A-Level Results Day 2025: Celebrating Our Sixth Formers
Today we celebrate the achievements of our talented Sixth Form students, who have once again excelled in their academic studies while balancing their significant musical commitments, earning places at top universities and music conservatoires around the world.
The overall pass rate for A-levels at Chetham’s this year is an outstanding 99%, with 62% achieving A*–B grades. These results represent an increase compared to 2024 and are well above the national average. All Year 12 students who took their A-level in Music achieved A*–B, and five students also passed the prestigious AMusTCL, an advanced diploma in music theory awarded by Trinity College London and equivalent in standard to the first year of an undergraduate degree.
We’re delighted that so many of our leavers have received scholarships to prestigious music conservatoires, including the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and the Royal Northern College of Music. Most plan to continue their music studies at leading conservatoires and universities in the UK, France, Germany, and the USA. Others will pursue university degrees in Physics, Engineering, Architecture, Dentistry, Law, and Modern Languages.
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Nicola Smith, Joint Principal, said:
“Our wonderful sixth formers have once again shown exceptional commitment, excelling in both their musical and academic studies. It’s a joy to see them now stepping into the next stage of their lives, ready to flourish in the music world and in so many other fields.
Every one of them benefits from the care, expertise and encouragement of our remarkable teachers and support staff, who ensure that Chetham’s remains a truly special place to learn and grow. The opportunities here are unique, and I know our students will carry the skills, confidence and friendships they’ve built into a bright and exciting future.”
Dr Sam King, Head of Academic Music, added:
“It’s great to see many of our students doing well enough to secure their future in their chosen institution for the next stage of their education. We wish them all the best!”
We are also especially proud of our international leavers, who have shown remarkable determination in adapting to life in Manchester while studying in a second language and navigating a new culture. This year’s graduating cohort includes students from China, Kenya, Lithuania, Palestine, Poland, Singapore and Ukraine. All have contributed richly to the diversity and creativity of Chetham’s life.
Spotlight on our students
Rose with four A* A-levels
Rose achieved stellar A-level results with four A*s in Music, Maths, Biology, and Chemistry. “I’m very happy with my results!” she says with a beaming smile. “A lot of work went into them so I’m really glad it’s paid off. I’m particularly pleased with my Biology result, as the mark scheme is so specific and the exams are difficult.” She’s grateful to all her teachers, “not only for the time in the classroom, but also because whenever I needed some help, I’d message them on Microsoft Teams and get a reply within an hour.” Rose joined Chetham’s in Year 7 and now intends to study Dentistry at Sheffield University.
Veronika joined Chetham’s from Ukraine in Year 11 and initially struggled with the language barrier. “When I joined Sixth Form, I couldn’t fully understand all the materials I was given, which meant it took me much longer to comprehend the teacher’s lessons or to complete my preparation,” she recalls. Veronika credits her A-level success to the support she received from her teachers, especially Dr Clow, Dr Hartley and Mr Farnsworth, and she now intends to pursue a Bachelor of Music at the Royal Academy of Music, specialising in vocal performance. Her advice to those entering Sixth Form in 2025: “Never be afraid of hard work and never give up!”
Tonye, one of our outgoing School Captains and a former chorister, received an A in Music and Bs in Art and Maths. She is heading to Sheffield University to study Architectural Engineering. “I feel great about my results!” she says excitedly, “I got into university!” Singing the role of Maman in our production of L’Enfant et les sortilèges, Tonye had to balance her academic studies while preparing for the opera. “The teachers were very helpful in working around my music schedule. I want to give a shout out to Dr Clow and Mr Leeson, who helped me get a result in Maths that I’m very pleased with. Good luck to everyone! I hope everyone had the results they wanted!”
Everyone at Chetham’s is incredibly proud of our leavers! Not only for their results but for the dedication, resilience and creativity they have shown throughout their time here. We wish the Class of 2025 every success as they embark on the next exciting stage of their journeys.
A full table of A-level results and pass rates can be found here.
Are you interested in joining Chetham’s for Sixth Form? Come to our Sixth Form Open Day on Saturday 18 October 2025 or book an Advice Audition today.
