A challenging, dynamic and relevant education for every student lies at the heart of Cheadle Hulme School. Set in 83 acres of Cheshire countryside, near Manchester, the School offers an inspiring education that not only instils in its pupils a deep love of learning, but also the ability to adapt to change and think creatively and critically about the world around them. From Pre-School to Sixth Form, pupils learn together and independently and their broad timetables encompass all aspects of the wider CHS experience. Through an Academic, Active and Altruistic curriculum, underpinned by a strong set of values, each learner is provided with opportunities to help them make the very best of their journey.
Means-tested bursaries at Year 7 and Sixth Form entry are available and High Potential Programmes in Sport, Music and Art and Drama.
Number in school. 1,529 (800 boys 729 girls) of whom 330 are in the Junior School and 273 in the Sixth Form.
Location. The School, which is about 10 miles south of Manchester, 3 miles from the Airport and 10 miles from the Derbyshire Hills, consists of the original Victorian building and many new buildings in its own 83 acres of open land.
Admission. There are four main points of entry to Cheadle Hulme School.
The Junior School takes pupils from 3 years of age into Pre-School and age 4 into Reception and there are a few places available to join at age 7 into Year 3.
In the Senior School the largest intake is at 11+ into Year 7. We also welcome academically able students to join us in the Sixth Form at 16+. There may be opportunities to join CHS in other Year groups, subject to places being available.
The assessment process is competitive because many more children apply than places exist, so it is designed to determine that the child can profit from the type of education provided.
Organisation and curriculum. For pastoral care and administrative purposes, the School is divided into Sixth Form; Upper School (Years 9–11); Lower School (Years 7 and 8); Junior and Infant. The curriculum is kept as broad as possible to KS3 and students choose 9 subjects at GCSE. In Sixth Form, extension classes form part of the Year 13 curriculum in all subjects.
On leaving the majority of pupils progress to University.
Clubs and societies. There are many co-curricular activities that students are encouraged to participate in and there are many annual dramatic and musical productions. Large numbers of pupils undertake the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme which introduces them to a variety of new skills and expeditions to develop organisational and leadership abilities. Student leadership opportunities in numerous co-curricular clubs give older pupils the opportunity to gain experience and skills working with and coaching younger pupils.
Games and physical activities. There is a full range of the field and team games. Swimming is for all in the School's heated indoor pool. Students are encouraged to participate in all sports and to perform to the highest standard.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Subject to termly review: Pre-School £3,814; Junior School £3,656–£3,927; Senior School £5,059. (Fees exclude VAT.)
New parents, who are not already in membership of the Foundation Scheme, will automatically be enrolled in it. The aim of the scheme is to assist pupils to remain in the School in the face of financial difficulty following the incapacitation or the death of a parent. Benefits cannot be guaranteed, but in recent years no deserving case has been refused.
Bursaries. Bursaries are offered at 11+ based on academic merit and financial eligibility. A number of other bursaries are available for entry to the Sixth Form on the same basis.
Charitable status. Cheadle Hulme School is a Registered Charity, number 1077017.
Governors & Staff:
Governing Body:
Mr Chris Roberts (Chair)
Mr Stuart Abraham
Mrs Jodi Birkett
Mr Michael Bolingbroke
Mrs Belinda Matthews
Mr Richard Oman
Dr David Riley
Mrs Claire Thomson
Mr Martin Tyley
Mr Graeme Wright
Director of Operations: Jo Daniels
Head: Mr Lee Richardson
Senior Deputy Head: Caroline Dunn
Deputy Head (Welfare): Susan James
Deputy Head (Academic): Nick Axon
Deputy Head (Pupil Experience): Andy Nolan
Head of Junior School: Vincent Weightman
Director of Admissions and External Relations: Frances Kennedy
Senior Admissions Manager: Mrs Berni Pickford