Independent SeniorCo-educationalBoardingISI · Excellent
Chetham's School of Music logo

Chetham's School of Music

· M3 1SB

AAB+ A-level

14.3%

9–7 GCSE

42.1%

Day fees

£42k

Inspection

Excellent

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School website

Chetham's School of Music is the UK's largest specialist music school, located in Manchester city centre with boarding facilities. It combines intensive musical training with a rigorous academic curriculum, serving musically gifted pupils from age 8 through to sixth form. The school offers comprehensive provision across all major musical disciplines and attracts international pupils seeking world-class music tuition.

  • Unparalleled access to specialist music tuition and world-class instrumental teaching
  • Integration of academic subjects with intensive daily music practice and performance
  • Boarding provision enabling pupils from across UK and internationally to access elite music training
  • Stoller Hall performance venue and rehearsal facilities on campus

Who thrives here

Musically exceptionally gifted pupils with serious instrumental ambition and commitment; those willing to balance rigorous academics with daily practice regimens of 2-3+ hours.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSportsno dataCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeIndependent Senior · Boarding
Founded1653
Number of pupils332
Day pupils107
Boarders213
Pupils with SEND49
Age range8–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£42k/yr
Boarding fees£52.5k/yr
AssociationsISC, IAPS
Settingurban
LocationCity centre location with excellent public transport access; national and international rail connections via Piccadilly station.

Contact & visit

Long Millgate, Manchester

M3 1SB

www.chethamsschoolofmusic.com
01618349644
Miss Nicola Smith, Head

Nearest stations

Manchester Piccadilly8 min
Deansgate-Castlefield12 min
Market Street (various bus routes)5 min

Notable alumni

Karl Jenkins

Composer and conductor (The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace)

James MacMillan

Scottish composer and conductor

Martin Brabbins

Conductor and composer

Recent investment

Stoller Hall renovation and performance venue
Music technology suite development
Enhanced keyboard and percussion facilities

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Chetham's School of Music?

Day fees at Chetham's School of Music are approximately £42,000 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into Chetham's School of Music?

Chetham's School of Music admits pupils at 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Chetham's School of Music's exam results?

At Chetham's School of Music, 14.3% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 42.1% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Chetham's School of Music a boarding school?

Chetham's School of Music offers boarding as well as day places.

What is Chetham's School of Music's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Chetham's School of Music “Excellent” (2020).

What parents say

Frequently praised

World-class instrumental teaching and specialist expertise

Strong sense of musical community and peer excellence

Excellent facilities including Stoller Hall performance venue

Supportive integration of academics with intensive music training

High proportion of pupils progressing to elite conservatoires

Common concerns

!Very high workload intensity; risk of burnout for some pupils

!Limited sport and general co-curricular breadth compared to traditional schools

!Significant financial cost even with bursary support

!Boarders may experience homesickness given demanding schedule