“Chetham’s is the largest specialist music school in the UK and the only one in the north of England. Originally established as a charity school in 1653, it became a co-educational, specialist music school in 1969 and, over the last 50 years, has established itself as a central part of music education in the UK.
Chetham’s students learn and play in a state-of-the-art New School building, opened in 2012 to provide acoustically designed practice rooms, performance spaces, and rehearsal rooms. A full program of performances takes place in School and across the region, with senior ensembles traveling regularly to London and overseas.
A new, professional concert hall, The Stoller Hall, further enhances the School’s place in Manchester’s cultural community, bringing international artists to perform at Chetham’s and providing a performance space to match the superb standards of playing by our School’s young musicians.
Chetham’s is so much more than a music school. As well as educating the choristers of Manchester Cathedral, it’s a center of academic excellence, whose students progress not only to leading conservatoires and music careers but to universities and professional pathways in law, medicine, languages, and politics. Students’ wider creativity is celebrated through strong art and drama programs, whilst superb facilities for ICT, music technology and science, and high-quality teaching in small classes across all subjects, all contribute to their academic success.
Our city-center site is home as well as school to over two-thirds of its 300 students, aged 8-18. Boarders enjoy access to sports and play facilities on site, and to trips and activities set up by house staff who are solely dedicated to our student's wellbeing and their welfare. The city of Manchester itself – with its vibrant shopping, music, and culture – provides students with a high degree of freedom to explore independently and to develop as responsible young adults.
This unparalleled program attracts students from across the world, making it a truly international community that celebrates every student’s individuality, passions, and potential. Those who join the Chetham’s community – whether as students, staff, parents, or audiences – comment on the special atmosphere in the school – an atmosphere that allows every individual to learn, develop and share their skills.
Joining Chetham’s, I was particularly impressed by the School’s genuine care and interest in every young person’s development but not only as a well-educated, resilient young musician but as a caring citizen. Our students are so willing to celebrate the success of others.
The invitation to share in this community is not limited to potential students. A vibrant program of public concerts, in School, across the region, and further afield, means that audiences can experience the musical skill and youthful energy of Chetham’s students in performance – whether in a solo recital, chamber concert, or our symphony orchestra. Visitors with a historical interest are warmly welcome at Chetham’s Library, the oldest public library in the English-speaking world and a full professional concert program in The Stoller Hall will attract lovers of classical and contemporary music, comedy, and spoken word.
Chetham’s is, truly, an oasis in the heart of Manchester space which unites ancient and modern, culture and history.
