The King's School
Wrexham Road, Chester, CH4 7QL
Pupils
1134
Ages
4 - 18
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mr George Hartley
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£3,325 to £4,916
ISC Associations
HMC, ISA, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Church of England
Bursaries
Available
About The King's School
The King’s School in Chester offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for students aged four to 18. With a Church of England affiliation, this co-educational day school is committed to providing a well-rounded education that balances academic excellence with personal development.
The school begins its educational journey at Willow Lodge, where play-based assessments are used to evaluate young learners. This approach ensures that children are engaged and motivated from the start. As students progress to the junior school, assessments are conducted in small groups, allowing for a more personalised evaluation of each child’s abilities. The transition from junior to senior school is seamless for those making sufficient academic progress, with sensitive conversations held with parents if needed. This careful tracking system, as noted by Mrs Ainsworth, ensures that such situations are rare.
For those applying to the senior school externally, entrance tests in verbal and non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English are required. Sixth form admissions are based on interviews, reports from previous schools, and GCSE results. Applicants must have a minimum of seven GCSEs, including at least four at grade 7 or above, and specific grades in subjects they wish to pursue at A level.
The academic performance of the school is impressive, with a significant number of students progressing to Russell Group universities. Popular choices include Bath, Birmingham, Durham, and Imperial, with many students opting to study engineering, business, and economics. The school also sees a number of students gaining places at Oxbridge and other prestigious institutions overseas.
Teaching and learning at the school are diverse and engaging. While literacy and maths are prioritised from the outset, the curriculum quickly expands to include languages, physical education, and forest school sessions. As students advance, subjects such as science, humanities, art, and music are integrated, with specialist teachers providing expert guidance. The forest school is a highlight, offering activities like den building and supervised fire lighting, which are particularly popular among students and parents alike.
The senior school maintains a broad curriculum through years 7-9, with a high percentage of students studying at least one language to GCSE level. The headteacher encourages innovative teaching methods, incorporating kinaesthetic and tactile learning elements. This approach has been well-received, with students expressing newfound interest in subjects like biology through practical activities.
The school is committed to supporting students with special educational needs (SEN). A dedicated learning support teacher is available in the junior school, and parents are kept informed at every stage. In the senior school, a comprehensive screening process ensures that most diagnoses are identified early. The SEND department is described as superb, employing various strategies to support students, whether through one-to-one sessions or group work.
The arts and extra-curricular activities are a vibrant part of school life. With a wide range of clubs, from music and drama to gardening and mindfulness, students have ample opportunities to explore their interests. The school boasts numerous music clubs and choirs, with regular performances and drama productions that are highly professional. Enrichment sessions in the senior school cover a broad spectrum, from academic pursuits like philosophy and debating to creative activities like animation.
Sport is a strong focus, with a variety of traditional and offbeat options available. The school ensures that all students have the chance to represent the school in sports, fostering a sense of inclusivity and teamwork. Recent improvements to outdoor sports facilities further enhance the opportunities available to students.
Pastoral care is a priority, with a focus on kindness, warmth, and care. Assemblies address friendship issues, and pastoral concerns are regularly monitored. The school has a counsellor and trained staff to support students’ mental health, and a robust house system fosters a sense of community.
Parents are actively involved, with a mix of backgrounds contributing to a warm and supportive community. Communication is strong, with regular newsletters and an app to keep parents informed.
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ISI Review
The King's School Chester, founded in 1541 by King Henry VIII, is a co-educational day school located on the southern outskirts of Chester. It operates as a charity overseen by a board of governors and comprises four sections: an infant school (Willow Lodge), a junior school, a senior school, and a sixth form. The school aims to provide outstanding academic tuition while fostering the development of sporting, artistic, and social skills. It seeks to nurture spiritual growth and create a diverse and inclusive environment where each pupil can thrive.
The school serves a diverse pupil population, primarily from families within a 15-mile radius. Nationally standardized test data indicate that the pupils' abilities are well above average. The school has identified 151 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including dyslexia and dyspraxia, with 64 receiving additional support. Additionally, 67 pupils speak English as an additional language, with three receiving extra assistance.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted a regulatory compliance inspection, which confirmed that the school meets the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection assessed various aspects, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality. The findings indicated that the school meets all applicable standards, requiring no further action.
In terms of educational quality, the inspection highlighted that the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements is excellent. Pupils demonstrate strong knowledge, skills, and understanding across the curriculum, with excellent attitudes toward learning. They are articulate in both oral and written communication and possess strong numeracy skills, applying them effectively in various contexts. The school's curriculum is well-documented and supports good progress, with effective behavior management and suitable resources in place.
Pupils' personal development is also rated as excellent. They exhibit self-knowledge, confidence, and resilience, contributing significantly to school life and demonstrating awareness of the needs of others. The school promotes principles and values that facilitate responsible citizenship, and pupils are encouraged to reflect on their learning and personal growth.
The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard and promote their well-being. The school maintains appropriate supervision, health and safety standards, and first aid provisions. The school has a strategic approach to risk assessment and a disability access plan.
The inspection confirmed that the school makes appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, and outdoor spaces for physical education and play.
The school effectively communicates a range of information to parents, including details about the curriculum, admissions, behavior policies, and academic performance. Complaints are handled through a clear three-stage process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed effectively.
Leadership and management at the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling responsibilities effectively to ensure that standards are consistently met. The governing body actively promotes the well-being of pupils and supports the school's ethos.
The educational quality inspection further emphasized the excellent achievements of pupils, noting their strong progress in the early years and junior school. By the end of Reception, children typically reach expected levels of development, preparing them well for their transition to Year 1. A-level results have shown significant improvement, with a high percentage of entries graded A* to A. GCSE results have also been strong, with nearly three-quarters of examinations graded A* or A.
Pupils' achievements extend beyond the classroom, with notable performances in sports, music, drama, and various academic competitions. The school encourages participation in extracurricular activities, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among pupils. The pupils' attitudes toward learning are characterized by hard work, ambition, and a willingness to take risks and learn from mistakes.
Pupils' personal development is further enhanced through a supportive PSHE program, enabling them to develop self-awareness and confidence. They engage in discussions about important issues, demonstrating strong decision-making skills and a commitment to making positive choices.
The school's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion is evident, with pupils showing respect for individual differences and actively participating in initiatives that support the local community. Younger pupils engage in environmental projects, while older pupils contribute through charity work and leadership roles.
Overall, The King's School Chester provides a high-quality education that fosters academic excellence, personal development, and a strong sense of community. The school's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals is reflected in the achievements and attitudes of its pupils, who are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024