provided by King Henry VI, and
iconic Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
is just across the river and a few minutes’
which is broadcast live from King’s College
walk from King’s College Chapel, where they
Chapel on Christmas Eve. But that moment
sing in services throughout the year. It is a
at 3pm on 24 December, when the world
life of full immersion – as well as going to
tunes in as they prepare for Christmas, is
school here, for much of the time they live
a fleeting glimpse of an experience that is
here too.
so much bigger and life changing for the children who sing in the choir. We really
Just as singing is very much at our heart, so
don’t sing carols all the time. At King’s
too is boarding. The fact that choristers at
College School we provide children with
King’s board informs the way we look at all
a lifestyle that supports and encourages
aspects of possibility and opportunity for
excellence.
all pupils in the school. In my experience, I believe this to be the real strength of
There is no doubting that choristers have
boarding. Boarding empowers (and trusts)
an unparalleled musical education steeped
children to pursue their talents and goals to
in tradition. They are educated at King’s
the highest levels of excellence. For pupils