St George'S School, Windsor Castle

St George’s School Windsor Castle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

St George’s School, nestled within the grounds of Windsor Castle, is a remarkable institution steeped in centuries of royal tradition, academic excellence, and musical achievement. Founded in 1348 by King Edward III, the school’s original purpose was to educate the choristers who perform at St George’s Chapel—a focal point of British royal life and architectural grandeur. Today, St George’s School remains an active, innovative educational community, blending its storied heritage with modern values and curricula, including its adoption of the International Baccalaureate framework (St George’s School official site).

While the school itself is not generally open to the public, visitors to Windsor Castle can still experience its rich history and choral tradition, especially through the chapel services where the school’s choristers perform. This guide provides detailed, practical advice for those wishing to explore St George’s School’s legacy, including visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and recommendations for making the most of your visit to this historic site.

Introduction
Historical Overview: St George’s School and Windsor Castle
Can You Visit St George’s School?
When to Hear the Choristers
Visiting Windsor Castle: Tickets, Hours, and Access
Tours, Accessibility, and Practical Tips
Nearby Attractions
FAQ: Common Visitor Questions
Conclusion
Official Sources

Historical Overview: St George’s School and Windsor Castle

St George’s School is one of England’s oldest schools, founded in the 14th century to serve the College of St George and the Order of the Garter. Its primary role remains the musical and academic education of choristers for St George’s Chapel, but it has evolved into a co-educational community for children aged 3–13. The school’s architectural blend of historic and modern facilities, its deep connection to royal ceremonies, and its continued emphasis on music and international-mindedness make it both a living institution and a guardian of British cultural heritage (St George’s School official site, berkshiremummies.co.uk).

Can You Visit St George’s School?

General Access:
St George’s School is a working educational establishment, and as such, is not open for casual public tours. Visitors are not permitted to enter the school buildings or grounds except during official open events or by prior arrangement for prospective families (St George’s School admissions).

Open Events:
The school hosts scheduled open mornings, such as on Saturday, 4 October 2025, where registered guests can tour facilities, meet staff, and learn about the school’s unique academic and musical programs. To attend, advance booking is required via the school’s website or by contacting the Registrar.

Contact for Visits:

Arrange a visit
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)1753 865553

When to Hear the Choristers

The school’s choristers sing at St George’s Chapel during daily services, major religious festivals, and royal ceremonies. These services are open to the public, offering a rare opportunity to experience the world-renowned choir in the chapel’s extraordinary acoustics. For up-to-date service times, check the Royal Collection Trust Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel websites.

Visiting Windsor Castle: Tickets, Hours, and Access

Windsor Castle Opening Times (2025):

General opening: Thursday to Monday, 10:00–17:15 (last admission 16:00).
Additional Tuesdays open in July, August, and September 2025.
Seasonal hours and occasional closures for royal events apply.
Check here for current hours.

Ticket Information:

Standard tickets include access to State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and castle grounds.
Prices (2025): Adult £31, Young Person (18–24) £20, Child (5–17) £15, under-5s free (Royal Collection Trust tickets).
Discounts: Available for groups, Advantage Card holders, and select benefits recipients.

Booking:
Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons (Royal Collection Trust Windsor Castle).

Tours, Accessibility, and Practical Tips

Guided Tours:
Professional Blue Badge guides and private tours are available, often including information about St George’s School’s role in the life of the chapel and castle (windsorcastle.co.uk).

Audio Guides:
Available in 10 languages and included with admission.

Accessibility:
Parts of Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel are wheelchair accessible. Multimedia guides and assistance are available for visitors with additional needs (stgeorges-windsor.org).

Visitor Tips:

Bring photo ID for security checks.
Photography is not permitted inside the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, or school buildings.
Arrive early to allow for security screening.
There are no public refreshment facilities at the school; use the Undercroft Café or Windsor town options.
The school’s historic setting means some areas may have uneven surfaces; notify staff in advance for accessibility needs.
Dress smart-casual, especially if attending services or open events.

Nearby Attractions

Windsor Town: Explore shops, riverside walks, and historic pubs.
Eton College: Another iconic educational institution, just across the Thames.
Windsor Great Park and the Long Walk: Perfect for scenic strolls.
Queen’s Walkway and Eton Walkway: Self-guided routes highlighting Windsor’s rich history (visitor guides).
River Thames: Boat trips and riverside leisure.

FAQ: Common Visitor Questions

Q: Can I tour St George’s School?
A: The school is only open to the public during official open events or by appointment for prospective families.

Q: How can I hear the school’s choristers?
A: Attend an open service at St George’s Chapel; see the Chapel’s visitor page for service times.

Q: Are there guided tours mentioning the school?
A: Yes, many Windsor Castle tours and audio guides include information about the school’s history and its role in royal ceremonies.

Q: Is Windsor Castle accessible for disabled visitors?
A: Yes, with step-free access in key areas and assistance available. Some historic areas may have limited access.

Q: Are photos allowed?
A: Photos are allowed in the castle grounds but not inside the State Apartments, chapel, or school buildings.

Q: Can I visit St George’s School and Windsor Castle in one day?
A: Yes, if you pre-arrange your school visit and book Windsor Castle tickets in advance.

Conclusion

A visit to St George’s School and Windsor Castle is a journey through living history—where royal tradition, education, and music converge. While the school itself is not open for general public tours, its legacy is palpable throughout the Windsor Castle precincts, particularly in the moving choral services at St George’s Chapel. Advance planning, including booking tickets and confirming open event dates, is essential for an enriching experience. Make the most of your trip by exploring Windsor’s many attractions and engaging with its vibrant heritage.

To enhance your experience, download the Audiala mobile app for audio guides, updates, and event listings. Follow official channels for the latest news on open events and performances.