School's boarding tradition to end after 900 years

A prestigious boarding school will end 900 years of tradition by welcoming day pupils only from 2027.

Salisbury Cathedral School in Wiltshire was founded in 1091 by St Osmund, the nephew of William the Conqueror and Bishop of Salisbury.

Many choristers of Salisbury Cathedral board at the school which, from September 2027, will only provide day education, a decision parents and pupils were informed of on 30 January.

"The decision has not been taken lightly," said head teacher Sally Moulton, who said the decision was not connected to financial pressures, adding "the school is in a position of strength".

Moulton said Salisbury Cathedral School is reacting to a change in thinking among parents, with fewer than five per cent of its 220 pupils now boarding there.

She added: "Boarding has played an important role in our history, and we recognise the contribution it has made to generations of pupils.

"However, it now serves a relatively small proportion of our community."

The school has been in Salisbury since 1241 and on its current site in the Cathedral Close since 1947.

Children who currently board there live in a building called the Old School House, which hosts 45 pupils.

Money saved from the move away from the boarding model will go towards "improving the school experience" for pupils, including those involved in the famous Cathedral choir, Moulton added.

The school also plans to extend its day beyond the current 07.30 GMT to 18:00.

It has also been confirmed that choristers will continue to receive extended care during evenings, weekends and while singing at services in the school holidays.

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