MUCH like the contestants settling into Mastermind’s famous black chair, Britain’s schools show off their skills in a wide spectrum of specialist subjects. Head Clive Marriott (pictured above) tells us about Salisbury Cathedral School’s areas of expertise…


Salisbury Cathedral School is unique in terms of its setting. Every day, the influence of the Cathedral and its magnificent spire remind us of something profound and historical. The spire is the backdrop for playtime, sports matches, and for the daily rhythm of our school. Each week the whole school community gathers for assembly in the Cathedral, providing us all with treasured moments to pause and reflect, to celebrate and commemorate.

The nurturing atmosphere inspired by our beautiful setting, close links with the Cathedral community and our Christian ethos runs through the heart of our pastoral care system. Our recent ISI report noted that “the quality of pupils’ personal development is excellent.” In an ancient setting we strive to provide a modern approach to the wellbeing of the whole child.

Students leave our community with a strong sense of public service both within and beyond the school. The ISI report celebrates our vision that “Pupils are confident, independent and self-aware, and they display admirable perseverance and resilience in their work.”

Students go on to a diverse range of schools after Salisbury Cathedral School. Last year, 3 pupils in a cohort of 16 obtained Specialist Music Awards at Wells Cathedral School, one of the leading music schools in the country. A significant proportion of students also gain awards and scholarships for academic success, art, drama, DT and sport. Our recent ISI report notes that teaching “sets high expectations and standards.” Our scholarship programme ensures that students’ talents and strengths are nurtured, and that they are carefully guided through the process of selecting a new school as well as preparing for examinations and interviews.      

Salisbury Cathedral School is proud of its strong performing arts tradition, as well as its remarkable musical heritage. Our choristers, both boys and girls, sing each day in the cathedral, with both choirs of children working to extremely high standards with professional adult singers.

Salisbury Cathedral Choir is unique in providing equality of opportunity for boys and girls – weekly services are divided between the two choirs.  In addition to singing for services, there are other regular commitments such as BBC broadcasts, concerts, CD recordings and the annual Southern Cathedrals Festival. There are also overseas choir tours: in recent years boy and girl choristers toured together to Saintes, France in 2014, to Xanten, Germany in April 2016 and to San Francisco and Stanford in 2017. The ability to communicate with confidence and enthusiasm is an essential life skill, and music and drama ensure that each student leaves here with an impressive sense of poise and self-assurance. Each stage of the school puts on a production every year – a memorable highlight for both students and staff. The core values of performance are at the heart of everything we do at Salisbury Cathedral School – contributing to a team, nurturing creativity, and relishing moments of originality and inspiration.

Sport at Salisbury Cathedral School continues to develop and thrive, with regular practices, fixtures and tournaments. Students prioritise teamwork both on and off the pitch, display commitment and passion in their play, and show resilience and positivity towards challenges. This year one particular team remain unbeaten in all their sporting endeavours – the girls’ under-9s team. With a number of county players within their peer groups, and a wide range of opportunities from high-quality specialist coaches, pupils develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem.


Find out more about Salisbury Cathedral School at salisburycathedralschool.com

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