What Your Fees Cover at Chetham’s School of Music
For parents considering Chetham’s School of Music, understanding exactly what fees cover is an important part of the decision-making process.
Your fees go far beyond simply providing lessons – they support a rich experience designed to nurture students academically, musically and personally, within a safe and supportive community.
We’ve put together a list of everything that fees include and you can find out about financial support available here.
Communal spaces to relax
A Supportive Community
With a dedicated pastoral and medical team on hand, every student is supported to feel safe, happy and ready to thrive.
Staff play a vital role in daily life, offering guidance, encouragement and a reassuring presence, often becoming trusted mentors along the way.
Students also have access to specialist support services, including counselling, physiotherapy and hearing protection clinicians, ensuring their wellbeing is always a priority.
Baking club
Everyday Life Enriched
Fees cover all parts of everyday life to make sure our students have a comfortable, stimulating and rewarding experience.
• Small to medium class sizes with expert specialist teaching, delivering exam results consistently above the national average
• Nutritious, high-quality meals with options for all dietary requirements, alongside healthy snacks
• Welcoming communal spaces, including a central common room with TV area, kitchenette, reading room and games space, as well as an onsite gym
• The common room and playground sit at the heart of student life – they are places where friendships grow and students can relax together
• For boarders, housekeeping and laundry services support busy student lives
Fun in the on-site gym
Playground
Beyond the Classroom
Life at Chetham’s is rich with opportunity. A varied programme of trips and excursions takes students beyond the school, from cultural visits to museums and theatres to outdoor adventures in the countryside.
A wide range of co-curricular activities ensures there is something for everyone, including social events, Sci fi Club, crafts, comedy, baking, sports and movie nights. Students can also take centre stage in drama productions and pantomimes, building confidence and creativity outside their musical studies.
Seasonal celebrations, from fireworks night to carol singing and summer barbecues, bring the whole community together, creating lasting memories throughout the year.
A visit from the petting farm
A World-Class Musical Education
Music lies at the heart of everything we do. Each year, Chetham’s students take part in around 40,000 hours of musical activity, reflecting the extraordinary depth of opportunity available.
• Over 100 lunchtime concerts take place annually in Stoller Hall, an award-winning music venue
• Students perform in more than 60 external concerts each year
• Regular masterclasses with professional musicians inspire and challenge students
• Free tickets to selected Stoller Hall performances allow students to experience world-class music up close
Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra at Bridgewater Hall
Investing in Young Musicians
As a not-for-profit registered charity, every pound of our school fees is reinvested into providing an exceptional education and experience. This commitment ensures that all students benefit from outstanding teaching, first-class facilities and a supportive community that nurtures both talent and character.
“I love boarding school because it feels like a second home where I’m surrounded by my friends in a very supportive and friendly environment. The staff are almost like family as well as mentors, which makes it so much easier to settle in, talk to them and feel super supported. The common rooms are the best part about boarding since they give everyone a space to relax, chat and connect with each other. Boarding school has massively helped me become more independent and confident as I have learned to manage my time and take responsibility while still knowing there’s always someone around to support me.”
– Abbie, Year 12 (pictured below)
