All-ThroughCo-educationalISI · Excellent
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The King's School

Chester, Cheshire · CH4 7QL

AAB+ A-level

38.3%

9–7 GCSE

76.9%

Day fees

£20k

Inspection

Excellent

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School website

The King's School Chester is a long-established, academically selective independent day school serving pupils aged 4–18 across infant, junior, senior and sixth-form divisions. Located in Chester with strong roots in the local community, it emphasises both academic rigour and individual flourishing within a diverse, caring environment. The school articulates a clear progression model from 'discovering the world' (infants) through 'igniting curiosity' (juniors) to 'seizing opportunity' and 'becoming exceptional' at senior and sixth-form level.

  • Academically selective entry with a clear progression pathway from age 4 through sixth form
  • Strong pastoral care within a house-based system emphasising individual development
  • Established co-curricular programme including rowing, drama, music and outdoor education

Who thrives here

Able, engaged pupils from professional families in Cheshire and North West who value academic achievement balanced with pastoral support and a diverse, inclusive ethos. The school suits pupils seeking a day-school alternative with genuine breadth across STEM, humanities, arts and sport.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports56th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeAll-Through · Day
Number of pupils1,155
Day pupils189
Boarders266
Sixth form174
Age range4–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£20.5k/yr
AssociationsISA
Settingsuburban
LocationChester location provides good road access from wider Cheshire and North West; rail link to Manchester, Liverpool and beyond. Likely coach services for pupils from surrounding areas.
EthosChristian

Contact & visit

Wrexham Road

Chester, Cheshire

CH4 7QL

www.kingschester.co.uk
01244689500
Mr George Hartley, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Chester railway station15 min
Chester Bus Station12 min

Notable alumni

Louis Corrigan

Oxford Women's Boat Race winner

Joe Flory

Notable recent alumnus

Charlotte Seddon

Professional (careers speaker)

Recent investment

Ongoing sixth-form development
Enhanced outdoor learning facilities (Outdoor Classroom Day recognition)

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at The King's School?

Day fees at The King's School are approximately £20,478 per year (2025/26).

How do you get into The King's School?

The King's School admits pupils at 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are The King's School's exam results?

At The King's School, 38.3% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 76.9% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is The King's School a boarding school?

The King's School is a day school in Chester and does not offer boarding.

What is The King's School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated The King's School “Excellent” (2018).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Strong pastoral care and sense of community within house system

Academic rigour balanced with individual support and development

Diverse, inclusive ethos celebrated through culture days and co-curricular breadth

Excellent rowing and sporting opportunities with competitive success

Active alumni network and career mentorship programmes

Outdoor learning and environmental initiatives

Common concerns

!Limited specialist SEND provision may deter families requiring enhanced support

!Day-only model limits flexibility for working parents or those needing wraparound care

!Ofsted not yet inspected; ISI inspection data not publicly detailed in excerpt