Music at Wellington

Wellington is now well known for the quality of its music and for the breadth of what it offers. We provide opportunities for pupils to explore the many facets of music making, from being a song writer/composer to performing in a musical. We want all pupils to discover their individual musical niche, whatever that might be, and we aim to provide the right environment for this to take place.

For the aspiring professional, we offer time to practise, excellent visiting instrumental teachers and the opportunity to continue at Junior Music Colleges in London. We have our own specialist music scheme, hold masterclasses with visiting professional musicians and ensembles, and perform at local performance venues and in London.

“Almost half of all pupils learn at least one musical instrument”

The College also has musical links with our teaching partnership schools, with our sister schools in China, and with The Wellington Academy. Regular tours include successful trips to Europe (Spain and Germany), China and to Nashville and Memphis.

Performance opportunities come in many guises from concertos, recital competitions, weekly Tuesday concerts, weekly assembly performances, busking, informal evening events in the V&A cafe, formal concerts, links with art, dance and drama as well as performing in the many ensembles that make up the buzz in the music department. From chapel choirs to symphony orchestras, from string quartets to brass quintets, from jazz bands to rock groups, we are constantly reviewing our repertoire to challenge and inspire.

“The Wellingtones, a capella group, is one among many ensembles catering for the 500 or so pupils who have instrumental lessons here, around 10 per cent at grade 8/diploma level.”The Good Schools Guide

There are over 800 weekly instrumental lessons taught by a team of over 50 instrumental teachers tutoring a very wide range of instruments. Almost half of all pupils learn at least one musical instrument, and many Wellingtonians frequently go on to study music and music technology in tertiary education at a wide variety of institutions including Oxbridge and specialist courses at Conservatoire.

Our aim is to inspire, enrich and nurture each individual pupil to fulfil their musical potential in a dynamic, vibrant and exciting environment. We wish to provide the opportunity and flexibility for the leading musicians of the future to achieve their ultimate ambitions and to remain one of the top five non-specialist music schools in the country.

With some 90 music award holders in the school, it is evident that we award a considerable number of music scholarships at 13+ and 16+ entry. For more information on applying for a music award or to meet the Director of Music, Mr Simon Williamson, informally, please contact music@wellingtoncollege.org.uk or visit the Admissions pages of the website.

Chapel music

Chapel services are enriched by enthusiastic congregational singing, and a fine Chapel Choir, which is supported by our superb Harrison & Harrison organ.

WELLINGTON COLLEGE CHAPEL SERVICES – Lent Term 2026

Chaplaincy at Wellington

Chaplaincy at Wellington is about building community and exploring spirituality. This happens in lots of parts of College life and particularly in this beautiful building. Gathering together is an important expression of our connection both with those around us and previous generations of Wellingtonians and singing together helps connect us to each other. The beauty of this place and the music offered within it lifts our hearts and spirits to all that is best about the human character, inspiring us to delve deep into what is most important for each of us as we seek to serve and help shape a better world.

Whatever your faith or worldview, I hope Chapel gives you somewhere to pause and reflect in the busyness of life and is somewhere we can, together, look to find and make meaning in our common experience of being human. – Rev Stark-Ordish

Music in Chapel

Music in Chapel is provided by pupils in Chapel Choir and Schola Cantorum, who sing at the weekly Sunday services and at other special events throughout the year. At these services, and in Mid-Week Chapel on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, choral and congregational singing is accompanied by the fine three-manual Harrison & Harrison of 1921.

The Chapel Choir and Schola Cantorum sing at the school’s weekly services of Choral Evensong and Eucharist, and at other special events (Remembrance, Christmas, Easter, etc.) throughout the year. They also give concerts at Wellington and in London, and have recently sung Evensong at Westminster Abbey, St John’s College, Cambridge and Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. This year’s highlights include a tour to Paris and northern France, visits to Westminster Abbey and The Queen’s College, Oxford, a service with Rupert Gough and the Choir of Royal Holloway, and a recording of Sunday Worship for BBC Radio 4.

The Chapel Choir and Schola Cantorum are open to Music Scholars and Choral Scholars, as well as to all other pupils by audition. Alumni of the choirs are currently Choral and Organ Scholars at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and a number have become distinguished soloists of international repute.

Every year Choral Awards are awarded to Third Form and Lower Sixth entry. For more information contact music@wellingtoncollege.org.uk or visit the Scholarships page of the website.