YOUNGER girls will be welcomed into Truro Cathedral Choir for the first time from September, and are invited to apply as part of an additional round of recruitment for 2025.

The cathedral is set to open its chorister programme to children aged eight upwards of all genders, creating extra places with the aim of creating a fully mixed-gender chorister group over time.

Further announcements are promised regarding provision for boys aged 13 to 18.

Truro Cathedral Choir was formed in the 1880s, when services took place in a wooden shed while John Loughborough Pearson’s cathedral was under construction.

Girls aged 13 to 18 years old were first admitted in 2015, enriching the Cathedral’s musical life and laying the foundation for greater inclusivity.

All choristers attend Truro School, which continues to offer scholarships for them. Access to means-tested bursaries also ensures that financial circumstances do not hinder access to the programme.

Director of music James Anderson-Besant said: “Truro Cathedral Choir’s chorister programme offers a unique education in singing and music in Cornwall, to boys and girls alike. Through an immersive training, children develop teamwork, leadership and confidence skills alongside musical excellence.

“We are delighted to offer this opportunity to girls aged eight to 13, as well as 13 to 18. This will widen access to the choir; in due course, we will announce our plans for an exciting new scheme to nurture boys’ singing in the 13 to 18 age range – an area currently underrepresented in cathedral music.”

The Very Reverend Simon Robinson, Dean of Truro and Rector of St Mary’s Truro, said: “It’s a true joy to work in partnership with Truro School. I’m delighted with these carefully thought-out developments which will build on the excellence inherent in our worship at Truro Cathedral. This is great news for the children and young people of Cornwall as well as for us.”

Truro School head Andy Johnson said: “This latest development reflects a shared commitment to inclusivity and opportunity, and ensures that all young singers, regardless of gender or background, can access exceptional musical training, and education, and be part of a tradition that continues to evolve and inspire.”

The cathedral is inviting applications both from girls and boys moving into school Years 4 to 8 this September.

For those moving into Years 4 to 6, prior musical experience is not required, just an enthusiasm for singing and a good, clear voice with potential. Those moving into Years 7 and 8, this opportunity should have existing and significant previous musical experience.

To apply, download an application at https://www.truroschool.com/chorister-scholarships/.

Completed application forms must be received by June 25, 2025.

This is a special one-off recruitment opportunity for extra places for children looking to join the chorister programme in September 2025. The cathedral will continue its regular recruitment cycle for choristers for September 2026 entry, including Be A Senior Chorister for a Day in November 2025 for children moving into Year 9, and the Chorister Experience Day in January 2026 for children moving into Years 4 to 6.