Founded in 1653, it lies in the centre of Manchester in its own grounds. The buildings are well designed and well equipped; boarding accommodation is comfortable. It has been a specialist music school since 1969 when it also first admitted girls. It is possible to study any musical instrument, keyboard, guitar, composition or voice. Financial help is available through the government Music and Dance Scheme (subject to residence requirments). Whilst specialist music tuition forms the core of the curriculum (about one third of timetabled time is devoted to music), the school follows the National Curriculum as far as possible. Pupils are prepared for GCSE, AS and A-levels and results are very good. Pupils normally study one first-study instrument (or voice or composition), and one second study. Most leavers go on to study music, some at a music college, some at university (including many to Oxbridge). The range of facilities for sport and games and other recreations includes swimming pool, gymnasium and multi-gym.
Pupils: Total age range 8-18, 295 pupils, 82 day (43 boys, 39 girls), 213 boarding (99 boys, 114 girls). Junior department 8-11, 25 pupils (10 boys, 15 girls). Senior department 11-18, 270 pupils (132 boys, 138 girls). Entrance: Entry at any age. Admission by audition. Musical potential looked for; no religious requirements.
Aided pupil awards (on the government Music and Dance Scheme) for all entrants resident in UK for at least 2½ years prior to entry; awards are means-tested, value up to full fees plus travel and uniform grants. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
10+% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.
Head: Mrs Claire Hickman, in post from 1999. Educated at Devonport High School for Girls and Oxford University (modern languages). Previously Deputy Head and Housemistress of Rugby, Head of Department of Croydon High and modern language teacher at Sevenoaks School. Publications: German textbook. Teaching staff: 43 full time, 80 part-time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 42.
GCSE: On average, 31 students in upper fifth, all gaining at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 58 in upper sixth. 80% pass in 3+ subjects, 20% in 2 subjects; with an average final point score of 297.
35% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (6% after a gap year), 20% to Oxbridge; the majority go on to music colleges. 2% take courses in medicine, law and languages, 6% in science and engineering, 12% in humanities and social sciences, 2% in art and design, 78% in music.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 14-15 AS/A-level subjects (including music technology). Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3 subjects at AS-level, 2-3 at A-level including academic music (40% take music technology). 70% take A-levels in arts/humanities; 30% in both arts and sciences. Plus an enrichment course in lower sixth, choice from ICT, GCSE PE (short course), debating and European studies. Special provision: Tuition for ESL and dyslexic pupils. Languages: French and German offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught across the curriculum. 2 computer labs for student use; all computers networked and with email and internet access; computers also in boarding houses.
Music: All students learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 60 musical groups including duets, trios, quartets, quintets, wind band, percussion ensemble, chamber choir, chamber orchestra, symphony orchestra. 19 members of the National Youth Orchestra. Drama: Drama offered. GCSE drama and A-level theatre studies (5 pa) may be taken. Some pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 8 take GCSE, 5 take A-level each year. Photography also offered.
Sport: Fencing, running, trampolining, fitness training, swimming, badminton, weight training, table tennis, rounders are optional sports. Activities: Music in the community activities.
Uniform: School uniform worn, some choice in sixth form. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects - appointed by the Head/heads of houses. Religion: Assemblies and weekly (non-denominational) service in Manchester Cathedral. Sunday service is available. RCs have own weekly instruction or service. Social: Regular weekend outings for boarders. Organised choral/orchestral tours (about 2 per year). Meals self-service. No alcohol allowed.
Students failing to produce homework once might expect a reprimand, extra work; policy of involving families early in pastoral, moral, disciplinary matters. Head has power of suspension or expulsion.
39% share (2 to a room); 9% in rooms of 6. Single-sex houses of approximately 70. Resident and day-time nurses, 2 visiting doctors, school counsellors. Central dining room. Students can provide and cook own food in houses. Any number of weekend exeats, though most have Saturday instrumental rehearsals. Visits to the city allowed.
is run by the Secretary, Friends of Chetham's, c/o the school.
Peter Donohoe, Stephen Hough, Anna Markland, Leon McCawley, Tim Horton (pianists); Grant Llewellyn, Daniel Harding (conductors); Wayne Marshall (organist); Mike Lindup (pop group - Level 42); Omar Lye-Fook (Hammer) (soul singer); Max Beesley (actor); Guy Johnston (BBC Young Musician of the Year, 2000); Jennifer Pike (Young Musician of the Year 2002).
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