Key Facts
| School Type | Independent day school for girls |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 4-18 years |
| Location | City Walls Road, Chester |
| Established | 1878 (Royal designation 1882) |
| Students | Approximately 415 |
| Headmistress | Mrs Joanne Keville |
| Termly Fees | £3,405 - £5,215 (at time of writing) |
| Entry Requirements | Entrance examinations in January |
Figures correct at the time of writing — always confirm current fees and deadlines with the school directly.
Key Information Summary
- School Type: Independent day school for girls
- Age Range: 4-18 years
- Location: City Walls Road, Chester
- Established: 1878 (Royal designation 1882)
- Students: Approximately 415
- Headmistress: Mrs Joanne Keville
- Termly Fees: £3,405 - £5,215
- Entry Requirements: Entrance examinations in January
About The Queen's School Chester
The Queen's School Chester has been nurturing young women for over 140 years, combining academic excellence with character development in the historic city of Chester. Originally established as "The Chester School for Girls" in 1878, the school received its prestigious royal designation from Queen Victoria in 1882, reflecting its commitment to educational distinction.
Located on the famous City Walls Road, the school occupies a unique position within Chester's ancient Roman walls, offering students an inspiring learning environment that blends Georgian and Victorian architecture with modern educational facilities. This prime location provides pupils with the cultural richness of Chester whilst maintaining easy access for families across Cheshire and North Wales.
The school's ethos centres on developing confident, articulate young women who excel academically and contribute meaningfully to society. With approximately 415 students across all year groups, The Queen's School maintains an intimate community atmosphere where each girl receives personalised attention and support to reach her full potential.
Notable features include strong performance in STEM subjects, exceptional creative arts programmes, and a comprehensive co-curricular offering that includes Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes and extensive sporting opportunities. The school's alumni network includes successful professionals across various fields, testament to the solid foundation provided.
The 11+ Assessment Process at The Queen's School Chester
The Queen's School Chester employs a comprehensive assessment process for Year 7 entry, designed to identify students who will thrive in their academic environment and contribute positively to the school community.
Assessment Components
The entrance examination, typically held in January, consists of four key areas:
- Mathematics: Problem-solving capabilities, numerical reasoning, and mathematical concepts appropriate for the age group
- English: Reading comprehension, creative writing, and language skills demonstrating literary understanding
- Verbal Reasoning: Analytical thinking, vocabulary knowledge, and ability to process written information effectively
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical thinking through visual puzzles
Assessment Approach
The school seeks students who demonstrate academic potential rather than requiring perfect performance. Assessments are designed to be accessible whilst identifying those who will benefit from the school's challenging academic programme. The admissions team considers each candidate holistically, taking into account individual circumstances and potential for growth.
Preparation should focus on developing confidence across all subject areas rather than intensive coaching. The school values natural ability, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning above mechanical test performance.
How to Apply
The application process for The Queen's School Chester is designed to help families make informed decisions whilst allowing the school to identify suitable candidates.
Application Steps
- Initial Contact: Contact the admissions office at admissions@thequeensschool.co.uk or telephone 01244 312078
- School Visit: Arrange a personalised tour to experience the facilities, meet staff, and understand the school's atmosphere
- Taster Day: Your daughter can attend a taster day to experience lessons, meet potential classmates, and gauge her comfort level
- Application Submission: Complete the comprehensive application form with all required documentation
- Entrance Examinations: Attend the January assessment session for Year 7 entry
- Interview Process: Successful candidates may be invited for informal interviews
Key Dates
Registration typically opens in the autumn term preceding entry year. Entrance examinations are held in January, with offers made shortly thereafter. Early application is recommended as places are competitive, particularly given the school's excellent reputation in Chester and surrounding areas.
Financial Considerations
The school offers various scholarships and bursaries based on academic merit and financial need. These awards can significantly reduce fees and make the school accessible to families who might otherwise find independent education prohibitive.
Preparing for the The Queen's School Chester 11+ with Taylor Tuition
Families preparing for the The Queen's School Chester 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.
More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.
Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.
Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
- How much are the fees at The Queen's School Chester?
- Termly Fees: £3,405 - £5,215 (correct at the time of writing). Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
- What type of school is The Queen's School Chester?
- The Queen's School Chester is an independent day school for girls.
- How should my child prepare for the The Queen's School Chester 11+?
- Start structured preparation 12–18 months before the assessment: secure core English and maths beyond curriculum pace, introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning question types systematically (these are rarely taught at primary school), and build up to timed practice in the final months.
Enquire about 11+ preparation
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English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with mark schemes.
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