The Canterbury Cathedral Choir School was established at 18 The Precincts in 1937, having previously been in various buildings in the Green Court on the north side of the Cathedral. It was a successful independent school. However, by the late 1960s it was becoming apparent that even with the new music practice rooms and a new library, the educational needs of the day with a changing curriculum could not be adequately met.
Various ideas were put forward from closure, to merger with the King's School. Not surprisingly, there was vociferous debate at the time between staff, parents and Cathedral authorities. Emerging from this came a plan to integrate with St. Edmund's School, Canterbury, a church-based school having a strong academic and musical record.
By 1972 this plan came to fruition and 18 The Precincts became Choir House. The boys travel up to St Edmund’s School on the hill to the north of Canterbury each morning after rehearsal. It is a system that despite early reservations, has worked very well. The boys receive a first-class education in a happy, forward-looking school.
Choir House has just received a major internal and external rebuild, the first complete undertaking since 1937. The Archbishop opened and blessed the newly refurbished building in April 2008. Gone are the old poorly sound-proofed practice rooms, replaced with modern ones. Gone are the ancient conveniences and changing rooms downstairs. Dormitories have been completely modernised to include bathrooms. A new wing has been created for the House-parents along with reordering of the gardens. Those who have visited all agree that what a bright happy atmosphere exits in the house, and of the enthusiasm for music and education that is felt by both boys and staff. Long may it continue.