A chorus of complaints is echoing around Canterbury Cathedral after a new “equality and inclusion policy” was launched for its boy choristers.

The unholy row, during which more than 20 parents have objected, follows the Dean’s decision to ditch a 50-year arrangement that meant singers were required to study and train at St Edmund’s School.

Instead, boarding is no longer a requirement so members of the renowned group can continue to study at any institution.

The Very Reverend Dr David Monteith says the Cathedral is “committed to progressing equality”, as he hopes the changes will help attract boys, aged eight to 13, from more diverse backgrounds.

But parents and children have accused the Dean of “failing the choristers of tomorrow”, as they call for a rethink to the changes.

Speaking on behalf of disgruntled parents, Adrian Coleman said: “It’s a box-ticking exercise, and will adversely affect opportunities for under-privileged children.

“Choristers are drawn from a range of backgrounds, and we are not all privileged families.”

Under the previous arrangement, choristers studied at the prestigious private school with the support of scholarships.

Mr Coleman, whose son is a former chorister, believes the system had huge benefits.

“Our son was given the best music education, with excellent academic education at a reduced cost,” he added.

“What is the benefit now?”

Parents fear there will be conflict between schools and the Cathedral over the importance of choir duties, unless there is an agreement in place.

Mr Coleman is also concerned for the future of the pastoral staff at Choir House, where the singers currently live.

In a letter to the Dean, he says: “After recovering from the initial shock and horror of the Cathedral letter, my first thought was for the staff.

“Your treatment of them is appalling. I was aghast they had been copied into the parent email and had not been told before the announcement.

“You have left them not knowing at what point over the next four years their posts will no longer be tenable or if they will even have a job in September.”

Each week, the boys perform at five services and attend nine rehearsal sessions.

But when the changes come into place, they will sing at three services a week - the same number as the girl choristers.

Chris Hodgkinson, whose son James was a chorister, says his boy “wouldn’t have had the opportunity to develop his voice to such a level under the new arrangements” as they hail from Ipswich.

His 15-year-old child, who is now forging a career as a professional classical singer, has written to the Dean, to voice his concerns. The youngster says the arrangements will affect the choir to such an extent it could lose its international status.

“There are many reasons why these changes are not endangering the choir today and have a profound impact on the nature of worship at the Cathedral,” he says in the missive.

“There is great disquiet among many former choristers that the changes will deprive boys of the same depth and breadth in their musical education we received.”

"It’s a box-ticking exercise, and will adversely affect opportunities for under-privileged children..."

In a message sent to parents, bosses from St Edmund’s say the changes, which will come into place in September, left them “shocked”.

Its board of governors told the Gazette: “We note with great sadness the Cathedral has decided to serve notice on our contract as its choir school.

“St Edmund’s was first made aware of this decision verbally at a meeting on February 10.

“The school, which has worked in partnership with the Cathedral to educate its choristers since 1972, will ensure the wellbeing and continuity of education for our current and incoming choristers.”

Responding to the concerns, the Very Reverend Dr David Monteith said: “We are dedicated to expanding our equality and wider-inclusion policies.

“We will invest more money in the choir to ensure its future.

“Over a longer period, any money saved will be invested in the choir’s outreach work.

“We recognise travel to the Cathedral will be an issue for some choristers and so substantial funds will be made available to support those who need it.

“We value the boarding house staff at Choir House and look forward to working further with the school to ensure the welfare of our choristers as well as their members of staff.”