The King's School, Chester
Secular
Updated July 2026
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSELanguages
English
French
SpanishThe King’s School is an academically selective independent day school in Chester, educating boys and girls from ages 4 to 18. It combines 475 years of tradition with modern innovation to provide an outstanding academic and holistic education.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school aims to provide a first-class independent education that equips students with the skills, courage, and character to flourish in a changing world. Its core values—Aspire, Respect, and Collaborate—focus on nurturing resilience, emotional intelligence, curiosity, and a commitment to service. The school seeks to blend long-standing traditions with 21st-century innovations to foster a lifelong love of learning.
Programmes
The school is divided into four sections: Willow Lodge (ages 4–7), the Junior School (ages 7–11), the Senior School (ages 11–16), and the Sixth Form (ages 16–18). The curriculum is designed to prepare students for GCSEs and A Levels, with a broad range of subjects offered at the Sixth Form level, including sciences, humanities, arts, and mathematics.
Outcomes
The school consistently achieves high academic results, with 85% of 2025 GCSE grades at 9–7 and 85% of 2025 A Level grades at A*–B. Students frequently progress to competitive courses at top universities, with the school recognized as a top-performing independent school in the North West.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides support for children with special educational needs through high-quality teaching and classroom differentiation. For pupils requiring more specialist intervention, one-to-one lessons may be offered at an additional charge.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does The King's School, Chester offer?
- The King's School, Chester offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at The King's School, Chester?
- Annual tuition at The King's School, Chester is £13.8K–£20.5K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does The King's School, Chester teach?
- The King's School, Chester enrolls students aged 4 to 18.
- Is The King's School, Chester a day or boarding school?
- The King's School, Chester is a day school.
- Is The King's School, Chester co-educational?
- The King's School, Chester is a co-ed school.
- Where is The King's School, Chester located?
- The King's School, Chester is an international school in Chester, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026/2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | 4–7 | £13.8K |
| Juniors | 7–11 | £15.7K |
| Seniors | 11–16 | £20.5K |
| Sixth Form | 16–18 | £20.5K |
Other fees(3)
| Mealsterm· Infants (compulsory) | £320 |
|---|---|
| Mealsterm· Juniors (compulsory) | £357 |
| Mealsterm· Seniors and Sixth Form (compulsory) | £370 |
Admissions
The King’s School is an academically selective independent school for boys and girls aged 4–18. Entry into Willow Lodge (infants) and the Senior School is typically by assessment or examination in January for the following September, while Junior School assessments occur throughout the year. Sixth Form entry is based on GCSE results and an interview, requiring a minimum of seven GCSEs, including specific grade requirements in chosen A Level subjects. Admissions are subject to space availability, and the school requests a reference from the applicant's current school or nursery.
Calendar
The school operates on a termly basis, with term dates published for upcoming academic years. Parents can access detailed calendars for the 2025–2026, 2026–2027, and 2027–2028 academic years via the school website.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus includes specialized facilities such as a boathouse, a sports hall with ECB-approved flooring, and a 6-lane ECB-approved outdoor cricket nets facility. The school also provides dining services and has plans for a new state-of-the-art sports centre. Willow Lodge, the Junior School, the Senior School, and the Sixth Form are located on the Chester site.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including a Combined Cadet Force (CCF) with Army and RAF sections, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Sports programmes are extensive, featuring representative sides in cricket, football, and rowing, with facilities including ECB-approved outdoor nets and a boathouse. Other opportunities include music, drama, and competitive academic teams such as F1 in Schools and the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Team Challenge.
- George HartleyHeadmaster
Mr Hartley has been Headmaster at King's since September 2017. He was previously Principal of Elizabeth College, Guernsey, and Headmaster of Sixth Form at Berkhamsted School, and has taught at Highgate School and Eton College. He currently chairs the HMC Membership Committee and is a trustee of the Platform for Life charity.
- Hayley JordanBursar
Hayley joined King’s in January 2019 after a 26-year military career, retiring with the rank of Major. She previously served as Director of Finance and Operations/Bursar at Terra Nova Preparatory School and is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management.
- Claire SumnerDeputy Head (Operations)
Claire has been at King’s since 2007, serving in various pastoral and academic roles including Head of Year, Head of House, and Assistant Head Pastoral. She became Deputy Head Pastoral in 2022 before taking her current role in 2024.
- Stephen PrestDeputy Head (Pastoral) and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Stephen has been Deputy Head (Pastoral) since September 2024, having joined the school in January 2022 as Assistant Head Pastoral. He previously held leadership roles at Brentwood School and Rossall School and serves as a Team Inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
- James MillardDeputy Head (Academic)
James has been Deputy Head (Academic) since September 2009, having previously served as the school's Director of Music since 2004. His prior experience includes roles at King's College School, Wimbledon, Brentwood School, and Abingdon School.
- Michelle DewhurstHead of Willow Lodge & The King's Junior School
Michelle joined King's in August 2025. Her previous experience includes serving as Head of Girls' Games at The Grange School, Deputy Head Pastoral at The Schools at Somerhill, and Deputy Head Academic at Rugby School Thailand.
- Selena O'DonnellDirector of Marketing, Communications and Partnerships
Selena joined King’s as Marketing and Communications Manager in 2018 and took up her current position in 2019. She previously worked as a multi-media journalist and held a marketing role at The Queen’s School, Chester.