[2] He studied physics and philosophy at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

[7] He began his career as curate at Holy Cross, Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne and from 1990 until 1999 he was vicar of St Augustine of Canterbury's Church, Luton and additionally (from 1995) Rural Dean of the area.

[10] In 1999, Cheetham completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) as an external student of King's College London.

[2] Cheetham is Chair of the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education, Anglican President of the Christian Muslim Forum,[11] Patron of the Fircroft Trust,[12] the Curriculum for Cohesion and Kingston Bereavement Service.

He is President of the YMCA London South West who have a large multi-function building in Surbiton[13] and became Chair of the British Regional Committee of St. George's College, Jerusalem, in May 2013.