Our Priorities
From generation to generation, philanthropic giving has enabled Charterhouse to create some of our most valued spaces across campus, such as the Memorial Chapel and, most recently, The Hub.
Giving also enables us to honour Thomas Sutton’s founding intent by providing young people with the opportunity to join our School on full or partial fee support.
A New Home for Music at Charterhouse
Music is woven into the fabric of life at Charterhouse. Today, more than half of Charterhouse pupils take individual music lessons, while hundreds more perform in choirs, orchestras, ensembles, and bands. Yet, our current facilities in the Ralph Vaughan Williams Music School were built to support a school of 500 pupils, and Charterhouse now educates more than 1,000. As participation in music continues to grow, the demand for rehearsal, practice, and performance space has never been greater.
The refurbishment and expansion of the Ralph Vaughan Williams Music School will double our current facilities, creating a purpose-built home for music at the heart of School life. The project focuses on developing inspiring new spaces where every pupil, from beginners discovering an instrument for the first time to those pursuing music at the highest level, can explore their musical interests without limitation. The expanded centre will include additional rehearsal and practice rooms, enhanced performance spaces, a recording studio, and a technology suite dedicated to digital composition and music production.
These new facilities will allow pupils to experiment with a wide range of musical styles, collaborate across genres, and develop the creativity, confidence, and teamwork that music uniquely fosters. For some pupils, this environment will nurture exceptional talent and support those who aspire to study music at university or conservatoire. For many more, it will cultivate something equally important: a lifelong love of music.
With the support of our community, we plan to open the new Music School in 2028, ensuring that music continues to thrive at the heart of a Charterhouse education for generations to come.
Bursaries
At Charterhouse, we believe that potential should never be limited by circumstance.
When Thomas Sutton founded the School in 1611, he made provision for forty scholars to receive a free education funded by the endowment he created. Today, we are committed to opening the doors of Charterhouse to exceptional young people from all backgrounds. With your support, we can ensure that the most talented students, regardless of financial means, have the opportunity to thrive here.
From Charterhouse to today: Keiran Nash (F16) shares his story
Keiran offers mentoring and industry advice through our professional networking programme. You can contact Kieran via Charterhouse Connect:
Charterhouse was a massive opportunity to achieve the grades that I deserved, to have materials and the theatre and an exceptional music department, all of which allowed me to thrive within my own talents.
It wasn't socially acceptable to put myself forward at my state school, but arriving at Charterhouse the level of teaching was exceptional, and I was encouraged to be the best. At Charterhouse, it is cool to be the best. I’d never been applauded for being the best at school.
Looking back now, I’m acutely aware of the power of my bursary; I’ve carried this drive and confidence with me in my career. A bursary is not just relevant for the time you are at school, it’s quite literally life-changing.
DEBORAH STINTON, OC (R02)
