Sixth Form

Years 12-13 | Admissions in Year 12 only

Our sixth form students achieve outstanding academic results on top of music-making and go on to thrive across the musical world and beyond. We’re incredibly proud of our wonderful community of Chetham’s alumni which includes professional musicians, actors, neuroscientists, politicians, journalists and more. We also have an excellent enrichment programme to help prepare you for the next stage of your life. Keep scrolling to find out more.

Follow us on Instagram for a glimpse of what life is like at sixth form – there’s behind-the-scenes photos, performance footage, staff profiles, and student takeovers. If you have any questions about sixth form, don’t hesitate to get in touch.


Academic programme

Whether you are continuing to Sixth Form at Chetham’s, or joining us from other schools, we will look carefully at your choice of subjects, general level of academic ability, and instrumental needs and commitments in order to find the right programme at A-level. Up to four subjects, including music, may be chosen from the list and students receive five hours of teaching in each subject per week:

Art
Biology
Chemistry
Enrichment
English Language
English Literature
French
Further PSHE
German
Geography
History
Mathematics
Music
Music Technology
Physics
Theatre studies

View our curriculum handbook.


Enrichment

If you join us in Year 12 you will follow Personal, Social, Health and Economic education and Enrichment Studies for one period per week to complement your A-Levels. This programme helps you to develop skills valued by universities, colleges and employers. PSHE topics include Money Matters, Alcohol, Drugs, Sexual health and Relationships, Self-esteem, Effective learning and Resilience, Communication and Problem-Solving as well as careers advice. We also have a Health and Fitness programme you may wish to follow. Our aim is to prepare you for the next stage of your life no matter which path you choose to take.


Boarding

New College House, Years 9-13 (ages 12-18)
Millgate House, Years 9-13 (ages 12-18)

Seniors at Chetham’s thrive on a busy schedule of academic and music teaching. We promise to provide a warm and welcoming community and everyone, staff and students alike, are always ready to offer a listening ear. All students are bonded by a passion for music. It’s easy and natural for students at specialist schools to meet and form friendships and everyone has a shared sense of purpose and belonging.

At least three staff are on duty in the Senior Houses each evening, ensuring that students can always find an adult to talk to, and that there is always someone to notice if a boarder feels low or unwell. Relationships between staff and students are friendly and positive, and while House Parents are responsible for discipline, they’re also keen to get to know every individual in their care.

House Parents recognise the importance of parental involvement in students’ education and development, and are always happy to speak to families about their child’s welfare or progress. The Head or Deputy Head of House is on duty at all times for any student or family who may need to get in touch.