1912 - Cathedral School

Exeter Cathedral School has its origins in the chorister school established by the late 12th century for the education of the boys who sang in the daily sung services in the Cathedral. Until the mid-19th century the choristers received their musical tuition from the Cathedral organist, and the boys were instructed in the basics of writing, grammar and arithmetic by visiting teachers.

In 1838 a Diocesan Board of Education was set up, establishing an innovative new teacher training institute in a property behind 8 and 9, The Close. The choristers were taught by the trainee teachers until 1852 when the Dean & Chapter recruited Edmund Foweraker, a 17-year-old student at the training institute, to undertake the choristers’ schooling. In 1856, the training institute building was refitted as a boarding school and the new Cathedral School was established. By that time, in addition to music, the boys were also taught Latin, French, scripture, grammar, literature, arithmetic, algebra, drawing and drill.

The school was further expanded in the 1890s, taking private pupils as well as the choristers, and in the early years of the 20th century new buildings were added to provide additional facilities, including a new dining hall, gymnasium and rifle range. The postcards shown above were produced in 1912 to showcase the new facilities and recruit new pupils.

Source: Exeter Cathedral Life, 12th March 2021 [weekly newsletter sent out by the Cathedral]