Lichfield Cathedral School

About Lichfield Cathedral School

Lichfield Cathedral School offers an environment where each one of our students is supported individually in order to fully realise their potential. The magnificent surroundings of The Close and the beautiful countryside at Longdon enable pupils to benefit from the inspiring setting of the Cathedral and to explore our natural environment.

We are delighted to be acknowledged for our high standard of educational provision by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, whose most recent report stated that: “The quality of the pupils' academic and other achievements is excellent....pupils were keen to point to the quality of teaching and the individualised support and encouragement they receive from both teachers and pastoral staff.....pupils achieve excellent standards in a wide range of co-curricular activities and pursuits.....the quality of pupils' personal development is excellent....and pupils have a very well-developed send of responsibility, rights and compassion”  ISI Inspection Report February 2022.

Our pupils are all gloriously different to one another and each flourishes in their own strengths.

History

The School enjoys a long and rich history of educational excellence. Although the tradition of teaching the Cathedral choristers dates back to the seventh century, the School was founded in its current form in 1942. Growing from strength to strength, St Chads (as it was known then) began as a small prep school with 19 boys, we now have more than 500 girls and boys on roll from ages 2 and a half to 18.

The Cathedral School continues to thrive under the leadership of our Governors, and Susan Hannam, our first Headmistress.

Teaching & Learning

The pupils follow a challenging academic curriculum that enables them to achieve their full academic potential whilst develop the skills needed for continued success at university and the world beyond. While academic achievement is the central purpose of the school, we also pursue excellence in music, the arts and sport. We believe in comprehensive and balanced curriculum that encourages a desire for knowledge and a life-long appetite for learning.

Class sizes are kept small to enable teaching staff to focus on individuals to greater effect. Our young pupils are taught in their own bright and colourful classrooms, while older pupils are taught by subject specialists in well-equipped classrooms and laboratories. We have a dedicated Learning Support Team who provide assistance to pupils who need it as well as challenging those who flourish with higher levels of stimulation.

School Life

Pastoral care is so important to us because only happy pupils will thrive. Our excellent teaching and support staff work hard to develop a strong rapport with the children. This is accomplished both formally through Form Tutors and Heads of Years, and informally through the School Chaplaincy Lead, the matrons, the School Nurse and the positive relationships pupils are encouraged to develop with all adults in the school.

Given the School’s long tradition for educating choristers, it is no surprise that music is our specialty. We have dedicated music teachers providing more than 300 one-to-one lessons each week, ranging from voice to violin, electric guitar to drums and many more. Many music ensembles and choirs provide regular performance opportunities.

Working well alongside our Music Department is our Drama Department which stages multiple productions each year both in school and using local professional venues such as the 480-seater Lichfield Garrick Theatre.

Through sport our pupils learn about teamwork, reliability and commitment. We encourage a ‘sport for all’ philosophy and we are proud of our sporting achievements, with many current pupils being members of county, regional and national teams. We have formal partnership with Lichfield Cricket and Hockey Club provided excellent professional-level facilities, we have extensive playing fields and arrange competitive fixtures at all levels of the school.

The school provides a strong co-curricular programme of clubs after school including soft archery, tag rugby, debating, radio club and many others.  You name it, we are bound to have a club for it!

We also organise around 80 educational visits per year, and pupils will always return with an even greater enthusiasm for their studies. Our engagement with Duke of Edinburgh Award is also flourishing with pupils from Year 9 and upwards able to gain Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels.

Christian Ethos

We welcome pupils from all religious backgrounds, and none, and make provision for their spiritual welfare. The Christian tradition provides a frame work for the School’s spiritual life. School Prayers are held in the Cathedral on a weekly basis and Eucharist is celebrated in our beautiful School Chapel. Regular assemblies provide opportunities for gathering and worship and help us to generate a sense of togetherness and fellowship.  Christian values of tolerance, compassion, charity and fellowship permeate the daily life of a child at the Cathedral School.