Hereford Cathedral School is among the oldest schools in the country. Although a song school may have been attached to the cathedral in Anglo-Saxon times, there is no evidence of the existence of a grammar school until a much later date.

However, it is probable that such a school was established at Hereford Cathedral in the 12th century, possibly as early as the 1130s.

The modern history of the School may be said to begin with the building of class-rooms in 1875 on the site it now occupies, formerly the Canon’s Bakehouse, at the back of School House. The period from the late 19th to the early 21st century has seen a remarkable growth in pupil numbers – from under 100 boys to more than 800 boys and girls (from 3 to 18) and a corresponding increase in staff; an expansion in the number of sites from the one in School Yard to seven around the Close and in Castle Street; the adoption of co-education (in 1970); the integration of the Cathedral Preparatory School (now Hereford Cathedral Junior School, founded in 1898 and moved to its present site in 1925); and the development of purpose-built facilities (including most recently a new sports hall) and the School playing fields at Wyeside.

Our mission is to grow people, transform lives and shape futures.

We provide children aged 3 to 18 with a world-class education through sector-leading teaching and individual care, alongside a broad range of opportunities to develop every aspect of their potential. The Hereford Cathedral School culture produces well-balanced, confident and considerate young adults who are real-world ready.

Our Values

Our mission is underpinned by our values which impact everything that we do. We are passionate about living out our values.
Our vision is known as Vision 2030. By the year 2030, we aim to be:
The leading independent school in the region thriving from Nursery to Sixth Form
A school of around 800 pupils with a healthy operating surplus enabling us to be competitive in resources and aspirations
Outstanding in developing virtuous character through a strong ethos and Christian values
Recognised as teaching a comprehensive, innovative and flexible 3-18 curriculum, with strong links to the University, that prepares pupils for life beyond school
Outstanding in teaching and learning with the school recognised as a beacon of teaching excellence, and a centre for teaching and leadership development
Using information technology effectively and appropriately to enhance the skills and experiences of our pupils and staff
Affordable so that we provide a transformational experience for children from a broad range of backgrounds
Running an outstanding international boarding house
Providing outstanding extra-curricular experience for pupils of all ages
Outstanding in pastoral support for the well-being of pupils and staff