Chetham's School of Music
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

Chetham's School of Music is a specialist co-educational day and boarding school for musically gifted pupils aged between 8 and 18, located in the heart of Manchester. Part of the Foundation of Chetham's Hospital School and Library, which dates back to 1653, the school offers both day and boarding places, with younger boarders housed in Victoria House and older pupils in separate boys' and girls' houses. Some of the younger day pupils also serve as choristers at the neighbouring Manchester Cathedral. The school is home to The Stoller Hall, a 482-seat concert hall, alongside a range of performance venues, music practice rooms, and teaching spaces. Its aim is to nurture musically gifted children whatever their social, ethnic, cultural, or financial background, with four out of five pupils supported by government music and dance scheme grants. Pupils come from a wide variety of backgrounds, with most drawn from across the United Kingdom and around 15 per cent coming from overseas. The school welcomes pupils with a range of needs, including those with special educational needs and disabilities and those for whom English is an additional language, ensuring tailored support is in place for all who need it. At Chetham's, every pupil is a gifted musician.