FAQ

Our dedicated and professional team is ready to answer all of your questions about our school and the application process. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us

I want to go to cis, how do I apply?

Just click on the ‘Apply Now’ page. If you wish to register your interest to receive immediate details of the application process when this becomes available, please complete our Expression of Interest form

What is Chester International School like?

We are different to a ‘traditional’ school. Smaller, with a maximum of 320 students when full, staff will get to know all students very well and will be able to offer a personalised learning experience.

Students will be responsible for their own learning and will learn in lectures, tutorials, group settings and independent learning.

IT students are expected to take the lead for their learning and development, as well as meeting their targets. It is fun, challenging and exciting.

What is the school day?

Like a workplace, students will be expected to work a full day. Our day from 8.30am - 3.45pm.

What subjects do I study aged 14-16?

More information can be found on our GCSE / Key Stage 4 page.

What do I study after GCSE?

Year 12 & 13 students will be able to choose from two international qualifications: We are proud to be an IB Candidate School for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the IB Career-Related Programme (IBCP)

Why is the IB a good qualification?

The IB is the chosen qualification of many of the best schools in the world.

Students with IB will be welcomed into universities or employment anywhere in the world.

Who is Chester International School for?

Young people of all abilities. It has been designed to be suitable for students regardless of whether they wish to go to university or would prefer to begin work at 18. Whichever route is right for you, we will make sure that you have the qualifications and skills to prepare you for the next stage of your life. This is the advantage of a small school.

How will I be supported?

In addition to your academic studies, you will have regular time with a personal coach. Their job is to help you to set goals and achieve them. These will include progress in your work and your time management. They will also help you to overcome difficulties and challenges.

Your personal coach will also focus on developing your professional skills such as Communication skills, Relationship skills, Enterprise skills, Applied-Learning skills, Critical Thinking skills and Emotional Intelligence.

I have heard that Chester International School will offer work experience, what does this mean?

At Chester International School, in addition to academic studies, all students will carry out regular work placements.

In Years 10 and 11, these will be for a minimum of three weeks so that you can be involved in meaningful work experience with an employer. In Years 12 and 13 these work placements will be up to 6 weeks (either two, three-week blocks or 2-days per week, depending on the employer).

Work experience will give you loads of opportunities to develop your understanding of the workplace and to gain confidence and experience, which will put you in a strong position when you are looking for jobs in the future.

For students in Years 12 & 13 there is also the chance you could be paid for some work placements.

Are there any fees for studying at Chester International School?

No. Chester International School is entirely state-funded and is therefore free to students.

How will you choose who gets a place?

We do not wish to select which students join the school, although to be successful you must be prepared to work hard, and try your very best. If the school is over-subscribed, we will apply over subscription criteria as described in our Admissions Policy (this is on our website).

How can I find out more?

CIS has a selection of events for our prospective families. We offer open events to enable you to tour our building and meet our educators, support staff, governors, PTA and learners. Our dedicated and professional team is ready to answer all of your questions about our school and the application process. Please do not hesitate to contact us