27 Sep 2025Music Excellence
Music at the heart of everything we do
At Prebendal, music is not an addition to school life — it is central to it.
As the Choir School for Chichester Cathedral, we offer a truly exceptional musical education that shapes confidence, discipline and creativity in every child.
A musical experience like no other
Prebendal is one of a small number of cathedral choir schools in the country, offering pupils the opportunity to be immersed in a rich and inspiring musical environment.
The chorister journey
Becoming a chorister is a unique and rewarding experience. Pupils combine their academic studies with a structured and ambitious musical programme, developing exceptional skills in performance, teamwork and discipline.
Choristers regularly perform in services, concerts and recordings, and have opportunities to tour and collaborate both nationally and internationally
Music for all
While choristers follow a specialist pathway, music is an integral part of life for every pupil at Prebendal.
From classroom learning to instrumental tuition, ensembles and performances, all children are encouraged to participate, develop their talents and build confidence through music.
Confidence, discipline and creativity
A Prebendal musical education goes far beyond performance.
Through music, pupils develop resilience, focus and self-belief — alongside the ability to work collaboratively and perform with confidence.
A foundation for the future
The experience of music at Prebendal provides a strong foundation for future success, with many pupils continuing their musical journeys at senior school and beyond.
More importantly, it instils a lifelong appreciation of music and the confidence to perform, participate and succeed.
We have a 100% pass rate in the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) and LAMDA exams
Cathedral Choristers
Our Choristers are also a vital part of the musical life as The Prebendal has been the choir school of Chichester Cathedral for hundreds of years.
The Choristers, who live and learn at the School, sing almost daily in the Cathedral and to critical acclaim. They regularly appear on BBC Radio 3 with live broadcasts from the Cathedral and their music has been recorded on numerous occasions. To find out more about the Choristers, please visit the Choristers section.
Scholarships, Awards & Exams
We are extremely proud of our musical reputation and every year a high proportion of our Year 8 pupils secure music awards to many of the country's leading senior schools. There are also a large number of Prebendalians who work in the music industry.
Our pupils achieve well above the national average in all ABRSM examinations with the majority at Distinction and Merit level. You are warmly invited to come and listen to our solo and choir performances every Thursday during term-time at our assembly in Chichester Cathedral from 8:45am.
Household Division Musician of the Year 2023
In 2012, Edmund Habershon left Prebendal and journeyed to Lancing, eventually pursuing his musical dreams at Trinity Laban London, where the army recognized his talent and sponsored his journey.
Now, he shines as a member of the Coldstream Guard Band, participating in iconic events like the Coronation and Trooping the Colour.
Edmund's recent triumph as the Household Division Musician of the Year proves that he was taught to reach for the stars by the remarkable Karen Kenard during his time at Prebendal. Against fierce competition, he struck a harmonious chord by winning the coveted Army Musician of the Year title, wowing audiences with his performance of Bach's Concerto in D Major BWV 972 on the Piccolo Trumpet.
Fantasia Music School
We are partners with Fantasia Music School and they run their courses each year in the summer holidays here at The Prebendal. You can find out further information about Fantasia by visiting their website at www.fantasiamusicschool.co.uk. All bookings must be made directly with Fantasia and the Music School courses are open to all pupils, from Prebendal and externally.
