List of Independent Schools in Cheshire

There are a range of independent schools in Cheshire covering mixed schools, schools for boys and schools for girls.

Below you’ll find a list of those private schools that we have included which have entry into year 7 (11 Plus entry).

Cheshire Independent Schools that accept entry into year seven

Abbey Gate College – Chester – Cheshire

Abbey Gate College is a mixed private school.

Abbey Gate College- 472 pupils.

“At Abbey Gate College, they care about the progress of each and every pupil. They emphasise the importance of self-esteem and a love of learning in a friendly and caring environment; academic success goes hand in hand with building motivation and confidence. Potential is nurtured and they encourage pupils from 4-18 years old, to develop their imagination, determination and aspirations to the full.”

School Website: www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk

Exam Format – School’s own and CAT4 – This will include:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal, Non-Verbal, Spatial and Quantitative Reasoning

Cheadle Hulme School – Stockport – Cheshire

Cheadle Hulme School is a mixed private school

Cheadle Hulme School – 1500 pupils.

“The educational experience at CHS is built upon the three pillars of Academic, Altruistic and Active. We expect every pupil to love their learning, to discover their academic passions and to achieve the very highest standards in external examinations. We offer a vast range of opportunities for pupils to engage in activities outside the classroom and to find their ‘thing’, the activity that they can pursue and love for the rest of their lives.”

School Website: www.cheadlehulmeschool.co.uk

Exam Format – CEM Select and school’s own. CEM Select is an online test and covers:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Followed by an English essay (school’s own)

Stockport Grammar School – Stockport – Cheshire

Stockport Grammar School is a mixed private school.

Stockport Grammar School- 1030 pupils.

“A leading co-educational school offering excellent academic standards and a wide range of extra-curricular activities to inspire every child. The children feel happy and secure and are treated as individuals in a caring community with a strong system of pastoral care. Superb facilities encourage learning both inside and outside the classroom.”

School Website: www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

Exam Format – School’s own. This will typically cover the following:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning

The Grange School – Northwich – Cheshire

The Grange School is a mixed private school.

The Grange School- 1180 pupils.

“The Grange is a young, vibrant and uncomplicated school, which provides a modern, forward-looking education to boys and girls between the ages of 4-18. High quality pastoral care, a vibrant extra-curricular life and outstanding results have made The Grange arguably one of the greatest recent success stories in independent education.”

School Website: www.grange.org.uk

Exam Format – CEM Select. This is an online test that covers:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning

The King’s School (Chester) – Chester – Cheshire

The King’s School (Chester) is a mixed private school.

The King’s School (Chester)- 1080 pupils.

“The School was founded AD 1541 by King Henry VIII, in conjunction with the Cathedral Church of Chester. It was reorganised under the Endowed Schools Act in 1873, and by subsequent schemes of the Ministry of Education. The School is now Independent. The aim of the School is to prepare pupils for admission to Universities and the professions, and at the same time provide a liberal education.”

School Website: www.kingschester.co.uk

Exam Format – CEM Select and school’s own. This CEM Select is online and includes:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning

Followed by school’s own English essay

The King’s School (Macclesfield) – Macclesfield – Cheshire

The King’s School (Macclesfield) is a mixed private school.

The King’s School (Macclesfield)- 1205 pupils.

“King’s aims to provide a caring and disciplined place of learning where all pupils enjoy the opportunities to develop their talents and interests to their full potential.”

School Website: www.kingsmac.co.uk

Exam Format – School’s own. This includes sections that cover:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning

The Queen’s School – Chester – Cheshire

The Queen’s School is an all girls private school.

The Queen’s School- 649 pupils.

“The Queen’s School’s values are founded on respect, community and happiness. They are proud of their reputation for students’ academic success, as they achieve both excellent public examination results and top university offers. Queen’s girls are happy and positive, engaging and articulate. Academically they question and challenge, explore and innovate; there are no gender stereotypes!”

School Website: www.thequeensschool.co.uk

Exam Format – School’s own. This will include sections that cover:

• English
• Maths
• Non-Verbal Reasoning

Preparing for entry into an Independent School

We have developed a section on how to prepare for Independent school exams and how to prepare for Independent School interviews so do please feel free to use these resources if you would like to.

If you are thinking of trying for an Independent School scholarship or bursary then please see our information page on that topic.

Equally, many independent schools publish past papers and we have past papers and sample papers which are useful for preparation in all the core areas:

Free sample 11 Plus English practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Maths practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning practice and past papers