Admissions 2022 - 2023
Welcome to The King’s School. The information contained in this booklet is relating to entry to the school from September 2022. The King’s School is an...
Admissions information
2022 - 2023
Introduction from the Head
Welcome to The King’s School. The information contained in this booklet is relating to entry to the school from September 2022. The King’s School is an independent, academically selective school taking girls and boys from ages 4-18 years old.
Entry into the Infant School, Junior School and Senior School is by assessment days or examinations. Willow Lodge assessment day and the King’s Seniors examination are both held in January for admission into the following September. For King’s Juniors, we now accept admission to the school throughout the year. Entry into the Sixth Form is based on GCSE results and an interview in December.
We do admit children into all sections of the school at other times of the year but this is dependent on spaces being available. For more information, or if you wish to still apply for 2022, please contact the Admissions Manager (details below).
King’s has an admissions policy which outlines the criteria and selection process for entry. Please read the policy for more information: www.kingschester.co.uk/about-us/policies. Selection is by academic merit alone.
We offer financial help by way of means-tested bursaries for Senior (Year 7) and Sixth Form entry to as many families as we are able to help. There are currently no bursaries available for the Infant or Junior Schools.
If you do not find the answers to all your questions within the information pack we have sent to you or if you would like to attend one of our events or visit us, please contact the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553 or admissions@kingschester.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can visit our website: www.kingschester.co.uk.
Entry Stages
We will consider entry into Willow Lodge at any point in a pupil’s infant school life subject to availability of places, although the main year of entry to Willow Lodge is Reception (age 4+).
Admissions and Assessments
Admission to Willow Lodge is by means of a play-based assessment held each year in January. Children should be over four and under seven on the following September 1, although exceptions may be made in special cases.
The assessment for entry to Willow Lodge in September 2022 was held in January 2022. Assessments may take place at other times by arrangement, according to the availability of places.
As part of the assessment process, a reference will be requested from your child’s current school/nursery or health professional.
On acceptance of a place, a £500 deposit is payable. The deposit and the first term’s fees are not refundable if a parent cancels acceptance of a place.
For entrance into Reception, children must be four years old before September 1 of the year of entry. The 4+ entrance assessment is an informal play-based session of approximately one hour’s duration. This will assess their gross and fine motor skills, social skills, imagination and verbal communication.
We do consider entry at Infant 1 and Infant 2, subject to availability of places.
We expect all our Infant children to move smoothly through to our Junior School provided that progress and behaviour are in line with expectations.
How to apply
To enter a child for Willow Lodge, parents should complete the online registration form and pay the application fee at least one week before the date of the assessment in January. Printed registration forms can be obtained from the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553.
Fees
| 2021/22 |
3 Direct Debits Per Term |
Direct Debit Termly |
Yearly |
| Willow Lodge |
£1,054 |
£3,161 |
£9,3483 |
Lunches are charged at £240 per term and are collected by direct debit alongside the fees. Fees will be reviewed in the summer term for September 2022.
Personalised Tour
We’d like to invite you to experience the unique learning environment and outstanding facilities here at Willow Lodge. A tour can be arranged for you and your child to take a look at our purpose-built, eco-friendly school surrounded by fields, woodland and creative play areas.
Visit us
A number of events are also scheduled throughout the year. You are welcome to visit with your children on these occasions. You are also welcome to make an appointment to meet the Head of Willow Lodge or other members of staff by contacting the Admissions Manager on 01244 689553 or by email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk.
Class sizes
There will be a maximum of two classes in each year of approximately 22 per class.
Curriculum
Morning sessions provide literacy, language and numeracy learning opportunities when young minds are fresh. Sport, drama, understanding the world and creative development, such as art and music, usually take place in the afternoon. The day finishes with story time. All children at Willow Lodge take weekly swimming lessons. French and Spanish are taught. Children enhance their learning with the use of iPads in the classroom.
Our infants will read daily. As the children progress into Year 1 and Year 2, more formalised learning takes place, with separate science, humanities, religious studies and computing lessons.
More information
If you require any further information or advice please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553 or email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk. Alternatively you can visit our website: www.kingschester.co.uk
Welcome to King's Juniors
Entry stages
We will consider entry into King’s Juniors at any point in a pupil’s school life, subject to availability of places, although the main year of entry to the Junior School is Year 3 (age 7+)
Admission
Assessments for entry to to the Junior School take place throughout the academic year, dependent on availability of spaces in each year group. Please contact our Admissions Manager to check availability and arrange an assessment.
How to apply
To enter a child for King’s Juniors, parents should first check the availability within the relevant year group, then complete the online application form and pay the application fee. Printed application forms can be obtained from the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553.
Junior School children who have joined us in J1, J2 or J3 may anticipate automatic entry to Seniors, provided that their behaviour and academic progress is in line with expectations.
Pupils joining J4 up to the end of Michaelmas Term before the year of entry may also anticipate automatic entry to Seniors, provided that their behaviour and academic progress is in line with expectations.
Pupils wishing to join J4 in Lent or Summer terms must sit the full Senior School entrance exams alongside external candidates.
Visit us
A number of events are scheduled throughout the year. You are welcome to visit with your children on these occasions. You are also welcome to make an appointment to meet the Head of the Junior School or other members of staff by calling the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553 or email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk.
Taster Day and School Tours
Your child can enjoy a Taster Day in King’s Juniors, when they will join pupils and staff in our purpose-built Learning Centre for lessons, outdoor play and co-curricular activities. We can also arrange bespoke parent tours of King’s Juniors and all other areas of the school. Please contact our Admissions Department to find out more.
Open Events
Our annual Open Day will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Please check the school website for details of how to book closer to the time, or call our Admissions Manager for more information.
Fees
| 2021/22 |
3 Direct Debits Per Term |
Direct Debit Termly |
Yearly |
| Junior School |
£1,195 |
£3,583 |
£10,749 |
Lunches are charged at £266 per term and are collected by direct debit alongside the fees. Fees will be reviewed in the summer term for September 2022.
Class sizes
There are three classes in each year, with approximately 20-22 per class.
Curriculum
Pupils have a total of 40 periods each week as follows: Maths (8), English (8), Science (2), Geography (2), History (2), Religious Studies (1), Spanish (1), Technology (2), Art (2), Music (2), PE/Swimming (2), Games (2), PSHE (1), Activities (2), Computing (2), Guided Reading (1).
The content and level of the curriculum is broadly based on the National Curriculum. We offer a good breadth and provide a diverse range of opportunities.
Junior School assessments
Assessments for entry to to the Junior School take place throughout the academic year, dependent on availability of spaces in each year group. Please contact our Admissions Department to check availability and arrange an assessment.
All children sit a written assessment in English, Maths, Reading and Non Verbal Reasoning followed by an informal chat. The majority of questions will be based on the National Curriculum for their current age.
As part of the assessment process, a reference will be requested from your child’s current school or health professional.
On acceptance of a place, a £500 deposit is payable. The deposit and first term’s fees are not refundable if a parent cancels acceptance of a place.
More information
If you require any further information or advice please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553 or email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk, alternatively you can visit our website: www.kingschester.co.uk.
J1 (Year 3)
Children must be 7 years old before September 1 of the year of entry. The assessment will include Maths and English, based on the KS2 National Curriculum Programme of Study for Year 2 and a non-verbal reasoning exercise.
J2 (Year 4)
Children must be 8 years old before September 1 of the year of entry. The assessment will include Maths and English, based on the KS2 National Curriculum Programme of Study for Year 3 and a non-verbal reasoning exercise.
J3 (Year 5)
Children must be 9 years old before September 1 of the year of entry. The assessment will include Maths and English, based on the KS2 National Curriculum Programme of Study for Year 4 and a non-verbal reasoning exercise.
J4 (Year 6)
Children must be 10 years old before September 1 of the year of entry. The assessment will include Maths and English, based on the KS2 National Curriculum Programme of Study for Year 5 and a non-verbal reasoning exercise.
Welcome to King's Senior School
Entry stages
The main year of entry to the King’s Seniors is Year 7 (age 11) but we do consider entry at any other point up to Year 10, subject to the availability of places. For entry in Year 12, please see the next section, Sixth Form.
Admission
Admission to the Senior School at 11 is by means of an assessment, held each year in January, and candidates must be over 11 and under 12 years of age on the following 1 September. Exceptions may be made in the case of outstanding candidates under this age.
The examination for entry to the school in September 2022 was held on Friday, January 14, 2022. For entry into Year 7 for September 2023, the entrance examination will take place on January 20, 2023.
How to apply
To enter a child for the King’s Seniors, parents should complete the online application form and pay the application fee, at least one week before the date of the examination. Printed application forms can be obtained from the website or from the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553.
Fees
| 2021/22 |
3 Direct Debits Per Term |
Direct Debit Termly |
Yearly |
| Senior School |
£1,558 |
£4,673 |
£14,016 |
Lunches are charged at £276 per term and and are collected by direct debit alongside the fees. Fees will be reviewed in the summer term for September 2022.
Visit us
A number of events are scheduled throughout the year. You are welcome to visit with your children on these occasions. You are also welcome to make an appointment to meet the Headmaster or other members of staff by calling the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553 or email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk.
Taster Days
One of the most successful ways to see if King’s is the right choice for your child is for them to spend a Taster Day at the school, where they will take part in lessons and activities alongside our pupils. We will try out best to tailor these activities to best suit your child’s interests and hobbies.
School Tours
Our Admissions Team will be happy to make an appointment for you to have a tour of any part of the school. This tour can take place either with or without your child. Further details can be obtained from the Admissions Manager on 01244 689553.
Senior School assessments
For entry into Year 7 for September 2023, the entrance examination will take place on January 20, 2023, after which offers are sent to parents in line with HMC guidelines. Assessments may take place at other times by arrangement, subject to the availability of places.
All children will sit an online assessment of their skills in English Comprehension, Maths and Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning. There will also be an English writing assessment and an interview. The majority of questions will be based on the National Curriculum within Key Stage 2. Sample papers and links to practice websites can be found on the website.
As part of the assessment process, a reference will be requested from your child’s current school.
On acceptance of a place, a £500 deposit is payable. The deposit and first term’s fees are not refundable if a parent cancels acceptance of a place.
Transition to the Sixth Form is dependent on pupils meeting the entrance criteria.
Bursaries and help with fees
A limited number of bursaries are available for children entering the King’s Seniors in Removes (Year 7). In most cases, bursaries are considered for families with a gross income below £60,000. The process will begin with the completion of a financial assessment form which will be assessed by an external company, including a home visit and an interview. Their report will then be reviewed by an internal bursary review panel who will make the final decision on whether a bursary will be awarded, and at what level. More information is available in our “Helping with Fees” booklet. Please request a bursary application form from the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553.
Scholarships
Entrance Scholars
Up to 20 entrance scholarships are awarded to new Removes (Year 7) based upon the results of the entry examination. These pupils will be awarded £50 each.
King’s Scholars
King’s Scholar awards are made at the end of the Third Year (Year 9). The awards of £250 are based on the results of examinations.
Music Scholarships
Two music scholarships are offered to pupils on entry to Removes (Year 7). Candidates will normally have reached at least grade 4 or above to apply for the £500 means-tested Music Scholarship or grade 5 or above for the Fergal O’Mahony Scholarship.
For more information, please see our “Helping with Fees” booklet.
Welcome to King's Sixth Form
How to apply
To apply for Sixth Form, please complete the online application form and pay the application fee to the address at the bottom of the form. Printed application forms can be obtained from the website or from the Admissions Manager on 01244 689553. We hope you will be able to attend our information evenings and we will be delighted to arrange a taster day for your child.
Interviews for entry into Sixth Form in September 2022 have already taken place. Please contact admissions@kingschester.co.uk to add your child to our waiting list.
Interviews for entry in Sixth Form in September 2023 will take place on December 7, 2022.
Sixth Form entry requirements
- A minimum of seven GCSEs are required, four of which need to be grade 7 and three at grade 6 or above.
-
Grade 7 or above in the four subjects that will be studied at A Level. Grade 8 needed for Further Maths.
-
Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English Language.
-
An interview with a senior member of staff.
-
A satisfactory report or reference from the pupil’s current school.
Fees
| 2021/22 |
Monthly Per Term |
Termly |
Yearly |
| Sixth Form |
£1,558 |
£4,673 |
£14,016 |
Lunches are charged at £276 per term and are collected by direct debit alongside the fees. Fees will be reviewed in the summer term for September 2022.
Visit us
Taster Days and Tours
One of the most successful ways to see if King’s is the right choice for your child is for them to spend a Taster Day at the school, where they will take part in lessons and activities alongside current students. We can also arrange bespoke parent tours of King’s Sixth Form and all other areas of the school.
Please contact our Admissions Department to find out more.
Sixth Form Interview Day:
Interviews for entry in Sixth Form in September 2023 will take place on December 7, 2022.
Bursaries
We have a limited number of bursaries available for Sixth Form students who meet our entrance criteria. In most cases bursaries are only considered for families with a gross income below £60,000. The process will begin with the completion of a financial assessment form which will be assessed by an external company, including a home visit and an interview. Their report will then be reviewed by an internal bursary review panel who will make the final decision on whether a bursary will be awarded, and at what level. Please request a bursary application form from the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553.
For more information on bursaries, please see our “Helping with Fees” booklet. Bursary applications must be received by November 29, 2021.
Scholarships
Sixth Form Scholarships and Awards (for current and new pupils in September 2022, awarded at various times from December 2021 onwards).
There are several scholarship opportunities for Sixth Form study at King’s:
- Investec Scholarship worth £1,000 – this is awarded in the autumn of a student’s Fifth Year (Year 11) and is based on a competitive exam.
- McAlpine Award of £1,000 for an outstanding engineer –this is awarded during the Lower or Upper Sixth year and is based on a competitive interview.
- The Keith Oates Scholarship worth £1,000 for an outstanding Economist – this is awarded during the Lower or Upper Sixth year and is based on a competitive interview.
- Up to four King’s Scholarships worth up to £1,000 for pupils joining the Sixth Form from other schools – these are awarded in the December prior to starting King’s the following September. They are awarded after interviews and predicted grades and are conditional on gaining eight grade 7-8 (A*/A) GCSEs.
- Up to five King’s Scholarships worth £500 for pupils joining the Sixth Form from King’s Fifth Year (Year 11) – these are awarded in the November prior to starting King’s the following September. Students will be invited to apply further to mock examinations and are conditional on gaining eight grade 7-8 (A*/A) GCSEs.
For more information on bursaries or scholarships, please see the “Helping with Fees” booklet on the website.
More information
If you require any further information or advice please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Manager on: 01244 689553 or email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk, alternatively you can visit our website: www.kingschester.co.uk
To contact the Headmaster
Mr George Hartley
Telephone: 01244 689500
Email: hm@kingschester.co.uk
The King’s School,
Wrexham Road,
Chester
CH4 7QL
To contact the Chair of Governors
If you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, please write to Mr David Rowlands at the above address.
Find us online
website - www.kingschester.co.uk
Facebook - facebook.com/kingsschoolchester
Twitter - twitter.com/kingschester
Instagram - instagram.com/thekingsschoolchester
School Policies
All our policies can be found on our website under the ‘About us/school policies’ tab; these include the following subjects:
- Accessibility Plan
- Admissions Policy (including appeals)
- Anti-Bullying Policy
- Bursary Policy
- Behaviour Policy
- Curriculum Policies
- Equal Opportunities and Inclusivity Policy
- Health Policy
- Health and Safety Policy
- ICT and School Computer use Policy
- Parent-School Issues Policy (including complaint and data protection)
- PSHE Policy
- Pupil Supervision Policy
- Remote Learning Policy
- Safe Recruitment Policy
- Safeguarding & Staff Code of Conduct Policy
- SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disability) Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
Other information
Academic results can be found on our website:
www.kingschester.co.uk/about-us/academic-results
Staff details can be found on our website:
www.kingschester.co.uk/about-us/staff-and-govenors
Our most recent school inspection report can be found on the
website: www.kingschester.co.uk/about-us/inspection-report
If you would like a printed copy of any of the policies or information above, please contact the Admissions Office on: 01244 689553 or email: admissions@kingschester.co.uk
Please see the website for the most up-to-date information www.kingschester.co.uk
How to find us
By bus
- Wrexham-Chester: 1
- Mold-Chester: X44/X55
- Ince/Ellesmere Port-Chester Business Park: DB8
- Nantwich/Tarporley
- Whitchurch/Malpas/Broxton/Waverton
- St Asaph/Northop
Please contact the Admissions Manager to refer you to the appropriate organiser for information on costs and to confirm the availability of seats. Early application is advised.
By train
Chester railway station is a 10 minute bus journey.
The Chester-Wrexham: 1 bus service operates between the railway station and stops outside the school.
By road
The King’s School is located on the A483 Chester, Wrexham Road, 1½ miles south of the city centre and about half a mile from the A55 Chester southerly bypass. Visitor Parking is available.
From M6/M53
Take M53 Chester/North Wales and continue South (it becomes the A55). Take the A483 Chester/Wrexham exit, follow signs to Chester. The school is on the right immediately after the second roundabout.
From A56/A51/A41
Turn south onto A55 and then as above.
From A41 Birkenhead
Follow signs through Chester to A483 Wrexham/North Wales.
The school is on the left, a mile south of the city.
