All-ThroughCo-educationalISI · Excellent
Lichfield Cathedral School logo

Lichfield Cathedral School

Lichfield, Staffordshire · WS13 7LH

AAB+ A-level

11.5%

9–7 GCSE

28.5%

Day fees

£22k

Inspection

Excellent

Read report
School website

Lichfield Cathedral School is an all-through independent day school (ages 2–18) with a distinctive choral and musical heritage rooted in its cathedral connection. The school emphasises character formation alongside academic rigour, drawing on founding values of learning, faith, leadership and service. It claims top 10% national ranking for value-added progress and cultivates an inclusive, pastoral community where individual talents are nurtured.

  • Strong emphasis on music and choral opportunities, including Cathedral Chorister and Choral Scholar pathways
  • Consistent top 10% value-added ranking, suggesting strong progress from entry point
  • All-through provision (ages 2–18) with seamless pastoral continuity and strong sixth-form outcomes
  • Inclusive, community-focused ethos with emphasis on wellbeing and individual development rather than purely competitive achievement

Who thrives here

Pupils who are musically gifted or interested will find exceptional opportunities; those seeking a values-driven, inclusive environment with strong pastoral support and a less pressurised academic culture than selective grammars will thrive. Families seeking all-through education in a cathedral-linked setting are well-served.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports30th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeAll-Through · Day
Founded1942
Number of pupils571
Sixth form55
Pupils with SEND72
Age range3–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£21.6k/yr (inc. lunch)
AssociationsISA
Settingsuburban
LocationLichfield is a historic cathedral city with good rail links to Birmingham and beyond; the school is well-positioned for families in the Midlands and is on established transport routes.
EthosChristian (Anglican cathedral connection)

Contact & visit

The Palace, The Close

Lichfield, Staffordshire

WS13 7LH

www.lichfieldcathedralschool.com
01543306170
Mrs Susan Hannam, Head Teacher

Nearest stations

Lichfield City Railway Station15 min
Lichfield Trent Valley Railway Station12 min

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Lichfield Cathedral School?

Day fees at Lichfield Cathedral School are approximately £21,588 per year (2025/26).

How do you get into Lichfield Cathedral School?

Lichfield Cathedral School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Lichfield Cathedral School's exam results?

At Lichfield Cathedral School, 11.5% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 28.5% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Lichfield Cathedral School a boarding school?

Lichfield Cathedral School is a day school in Lichfield and does not offer boarding.

What is Lichfield Cathedral School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Lichfield Cathedral School “Excellent” (2022).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Exceptional music provision and cathedral links; transformative for musically inclined pupils

Genuine pastoral care and wellbeing focus; staff know pupils well across all-through journey

Inclusive, non-selective ethos that celebrates individual development rather than league-table competition

Strong value-added progress; pupils advance well from own starting points

Vibrant co-curricular life; service and leadership embedded in school culture

Common concerns

!Not yet Ofsted inspected; no external validation of academic standards or safeguarding

!May lack the competitive edge or university progression data of selective schools

!Fees not transparently published online; unclear value for money for non-music families

!Smaller pupil cohort (571) may limit facilities and sixth-form subject breadth compared to larger independent schools