Chester International School

United Kingdom, Chester

Ask School a Question

Shortlist

Ask School a Question

Shortlist

🔒

Asking this school a question isn't available on this profile

Chester International School doesn't currently receive questions from parents through doris.

Schools that manage their doris profile answer parent questions directly.

Is this your school? Claim your profile to start receiving enquiries from parents.

Why request through doris?

Book multiple tours with one click

doris will follow up with the schools on your behalf

Keep all your bookings in one place

Format

In person Video

Your timezone

Preferred slots (9am–4pm in school's timezone — pick at least 2)

Tell Chester International School you're interested

Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.

The school confirms eligibility before you commit

Doris keeps you updated and follows up if they go quiet

How many children are you applying for?

Where's your family from?

Some schools have residency / visa requirements — this helps the school answer you.

I want to enrol in…

Anything you'd like to mention? (optional)

🔒

Live availability isn't shared on this profile

Chester International School doesn't currently share live availability, places or waitlist updates through doris.

Schools that manage their doris profile answer availability questions directly.

Is this your school? Claim your profile to start sharing live availability with parents.

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school

Is this your school? Claim your profile

The school at a glance

Fees Fees not listed

Ages 14 - 18 years

Pupil numbers 320

Type Co-educational

Opened 2017

Bus Service No

Availability Not shared by this school

Academic offering

Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), British Curriculum

Taught languages English, French, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin

Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment

Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing

Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form

Introduction

Chester International School is located in Handbridge, Chester, CH4 7AE, serving learners aged 14–18 with a strong international focus. The school combines GCSE Key Stage 4 coursework with an international IB continuum across Sixth Form, offering the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), the IB Diploma Programme (DP), and the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), alongside the British curriculum. The KS4 pathway spans four years and uses the MYP framework, including the Personal Project and Service and Action, to prepare students for progression to DP or IBCP in the Sixth Form. An enrichment package provides additional foreign language qualifications such as GCSE Japanese and music lessons. Opened in 2017, the school operates from a purpose-built facility and integrates technology across learning. It positions itself as a hub of professional learning and work placements with a globally minded approach, offering overseas visits and enrichment electives to foster global citizenship and employability.

www.chesterinternational.co.uk

Gallery

The school has not added photos

Vibes and Culture

The school has not added this information

The Essentials

Location

The school is located at Queen's Park Campus, Queen's Park Road, Handbridge, Chester CH4 7AE. It is in the heart of Chester. The campus sits on Queen's Park Road in Handbridge, within the Cheshire West and Chester area.

Stages

GCSE / Key Stage 4 (14-16) and IB / Sixth Form (IB Diploma Programme or IB Career Programme). Year 10 students take GCSEs; Years 12–13 study either the IB Diploma Programme or the IB Career Programme. The Middle Years Programme is in candidate phase.

Country affiliation

United Kingdom

School day structure

The school day operates on a two-week timetable. There are 32.5 hours in the school week. A day includes a 30-minute Team Meet, five 1-hour lessons, a morning break and a lunch break.

Diving Deeper

The school has not added this information

Fees

Application fees

- There is no application or registration fee for admission to Chester International School; applications are processed through the school's standard admissions process and there is no charge to apply.

Tuition fees (per year group / per term)

- Chester International School is a state-funded school for ages 14–19. Tuition is free for all students. For Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 this means:
- Tuition per term: GBP 0.
- Tuition per academic year: GBP 0.

Billing schedule and payment terms (when charges apply)

- The school does not charge tuition, but charges will be applied for certain optional or additional items and activities (for example: residential or non-residential trips, some practical subject materials, individual music tuition, some exam fees or post-16 resits). Charges are requested at the time the activity or service is offered and must be paid by the published payment deadline for that activity. Voluntary contributions may be requested for some activities; if insufficient voluntary funding is received an activity may be cancelled.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- There is no boarding provision at Chester International School; the school operates as a day school. Boarding fees are not applicable.

Other costs and typical items parents should expect to pay

- School meals: There are per-item / per-meal charges for catering. Example tariffs (effective 01 Jan 2026) include: Main Meal GBP 2.10; Meal Deal GBP 2.40; Jacket Potato with one filling GBP 1.60; Pasta pots and a range of grab-and-go items priced from around GBP 0.50–GBP 2.40. Meal prices are published in the school's lunch tariff documents. Parents who prefer to provide packed lunches are welcome to do so.

- Trips, visits and enrichment: Parents may be asked to pay for the full cost of activities that take place wholly or mainly outside normal school hours; costs and deadlines will be set when the activity is offered. Discounts or support may be available under the school's charging policy for eligible students (for example those in receipt of pupil premium or qualifying 16–19 bursary funding).

- Examination and assessment charges: The school may charge for examination entry in specified circumstances (for example post-16 resits or if a student does not sit an examination without good reason). Fees for external exam entries or resits may include an administration charge where appropriate.

- Practical subject materials: Parents may be asked to provide or pay for ingredients, materials or kit for practical subjects (e.g., Technology, Art) when the finished product is taken home.

- Uniform and PE kit: The school operates under the Trust's uniform policy and a uniform specification / list is published by the Trust. Parents are responsible for purchasing required uniform and PE kit; specific items and suppliers are set out in the Trust/uniform documents. (Uniform item prices are set by suppliers and are not listed as a single school tuition charge.)

Refund information

- Refunds follow the Trust's Returns & Refunds procedures. Full refunds are made in specified cases (for example faulty goods returned within the stated period or cancellation of an activity by the Trust for specified reasons). Partial refunds may be made where a parent withdraws a student before the payment deadline and funds remain; refunds will be adjusted to reflect costs already committed or recoverable. The policy states that balances on a child's cashless catering account will be repaid on request. Requests for refunds must be made in writing to the Finance team and discretionary refunds may be considered by senior staff within published procedures.

Fee payment options and practical notes on paying

- School meal and catering transactions are managed via the school's catering / cashless account arrangements (the Returns & Refunds policy refers to cashless catering account balances). For any chargeable activity (trips, music tuition, exam fees, uniform purchases or other items sold by the Trust) payments are collected through the school/Trust finance arrangements and must be made by the published deadline. Parents should follow the payment instructions issued with each charge request or communication from the school's finance team.

Summary (parent-focused)

- There is no application fee and no tuition fee for any year group (Years 10–13): tuition is free because the school is state-funded.
- Day-to-day payable items you are most likely to encounter are: meal purchases, optional trips/visits, subject materials for practical courses, individual music tuition (where applicable), and certain examination or resit fees. Charges, deadlines and refund rules are set out in the Trust's charging and returns/refunds policies.

Academics

Curriculum

Chester International School delivers a GCSE / Key Stage 4 pathway and an IB-based Sixth Form curriculum. The KS4 program uses the IB Middle Years Programme framework and involves up to 10 GCSEs taught within IB MYP, with core components including the Personal Project and Service and Action. This provision is designed as a four-year pathway and is positioned as a foundation for the IB Diploma Programme, IB Career Programme or other IB options in the Sixth Form. The school states that the KS4 provision prepares students for progression to the IB Diploma Programme or IB Career Programme in the Sixth Form. An enrichment package is available, including opportunities to pursue additional foreign language qualifications such as GCSE Japanese and music lessons.

Exam Results

KS4 results for 2025 show 18.2% achieving 5 A-C (9-4) including English & Maths and 23.4% achieving 9-5 in English & Maths; Attainment 8 is 3.45. Progress 8 data is not available for 2025. In Post-16, the IB Diploma Programme had an 84.6% pass rate in 2025 with an average Diploma score of 31.4, and the IB Career Programme had a 94.1% pass rate with an average score of 31.0. In 2025, 59.6% of students secured university places (17.5% at Russell Group universities), 3.5% pursued apprenticeships, 29.8% entered employment, 1.8% moved overseas, and 92.9% of destinations were to education, apprenticeships or employment.

Higher Education Progression

In 2025, 59.6% of post-16 destinations were university places (including 17.5% at Russell Group universities); 29.8% entered employment; 3.5% pursued apprenticeships; 1.8% moved overseas for education or work; 92.9% of confirmed destinations were in education, apprenticeships or employment.

Gifted and Talented

Enrichment Electives offer around 16 options. Students sign up for two enrichment electives each term; sessions take place within the school day and outcomes are added to their e-portfolios. Additional qualifications include Social Networking for Business, Applying an Entrepreneurial Approach, Conflict Management and Lean Organisation Management Techniques.

Wellbeing

The school has not added this information

Parent Experience

The school has not added this information

Facilities

The school has not added this information

Extra-Curricular Activities

The school has not added this information

Languages

The school has not added this information

Reputation

The school has not added this information

Admissions

1. Admission to Chester International School is for Year 10 and Year 12 in September. Places are limited, and families should plan ahead as spaces are not guaranteed. The school's team answers questions about the application process and supports families through next steps. In-year transfers can be requested by completing an Expression of Interest form, after which the school contacts families to discuss the process. 2. CIS hosts events for prospective students and families to tour the building and meet educators, support staff, governors, the PTA and learners. These events provide an opportunity to understand the school environment, curriculum and community. 3. Apply online for Year 10 or Year 12, or register interest by completing the Expression of Interest form to receive immediate details of the application process. 4. Admissions timelines for 2025/2026: Applications open 1 September 2025 and close 31 October 2025; supporting information is due by 11 December 2025; offers are notified by 2 March 2026; the on-time appeals deadline is 31 March 2026 and on-time appeals are heard by 18 June 2026. 5. For 2026/2027, applications open 1 September 2026 and close 31 October 2026; supporting information is due by 11 December 2026; offers are notified by 1 March 2027; on-time appeals are due by 31 March 2027 and heard by 17 June 2027. 6. In-year Admissions: To apply for an in-year transfer after the term has begun, complete an Expression of Interest form and the school will contact the family to discuss the process. 7. Appeals process: Details regarding appeals are outlined in the admissions policy. On-time appeals are heard within forty school days from the deadline for submitting appeals (typically in May or June); late appeals are heard within forty days of submission where possible, or within thirty days of submission; in-year appeals are heard within thirty days of submission, with the hearing date provided at least ten school days in advance.

Scholarships

Financial support for students aged 16 to 19 is provided through government funding allocated to schools. There are three types of financial support offered: free school meals, vulnerable bursaries, and discretionary bursaries. Free school meals are available to households in receipt of benefits, with applications processed by the local authority. A 16-19 bursary is available in two categories: vulnerable bursaries for eligible students (e.g., students in local authority care or on certain benefits) and discretionary bursaries for other students facing genuine financial hardship. The school provides full details on eligibility and evidence requirements in the 16-19 Bursary Statement, and applications must be submitted online with supporting documents by the stated deadline; late applications may be considered where needed. Welsh residents should apply to their home local authority for EMA, and discretionary bursaries may still be considered. An application does not guarantee funding, and awards are subject to funds available. The school can reimburse meals, travel and essential costs and may purchase required items on behalf of students where possible. For inquiries about bursaries, the finance team handles the process.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is Chester International School located and what age range does it serve?

The school is at Queen's Park Campus, Queen's Park Road, Handbridge, Chester CH4 7AE, in the heart of Chester. It serves students aged 14 to 18 (Years 10–13 in KS4 and Sixth Form).

What curriculum does Chester International School use for KS4 and Sixth Form?

KS4 follows the IB Middle Years Programme framework with up to 10 GCSEs, including the Personal Project and Service & Action, forming a four-year pathway. In the Sixth Form, students study either the IB Diploma Programme or the IB Career Programme, with an enrichment package such as GCSE Japanese or music lessons.

Is Chester International School a day school and is it co-educational?

Yes. It operates as a day school (no boarding) and is co-educational.

Do families have to pay to apply or to attend Chester International School?

There is no application fee and no tuition because the school is state-funded and free for Years 10–13. Some activities and items, such as trips, materials, or private lessons, may incur charges.

How does the admissions process work for Year 10 and Year 12?

Applications for Year 10 and Year 12 open on 1 September and close on 31 October; offers are communicated by early March; there is an appeals process. In-year transfers are possible via an Expression of Interest form.

Are there scholarships or bursaries available?

Financial support for 16–19 students comes from government funding, including free school meals, vulnerable bursaries and discretionary bursaries. Applications are online and handled by the local authority and the school's finance team; eligibility depends on the scheme and funds available.

What does the KS4 pathway look like and how does it prepare students for Sixth Form?

The KS4 pathway uses the IB MYP framework for four years with up to 10 GCSEs, including the Personal Project and Service & Action, designed as a foundation for the IB Diploma Programme or IB Career Programme in the Sixth Form.

How did CIS perform in 2025 in KS4?

KS4 results for 2025 show 18.2% of students achieving 5 A*-C (9-4) including English & Maths, and 23.4% achieving 9-5 in English & Maths; Attainment 8 is 3.45.

What are the 2025 IB results and post-16 destinations?

The IB Diploma Programme had an 84.6% pass rate with an average Diploma score of 31.4, and the IB Career Programme had a 94.1% pass rate with an average score of 31.0. In 2025, 59.6% of post-16 destinations were university places (17.5% at Russell Group), 29.8% in employment, 3.5% apprenticeships, and 1.8% moved overseas.

What languages can students study at CIS?

GCSE language options include French, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin, alongside core English subjects. The enrichment package also offers further qualifications such as GCSE Japanese.

Is CIS an IB World School?

Yes. CIS offers the IB Middle Years Programme for Years 10–11 and, in the Sixth Form, the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career Programme, establishing it as an IB World School.

What facilities support learning and enrichment at the campus?

The school is housed in a purpose-built facility in Handbridge opened in 2017, with technology integrated to support learning. It also offers a broad range of enrichment electives and opportunities for work placements and travel.

What enrichment and extracurricular options are available?

Around 16 enrichment electives are offered each term, including Theatre, Photography Club, Coding & Animation, Private Music Lessons and Makerspace. There are also Sports and wellbeing options like Boxercise, Dance, Gym & Fitness, Yoga and Rowing, with two electives chosen per term.

How does the school support wellbeing and safeguarding?

The school has a dedicated SENCO and a SEND Local Offer with a Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Policy. Safeguarding and child protection policies are published, and mental health resources and external supports (eg Kooth, NHS guidance) are available.

What about meals and food at the school?

ABM Catering provides breakfast, morning break and lunch with allergen information. Students may choose school meals or bring packed lunches, and meal prices are published.

What about school uniform and PE kit?

The school follows the Trust uniform policy; a uniform specification is published by the Trust. Parents are responsible for purchasing the required uniform and PE kit from approved suppliers.

How is the school governed?

The school is state-funded and governed by a board of governors, with a globally minded IB-based curriculum guiding its approach.

How does CIS engage with families and the local community?

CIS hosts events for prospective families to tour the building and meet educators, governors and the PTA, and learners. It emphasizes work placements, overseas visits and engagement with the IB community and the local community.

What does a typical school day look like?

The day operates on a two-week timetable with 32.5 hours per week, five one-hour lessons, plus a 30-minute Team Meet and a morning and lunch break.

Are there boarding options or transport details?

CIS is a day school with no boarding provision; there is no information provided about a school bus service.

Search for more schools

Search schools in United Kingdom View all schools in Chester View all schools in United kingdom IB curriculum schools in United Kingdom Open days & tours in Chester What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools

Chester International School

Asking this school a question isn't available on this profile

Request confirmed

The school will be in touch soon. Schools typically confirm bookings within 5 business days

Tell Chester International School you're interested

Sent to the school