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Last reviewed: February 2026 · Rankings and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
The medieval three-spired cathedral looms over the close at Lichfield. For almost seven centuries, the choristers who sing within its walls have also been educated here, first informally within cathedral walls, then from 1942 as a dedicated school. Today, Lichfield Cathedral School educates over 500 pupils aged 2 to 18 across two campuses. The school ranks 772nd of 3,895 in England for GCSE academic outcomes and 753rd of 2,549 for A-level academic outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), with local ranks of 1st in Lichfield for both secondary and sixth-form outcomes. Class sizes average around 17 pupils. As a Church of England foundation, Christian values shape daily life, though pupils of all faiths are welcomed. The school's four founding values, learning, faith, leadership, and service, are woven through the curriculum and school community in practical, deliberate ways. With strong results, competitive sports, and an extraordinary music programme, the school offers a rare combination of academic rigour and creative breadth.
Lichfield Cathedral School in Cathedral Close, Lichfield has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. The Close itself, a preserved medieval precinct, frames the school's senior campus. The air feels purposeful but not frantic. Pupils move between lessons, the chapel bells marking the hours. For younger pupils, a contrasting experience awaits three miles north at the Longdon site, where the junior school occupies six acres of countryside, complete with woodland for Forest School and fields for pastoral learning.
Mrs Susan Hannam leads the school as Head Teacher . The ISI inspection in February 2025 awarded the school a first-class report under the new inspection framework. The inspection team spent two and a half days observing school life and noted that pupils are thriving, developing into confident and capable individuals. Inspectors commented specifically on how central pupil wellbeing is to everything the school does, from positive relationships to rigorous safeguarding. The school was particularly praised for high value-added scores in academic achievement and for enabling pupils to develop independent learning and critical thinking skills.
The House system structures social life and pastoral care. Class sizes remain small, normally not greater than 20, with an average of 17, allowing teachers to know each pupil's strengths and needs. The school's ethos is notably inclusive. As an Anglican foundation, Christian values are an important part of daily life; however, children of any denomination are welcome . Parents and pupils describe the community as genuinely warm. The school is known for finding and developing each pupil's individual talents rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
At GCSE, the current academic ranking is 772nd of 3,895 in England, with an Attainment 8 score of 53.5 and 51.6% achieving grade 5 or above in English and maths. Locally, the school ranks 1st for secondary outcomes in Lichfield. The broad curriculum allows pupils to specialise without narrowing their options. Sciences are taught separately, and languages include French, Spanish, German, and Latin as standard options.
A-level outcomes are also strong. 60% of grades achieve A*-B standard, with 30% at A* to A. The school ranks 753rd of 2,549 in England for A-level academic outcomes (FindMySchool data) and 1st in Lichfield for sixth-form outcomes. Thirty subjects are offered at A-level, including classics, philosophy, and psychology, allowing genuine depth of choice. The school notes particularly high value-added scores, a measure of progress from GCSE to A-level.
Leavers progress to university, employment and apprenticeships, and the school maintains a pipeline to Russell Group universities. Former choristers often progress to read music at competitive universities, with recent destinations including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Bath, and Bristol. The school also supports pupils applying for medical and law degree programmes. Career support is comprehensive, including visits to national careers fairs, individual guidance, interview practice, and a broad range of visiting speakers from different industries.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
55.21%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum balances traditional academic strength with contemporary relevance. Teaching staff are specialists from Year 5 onwards, meaning pupils benefit from subject experts even in primary years. The school emphasises structured teaching but also independent and critical thinking. Pupils comment that lessons move at a good pace and that teachers genuinely care about their understanding, not just coverage of content.
The ICT and STEM provision is modern and well-equipped. The school has invested in music technology facilities, allowing pupils to compose and record. Forest School operates at the Longdon site, where pupils from Reception through Year 4 have regular sessions outdoors, developing resilience and nature connection. Duke of Edinburgh's Award runs from Year 7 through to Gold level. Drama and public speaking are embedded across year groups through LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art), debating, and theatre productions.
Music is not peripheral at Lichfield Cathedral School; it is foundational. The school traces its lineage to the 14th century when Lichfield Cathedral made provisions to educate its choristers . This heritage remains alive in the present day. Forty choristers, equally split between boys and girls from Years 2 to 8, receive scholarships and daily rehearsals before school. Choral scholars continue into the sixth form, rejoining the Cathedral Choir with adult singers.
The school's musical offerings extend far beyond the choristers. Pupils play in ensembles including Guitar, Brasshoppers, Recorchestra, Soul Knights, Stringtacular, Clarinuts, Drumstix, Flutastic, Pizzicato Strings, Feel The Beat, Ukulellipops and Jazzbytes. Singers are encouraged to join Junior Choir, Melody Makers, Harmonics, Barbershop and Cantorum . The school offers instrumental tuition in all standard instruments. Many pupils take part in external music courses including Birmingham Conservatoire Junior Department, National Recorder Ensemble, Stonebridge Music Courses, National Youth Music Theatre, National Youth Choir and National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain.
Performances happen throughout the year: concerts include the Wednesday @ 1.15pm lunchtime recital series in the School Chapel, year group concerts for parents, whole-school concerts in the Cathedral and professional venues in Lichfield and beyond, joint concerts with other schools and fundraising performances to support local charities, as well as entry to Competitive Music Festivals and the annual House Music Competition.
International tours for choirs and instrumentalists have recently visited France, Germany, Italy, Ireland and the USA . The school's award-winning MusicShare programme also brings singing projects to primary and secondary schools across the West Midlands, extending the school's musical influence well beyond its gates.
Drama is taught as a discrete curricular subject and thrives as an extracurricular pursuit. School productions occupy professional venues across Lichfield and beyond. Recent productions mentioned in school news include Cinderella at the Garrick Theatre, with Year 8 engaging in detailed study of Commedia dell'arte. Musical theatre clubs run for junior and senior pupils. The school values both formal productions and exploratory creative work. Set design, costume, and technical theatre are options for pupils keen to contribute behind the scenes.
The school explicitly adopts a "sport for all" philosophy, but this does not mean sport is casual. From Year 3, every pupil is given the opportunity to represent the school in at least one fixture per year. The school has been known to create teams in niche sports, such as orienteering, to ensure every child finds their place in competitive sport. Competitive sport is thriving, especially in hockey, rugby, athletics, netball, rounders and football.
The LCS Tennis Outreach programme, supported by the Tim Henman Foundation, has been successful at encouraging local children to start playing tennis, and the School is working with Beacon Park to improve the tennis facilities.
The superb grounds of the School next to Stowe Pool and at Longdon provide an inspirational setting for a wide range of sports.
LCS has exclusive use of Lichfield Sports Club during the day , giving pupils access to professional-standard facilities. Recent success includes U13 tennis teams competing in regional LTA Youth Schools Finals. The school also offers equestrian opportunities through club provision.
The co-curricular programme is deliberately designed to complement academics and develop skills for futures not yet defined. Beyond the major pillars of music, drama, and sport, the school offers an extensive array of clubs and societies that change each term to match pupil interests and staff expertise.
For pupils drawn to science and technology: Science Club (years 5-13), Science for Fun, Computer Science Club, Fruity Loops (Music Technology), and MedSoc (medicine interest group) provide structured exploration. The school invests in STEM equipment and encourages hands-on experimentation. Bell ringing in the Cathedral Tower is a unique skill taught on-site, developing coordination and musical understanding simultaneously.
The school offers language immersion beyond the classroom. French Language & Culture Club, French Games Club, and Latin American Spanish Culture Club run regularly. German Grammar Club, British Sign Language Club, and Japanese club options reflect the breadth of linguistic ambition. These clubs often connect to school trips and cultural events.
Philosophy & Diversity Club, School Council, Global Schools Alliance Student Council, and Entrepreneurs Club (launched this year) develop leadership and civic awareness. The school's explicit focus on ethical leadership is lived through these structures. Pupils are encouraged to shape school direction and contribute to local and global communities.
Pottery Club, Fabric Design Club, and Design & Technology Enhancement Club cater to makers. LAMDA (speech and drama tuition) runs as a structured programme, developing confidence and communication skills. Art clubs rotate seasonally.
Mindfulness Club, Health Club, and other wellness-focused activities acknowledge contemporary mental health needs. The school's pastoral support includes a dedicated Wellbeing Coordinator. The Friends of LCS organise social events, quiz nights, film nights, summer balls, that strengthen the wider community.
Extracurricular activities include LAMDA, Radio Club, young reporters, Aikido, STEM club, debating, set design, Japanese, bell ringing, team-building, clay-modelling, cookery, art, podcast club, musical theatre and lyrical dance with acrobatic arts . The school has demonstrated creativity in ensuring accessibility: when a student needed to represent the school in sport but wasn't drawn to traditional team sports, the school created an orienteering team specifically for them. This is the "sport for all" philosophy in action.
Fees for 2025-26 range from £4,590 per term (Reception) to £7,196 per term (Years 10-13). All three terms per academic year are charged. All fees include class tuition, physical education, curriculum books and materials, lunches, personal accident insurance, and most after-school clubs. Music tuition, LAMDA tuition, educational visits, and some specialist clubs incur additional costs. Sibling discounts are available. School Fee Plan allows monthly payment options.
Compared to similar independent schools, the school claims competitive or lower fees with more included in the base charge than peers typically offer.
Typical entry points are Nursery/Reception (aged 2.5-4), Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+), and Year 12 (16+). The school is non-selective, taking pupils of all abilities. Entrance assessments at Year 7 are designed to gauge learning needs rather than to reject pupils.
Scholarship and bursary schemes are available for Cathedral Choristers (covering tuition in full for those selected). The school states that scholarships and bursaries exist for academic, music, sport, and art achievement, though specific percentages and amounts are available on request from the school. The ISA (Independent Schools Association) and ISB (Independent Schools Bursaries) databases indicate that means-tested financial assistance is offered, which is increasingly important for independent schools seeking to broaden access.
Early Years funding (30 hours per week) is available for eligible families with children aged 2-5 in nursery and reception, potentially reducing termly fees by up to £1,955.
The school emphasises a pastoral framework providing security and ordered structure through which pupils develop self-esteem and find success. The House system allocates pupils to named houses upon entry, creating vertical communities of mixed ages and year groups. Each House is supported by a Housemistress or Housemaster and a team of tutors. Class sizes of around 17 allow teachers to know pupils well.
A dedicated Wellbeing Coordinator supports emotional and mental health needs. The school partners with external services including a trained counsellor who visits weekly. Student voice is taken seriously through school councils and regular forums for pupil feedback. Peer support systems exist, with older pupils mentoring younger ones.
The school has received commendation for safeguarding practices and maintains rigorous protocols. The ISI inspection noted specifically that "pupil wellbeing is central to all we do in school, from our positive relationships to our rigorous safeguarding ethos."
At the Lichfield site (Years 5-13): school operates a standard day structure with lessons from 9:00am. At the Longdon site (Reception to Year 4): the day concludes at 3:20pm.
Wraparound care runs from 7:30am to 6:00pm at both sites, available on a flexible basis. Breakfast club and after-school provision ensure working parents have support.
Lichfield City train station is 7 minutes' walk from the school and provides direct services to Birmingham New Street station, with opportunities to access other routes to Wolverhampton, Walsall, Stafford.
Lichfield Bus Station is 6 minutes' walk from the school and provides direct services to Burton, Barton under Needwood, Yoxall, Kings Bromley and Alrewas, Streethay, Branston and Burton, Boley Park and Tamworth, and other local destinations.
Reliance on music as central identity. The school's exceptional music programme is a genuine strength, but the identity and culture of the school are deeply musical. Pupils who lack musical interest or aptitude may feel they are missing a central part of school life. The school does accommodate non-musicians, but the musical emphasis is pervasive.
Two-site structure. While the school claims to operate as a unified institution, pupils at the Longdon junior site experience a different physical environment and schedule to those at the Lichfield close. Transition from Longdon to Lichfield happens gradually through Year 5, but the split locations require careful coordination. Families with children spanning both sites may experience logistical complexity.
Independent school fees. At £7,196 per term (Years 10-13), the fees are substantial. Whilst competitive for the independent sector and inclusive of many extras, they represent a significant commitment. Scholarships and bursaries exist but are selective.
Cathedral integration. The school's deep ties to Lichfield Cathedral and Church of England values, whilst a source of distinctive identity, mean Christian worship and values are embedded in daily life. Families of other faiths or non-faith backgrounds are genuinely welcomed, but this context should be clearly understood.
Lichfield Cathedral School delivers academic rigour, extensive pastoral care, and a music programme of exceptional depth. The ISI inspection in 2025 affirmed high standards across all areas. Results place the school 772nd of 3,895 in England for GCSE academic outcomes and 753rd of 2,549 for A-level academic outcomes (FindMySchool data), with local ranks of 1st in Lichfield for both secondary and sixth-form outcomes. The school achieves this whilst maintaining a genuinely inclusive ethos, non-selective entry, sport for all, and deliberately broad interests.
The school is best suited to families seeking rigorous academics grounded in Christian values, with a particular advantage for those with musical interests or aspirations. Strong academic outcomes, exceptional music and performing arts, inclusive pastoral care, and a sense of belonging to something larger than oneself are distinctive features. The main consideration is whether the school's musical and Church of England identity aligns with your family's values and interests. For families who engage positively with that context, Lichfield Cathedral School offers an unusually well-rounded, purposeful education.
Yes. The ISI inspection in February 2025 awarded the school a first-class report, with inspectors particularly impressed by high value-added academic outcomes and pupil wellbeing. Current GCSE measures include Attainment 8 of 53.5 and a rank of 772nd of 3,895 in England for academic outcomes. A-level results show 60% at A*-B, with a rank of 753rd of 2,549 for academic outcomes (FindMySchool data).
Fees for 2025-26 range from £4,590 per term (Reception) to £7,196 per term (Years 10-13). The school operates three terms per academic year. All fees include tuition, lunches, most after-school clubs, and curriculum materials. Extras not included are music tuition, LAMDA lessons, and some specialist clubs. Sibling discounts are available. School Fee Plan allows flexible payment arrangements.
The school is non-selective, welcoming pupils of all academic abilities. Entry assessments at Year 7 and Year 9 are designed to gauge learning needs rather than to reject candidates. The school serves its local community and beyond. Cathedral Choristers are selected through audition for musical ability, not academic performance.
Music is central to school identity. Forty Cathedral Choristers (years 2-8) receive daily rehearsals and full scholarships. The school offers instrumental tuition in all standard instruments and runs ensembles including orchestras, brass bands, string groups, and vocal choirs. International tours have recently visited France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and the USA. Pupils participate in national youth music schemes and compete in regional and national festivals.
The school operates a "sport for all" approach, ensuring every pupil from Year 3 can represent the school in at least one fixture annually. Sports include hockey, rugby, athletics, netball, rounders, football, tennis, and equestrian activities. Teams compete both within the school and in district leagues. The school has exclusive use of Lichfield Sports Club and benefits from facilities at Beacon Park and adjacent Stowe Pool.
Yes. The sixth form has been operating since 2010 and currently educates approximately 50-60 pupils in Years 12-13. Thirty subjects are offered at A-level. Entry requirements are typically 5 GCSE passes at grade 5 or above, though individual cases are considered. External pupils are welcome to apply alongside internal progression.
As a Church of England foundation, Christian values and worship are embedded in daily school life. However, pupils of all faiths and none are welcomed and accepted. The school does not proselytise; rather, it models Christian values of tolerance, compassion, and service. Families should understand that Christian chapel services occur regularly and that collective worship is part of the weekly rhythm.
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