Founded in 1541 in Chester Cathedral, its links with the cathedral remain strong. In 1960 it moved to a new site on the Wrexham Road, a mile from the city centre. This 32-acre site houses both the junior school and senior school, together with spacious grounds and playing fields. There has been much development in the last few years, including a purpose-built library, ICT centre and music school and an all-weather floodlit pitch; further developments include a theatre. Girls were admitted to the sixth form in 1998 and throughout the school in 2003. Academic standards are high and examination results are very good. There is an excellent range of sports and games and many county and national representatives in different sports (an international reputation in rowing). There are numerous extra-curricular activities from debating and chess clubs to film and drama clubs. All students experience leadership training and outdoor education throughout their school life. There is a commitment to community service and a large CCF contingent.
Pupils: Total age range 7-18, 961 pupils (666 boys, 295 girls). Junior department 7-11, 226 pupils (151 boys, 75 girls). Senior department, 11-18, 735 pupils (515 boys, 220 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 7 GCSEs at grade B (grade A in sixth-form subjects). Many senior pupils from own junior school.
Up to 15 academic scholarships at age 11; plus 1 music scholarship (a year's tuition on any instrument). Means-tested bursaries in the senior school, up to 100% of fees. Parents are not expected to buy textbooks and fees include examination costs.
Headmaster: Chris Ramsey, appointed in 2007. Educated at Brighton College and Cambridge University (modern languages). Previously Headmaster at King's College (Taunton), Deputy Head at Cranleigh and Head of Languages at both The Leys and Wellington College (Berkshire). Teaching staff: 59 full-time, 16 part-time.
GCSE: 93 pupils in upper fifth, 99% gained grade C or above in 9+ subjects. A-levels: 92 in upper sixth, 99% passing in 3+ subjects with an average final point score of 389.
Almost all sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (some 20% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge.15% take courses in medical services, dentistry and veterinary science, 25% in science and engineering, 5% in law, 40% in humanities and social sciences, 1% in art and design, 14% in vocational subjects such as agriculture, banking, pharmacy, property management.
GCSE, IGCSE, AS and A-levels. 19 subjects offered at GCSE/IGCSE, 26 AS/A-level. Sixth form: All sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 or 4 at A-level; some also take an extended project. Key skills integrated into sixth form courses and activities. Special provision: Learning support provided for pupils. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to IGCSE, AS and A-level. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 200+ computers for pupil use (9+ hours a day), all networked and with internet access. Pupils can access the school network and virtual learning environment from home.
Music: 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 20 musical groups including 4 choirs, 3 orchestras, big band, 2 wind bands, 2 jazz ensembles, brass, woodwind, string, guitar ensembles and variety of chamber groups. Pupils perform in various youth orchestras and choirs and participate in music festivals. Drama: Many pupils are involved in school productions; 2 major productions in junior school and 4-5 major productions in the senior school annually; sixth formers performed at the National Theatre (2009). Art and design: Art and product design technology offered at GCSE and A-level, also history of art at A-level.
Sport: Choice of football, hockey or netball (winter), cricket or tennis (summer); also rowing, gym, basketball, rugby, swimming, cross-country, athletics, dance, volleyball, badminton, indoor hockey, handball, fencing, water polo. Sixth form only: squash, golf, badminton, weight-training and tae-kwon-do. Many junior international rowers; many county and district representatives in rowing, cricket, football, hockey. Activities: Many pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. Large CCF contingent. Clubs include chess (successful chess school), debating, drama, Christian Union, geography, bio diversity, fairtrade, chemistry, ancient Greek, film.
Uniform: School uniform worn, modified in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses (for sport). All sixth form act as prefects. Head prefect appointed by the Headmaster with sixth form and teaching staff advice. Sixth form and middle school council. Religion: Church of England. Weekly spiritual assemblies, 4 cathedral services a year. Social: A variety of activities including music evenings, discos and musicals. Regular trips and student exchanges abroad. Meals self-service.
Lunch time and after school detentions for minor offences. Suspension and expulsion for serious offences.
CAOKS (Chester Association of Old King's Scholars) is run by former pupils. School Alumni Office can be contacted via the website or school.
Ronald Pickup, Nicholas Grace, Hugh Lloyd (actors); Martin Lewis (money expert); Steve Leonard (naturalist); Olivia Whitlam, Tom James, Chris Blake (rowers); James Fair (hockey player).
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