Chetham's School of Music

Chetham's School of Music /ˈtʃiːtəmz/, familiarly known as "Chets", is a specialist independent co-educational music school, situated in Manchester city centre, in North West England. It was established in 1969, incorporating Chetham's Hospital School, founded as a charity school by Humphrey Chetham in 1653. After becoming a boys' grammar school in 1952, the school turned to music as its specialism, and became an independent school. There are approximately 290 pupils on roll, making it the largest music school in the United Kingdom. The oldest parts of the school date to the 1420s, when the building was constructed as a residence for priests of the church now Manchester Cathedral; these parts are listed buildings, along with other parts of the complex. The site houses Chetham's Library, the oldest free public reference library in the United Kingdom. A new building to replace the Victorian Palatine building and allow easier access for visitors is due to be completed in 2012.

Chetham's educates students between the ages of 8 and 18. Although admission is based solely on an audition to demonstrate musical potential and talent, the school regularly obtains good exam results. It maintains links to the cathedral by educating its choristers and holding regular concerts, and many Chetham's students have become professional musicians. Its ensembles, such as the Big Band and Symphony Orchestra, and many students have won awards for their music.