Academic Study
Chetham's has an outstanding academic record with over 90% of students receiving A-C grades at GCSE and A-Level. Chets students follow the full academic curriculum, which accounts for two thirds of their timetables each week.

Junior School, Years 4 – 6
There are 20 – 30 students, aged 7 - 10, in Chetham's Junior School. They are taught by a specialist primary school teacher for all subjects except Art, Music, PE, Drama and German for which separate tuition is given. Students broadly follow the national curriculum guidelines in all subjects, including Key Stage 2 testing in the final year of the Junior School.

Lower School, Years 7 - 9
Students follow a general curriculum of Music, English, Maths, Science, German, French, History, Geography, Art, RS, PE and Citizenship / PSHE. GCSE choices are made in the Spring / early Summer term of Year 9.

Middle School, Years 10 & 11
Students take seven or eight GCSE subjects, which provide a sound balance alongside the specialist music programme. Subjects at GCSE include Music, English, Maths, single or double Science, German, French, History, Geography, Art, Drama and RS. ICT is incorporated into the delivery of all subjects. PE continues as part of the timetable and is offered as a recreational subject.

Sixth Form, Years 12 & 13
Students study three or four AS Level subjects, and continue with either two or three subjects for A2 Level. Students intending to apply for University are strongly encouraged to take three subjects at A2 Level. All GCSE subjects, except RS, are offered at AS / A2 Level, plus Music Technology. Of course, every student studies A-Level Music!

Sixth Form timetables include five hours a week for each academic subject, accompanied by Key Skills (in Year 12), PE and an individually tailored music programme.

Compensatory education
Students of any age who have additional learning needs are given special help, either on a one-to-one basis or in the form of in-class support. The department also provides extra support in English for international students, which facilitates students' integration into the British school system and prepares them for exams in English as a Foreign Language.