BOARDING at Salisbury Cathedral School is coming to an end – putting the lights out on more than 900 years of pupils living-in.

The school, formed in 1091 by St Osmund, the nephew of William the Conqueror and Bishop of Salisbury, will become a full day school from September 2027.

Head Sally Moulton said the move came amid changes in parents’ needs, with fewer than five per cent of its 220 pupils now boarding.

“The decision has not been taken lightly, has come following a careful and considered review by the governors and forms part of our long-term strategic planning,” she said.

“Our decision reflects both national and international trends, which show a sustained decline in demand for boarding at prep school level, alongside a growing preference among families for high-quality local and regional day education.

“Increasingly, our pupils – including choristers – are being drawn from much closer to Salisbury, a shift that has been evident over the past decade.

“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. Continuing to invest heavily in boarding provision would not represent the best use of resources when set against our wider strategic priorities and the needs of pupils as a whole.”

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

It leases The Old School House, which has accommodation for 45 pupils, from Salisbury Cathedral, and plans to re-invest the money saved into further improving the school experience for its pupils aged two to 13, including those in the Cathedral choir.

“This strategic decision will allow us to focus our resources and investment on areas that benefit every child, including teaching and learning, pastoral care and wellbeing, as well as music, sport and the arts, facilities, and co-curricular opportunities,” Mrs Moulton added.

She said the school plans include extending its day beyond the current 7.30am to 6pm so all parents can benefit from further care, should they need it.

Choristers will continue to receive extended wrap-around care during evenings, weekends and while singing at services in the school holidays.

The school said the September 2027 change would give the small number of affected families as much notice as possible and time to plan, as well as giving the school the opportunity to consult fully with parents of choristers.

“We remain deeply committed to our choristers and the special partnership we have with Salisbury Cathedral, and we will work closely with families throughout this transition; parental voice will play a central role,” Mrs Moulton said.

“This collaborative approach will support the development of a future chorister model that reflects modern family life while maintaining our unwavering commitment to musical excellence and our partnership with the cathedral.”

The head was keen to highlight the move was not dictated by financial pressures, and said: “The school is in a position of strength. We continue to enjoy a strong reputation for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care, musical distinction and a broad, enriching educational offer.

“Demand for day places remains buoyant, with families attracted by our ethos, ambition and exceptional setting.”
Staff, parents and stakeholders were informed of the decision today (January 30) and Mrs Moulton has written to each parent outlining the school’s reasoning for the decision and the next steps, together with a list of questions and answers.

“We remain deeply confident in our direction, values and ability to provide an exceptional education for our pupils,” she said.

“We respect our tradition but this is about looking ahead to the future and we look forward to working closely with parents over the coming months and years, ensuring that every child continues to thrive as part of our community.”

For more details about the school and its future plans, visit salisburycathedralschool.com.