The King's School
School summary
Founded in 1541, The King's School is a long-established Church of England independent school in Chester, educating around 804 pupils across its main school and a sizeable sixth form of 228. It admits boys and girls from age 11 and operates as a day school, with no boarding provision. Bursaries reach up to 100 per cent, alongside allowances for items such as uniform, and academic and music scholarships are available, opening the doors to families who might not otherwise consider an independent education.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
84%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
60%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
85%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
Teaching & academics
At A-level, 60 per cent of entries reach A*-A and 85 per cent A*-B, a strong showing that points to a confident, academically focused sixth form. The 9-7 figure of 84 per cent at GCSE underlines the same picture lower down the school. The curriculum is broad at every stage, with a notably wide A-level menu spanning the sciences, humanities, social sciences and creative subjects, and an EPQ option for those wanting to stretch beyond the timetable.
GCSE subjects
Headmaster · George Hartley
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 228
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Music has a clear standing here, recognised through a dedicated music scholarship, while Physical Education and sports studies feature prominently at both GCSE and A-level. The mix of academic and creative subjects on offer suggests pupils are encouraged to develop interests across the board.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1541
- Religious character
- C of E
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 35.38%
- EHC plans
- 0.18%
Mobile phone policy
Mobile phones must be turned off and placed in lockers on arrival at school. Mobile phones are confiscated if seen by staff. If confiscated more than three times, parents have to come and collect the phone. Sixth formers are allowed to have phones but only when in the sixth form centre.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £20,850
- Bursaries up to
- 100% of fees
Up to 100 per cent, plus allowances for uniform etc
Schools nearby
The Queen's School
Chester, North West
Abbey School for Exceptional Children
North West
Maple Grove School
North West
The Firs School
Cheshire, North West
Abbey Gate College
Chester, North West
The Hammond
Chester, North West
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A historic Chester school with genuinely strong A-level outcomes and an unusually generous bursary scheme. Well suited to ambitious day pupils, whatever their family's means.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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The King's School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.