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Chester International School

United Kingdom, Chester

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The school at a glance
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 14 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 320
Type Co-educational
Opened 2017
Bus Service No
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.

Chester International School, Queen's Park Campus, Queen's Park Road, Handbridge, Chester CH4 7AE

The Essentials

Chester International School has 320 pupils.

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

Food Options
ABM Catering provides breakfast, morning break and lunch with a range of freshly prepared, seasonally influenced menus. Lunch menus include allergen information, and students may bring a packed lunch and eat in The Eatery or at the courtyard picnic tables; students can switch between packed lunches and school meals freely any time they want.

Governance and Ownership
The school is state-funded and free to students. It is governed by a board of governors.
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

Chester International School teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), British Curriculum for students aged 14 to 18.

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

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school believes that all pupils are entitled to an education that enables them to achieve their best, become confident individuals living fulfilling lives, and make a successful transition into adulthood. Cheshire West & Chester Local Offer provides comprehensive information for children and young people with SEND. CIS provides a SEND Local Offer and a Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Policy download. The SENCO is Mrs Jenny Monaghan; Tel: 01244 735610; Email: jmonaghan@chesterinternational.co.uk. Additional guidance is provided through external resources such as Live Well Cheshire West, and GOV.UK SEND information.

Mental Wellbeing
The school provides mental health support through a dedicated page of mental health resources. Mental Health Apps include Moodfit; MoodMission; Talkspace; Sanvello; Calm; Happify; Depression CBT Self-Help Guide; Shine; Bearable; PTSD Coach. Mental Health Websites include Kooth; NHS; Papyrus; Childline; Young Minds; Place2Be.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding Policy and Child Protection policy are listed in the school Policies section; both are downloadable. The policies section provides a dedicated Safeguarding Policy and Child Protection entry.
Parent Experience

History
Opened in September 2017, Chester International School serves learners aged 14-19 in the heart of Chester. It offers GCSEs at Key Stage 4 and an international curriculum at Sixth Form. It describes itself as a hub of professional learning and work placements with a globally minded approach. The school has moved into its purpose-built facility in Handbridge, Chester. The international curriculum includes IB Career-related Programme, IB Diploma Programme and IB Middle Years Programme.

Community
Chester International School is a hub of technology, innovation and academic study with global and professional engagement. It offers extended field studies and a wide range of activities with opportunities for travel and adventure. After studying with CIS, students leave with confidence, skills and broad experience, ready for work, apprenticeships or university study. The school is located at Queen's Park Campus, Handbridge, Chester CH4 7AE.
Facilities

Academic Facilities
Opened in September 2017. The school offers GCSE at Key Stage 4 and an international curriculum at Sixth Form. It provides the IB Diploma Programme, IB Career-related Programme and IB Middle Years Programme. Technology is integrated into the curriculum to support learning. Through a globally and professionally relevant curriculum, technology and a vast range of activities, the school prepares students for the future world.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Enrichment Electives are offered. Chester International School is a hub of professional learning and work placements with a globally minded approach. A vast range of activities is available.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Enrichment electives run within the school day in term blocks. Students sign up for two enrichment electives each term from around 16 options. Electives have outcomes designed with students able to add these electives to their e-portfolios. Not all electives will be available every term.

Arts & Creative
Creativity electives allow students to explore new areas of interest and develop creative elements of the curriculum. The examples include Theatre, Photography Club, Coding & Animation, Private Music Lessons, and Makerspace. These electives have outcomes designed to be added to the student's e-portfolio.

Cultural & Language
The school provides an internationally minded, fully inclusive and holistic curriculum and aims to develop Independent Minds, Global Citizens. As an International Baccalaureate World School, CIS offers IB programmes for KS4 and KS5 with a strong international outlook. This helps students leave CIS as global citizens with independent minds.

Social & Hobbies
Two enrichment blocks cover Sports, Health & Well-being and Creativity. Examples include Boxercise, Dance, Gym & Fitness, Yoga, and Rowing. The Creativity elective options include Theatre, Photography Club, Coding & Animation, Private Music Lessons, and Makerspace.

Community & Service
The school offers an extensive programme of work experience and overseas visits. The CIS curriculum connects to the wider IB community and aims to strengthen connections with the community. CIS seeks to engage with the community of IB Schools and with the local community.

Leadership & Professional
Learners have access to a personal coach as part of their development. Enrichment electives include Social Networking for Business, Applying an Entrepreneurial Approach, Conflict Management, and Lean Organisation Management Techniques. The curriculum focuses on developing international employability and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The enrichment electives include Sports, Health & Well-being. Examples include Boxercise, Dance, Gym & Fitness, Yoga, and Rowing. These options promote physical activity and wellbeing during the school day.
Languages

Language Provision
The school offers GCSE language options including French, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin, alongside core English subjects (English Language and English Literature). The enrichment package provides opportunities to pursue further foreign language qualifications such as GCSE Japanese. Chester International School is an IB World School offering the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Year 10–11, and in the Sixth Form the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career Programme.
Admissions

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
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