The King's School, Chester

The King's School, Chester, a private school in Chester, England. It is one of seven schools established, or in some cases re-endowed and renamed, by King Henry VIII in 1541 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries for the education of 'poor friendless boys'.

Summary

The Kings School Chester has about 800 pupils, from 7 to 18 years old. Once part of Chester Cathedral, the school moved to its present site on the Wrexham Road in 1960. A single- sex school for much of its history, it has been fully co-educational since September 2004.

Its current headmaster is Tim Turvey, a biologist, who was appointed in 2000 having served as headmaster of Hulme Grammar School. His predecessor was Roger Wickson, a classicist, who presided over the school for nineteen years between 1981 and 2000 having taught at several public schools throughout southern England. Tim Turvey has recently announced his retirement at the end of the next school year - the consequence of an enforced retirement age of sixty upon all headmasters.

Notable old boys of the school include talkSPORT presenter Mike Parry and mathematician and ex-puzzle writer for New Scientist Rob Eastaway.

Development

The school is currently going through a period of development, in which many new facilties are being built.

Completed Development

All-weather outdoor sports pitch
Expansion to the Art and Design Technology departments
Four new general purpouse classrooms for the Junior School
Two specialist classrooms for the Junior School
New Tennis/Netball courts
More land acquired for football pitches
Additional toilets and changing facilities
A new classroom for the Senior School
New medical centre
New music school

Future Developments

Improved facilities for a larger Sixth Form
Improved facilities for girls at the rowing club
Improved catering facilities
Fitness Suite
Facilties for teaching drama, which have been delayed multiple times

ISFA Cup

The school beat hot favourites Millfield School (2-1) in the 2005-2006 ISFA Cup national soccer tournament final and are currently the Boodles ISFA National Champions. Millfield took the lead early on however King's equalised 15 minutes later through Jack Minshaw. The score at half time was 1-1. Five minutes into the second half Minshaw scored again to give King's a 2-1 lead which they held onto until the final whistle.

Many officials from the professional game were involved in some capacity, including

Referee Steve Bennett
Linesman Matt Messias and Mike Riley
Chief executive of The FA Brian Barwick presented the trophy

King's defeated Bolton School 2-0 in the semi-final, and Bury Grammar School 2-1 in the quarter final round. The soccer team is managed by English teacher Roy Wheeler along with ex-Everton and Wales star and TV-commentator Barry Horne. The final was hosted by Leicester City FC, and took place at Leicester City's ground, the Walker's Stadium, on Monday 20th March 2006.

Subjects

The following subjects are taught at the school

Notable teachers

Paul Shannon - Head of Modern Languages and Renowned Train Enthusiast/Writer
Barry Horne - Director of Football / Chemistry and Former Everton F.C. Midfielder
Timothy Heavisides - Head of English and Acclaimed Muscian/Novelist

Recent Events

The cancellation of the traditional Sixth Form Muck-up day, which according to the school was because of public examinations taking place was met with anger from the 6th Form, most of whom were accused for the actions of a few, who had released gerbils into the school library and started a food fight. It received coverage in the Chester Chronicle in which the school denied knowledge of the incident.

External links

The King's School website

Educational institutions established in the 1540s | Public schools in Cheshire | Schools with Combined Cadet Forces | 1541 establishments

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