About Cheshire Grammar Schools
Cheshire hosts 2 selective independent schools — King's School Chester (boys originally, now mixed) and The Queen's School Chester (girls). The county has no state grammar schools. Both schools have long traditions and are tied to Chester's cathedral and civic heritage.
History & Tradition
King's School Chester was founded in 1541 — originally to provide education for the choristers of Chester Cathedral. The Queen's School Chester (founded 1878) was endowed to provide education for girls in the city. Cheshire abolished state grammars in the 1970s.
The Entry Test
Each school sets its own entrance test in autumn of Year 6 — typically covering English, Maths, Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning. The Queen's School and King's School coordinate test dates to allow families to apply to both.
Cheshire 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Cheshire Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1King's School Chester (founded 1541) was originally a choir school for Chester Cathedral — today it admits boys and girls and remains closely linked to the cathedral.
- 2The Queen's School Chester (founded 1878) is one of England's older girls' independent schools — known for strong music, drama, and art programmes.
- 3Cheshire abolished state grammars in the 1970s — both selective schools are now fee-paying independents.
- 4Cheshire families often access neighbouring Wirral grammars (Calday Grange, West Kirby, etc.) — particularly families living in the Ellesmere Port and Neston areas.
- 5Some Cheshire families also access the Trafford Consortium grammars (Sale, Stretford) — accessible from Cheshire's northern districts.
- 6King's School Chester offers boarding alongside day places — making it one of the few selective schools in Cheshire offering full residential education.
- 7Both Chester schools maintain strong scholarship and bursary programmes — King's School provides fee assistance to around 20% of pupils.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Grange School | Mixed | — | CEM Select | 65.3% | 81.8% |
Cheshire Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
What 11+ exam do Cheshire grammar schools use?
Most Cheshire grammar schools admit pupils through the Independent 11+. Check each school's row above, as some set their own entrance test or use a different exam board.
What makes Cheshire grammar schools distinctive?
King's School Chester (founded 1541) was originally a choir school for Chester Cathedral — today it admits boys and girls and remains closely linked to the cathedral.
What else should families know about the Cheshire 11+?
The Queen's School Chester (founded 1878) is one of England's older girls' independent schools — known for strong music, drama, and art programmes.
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: