Open Evening
Thursday 24th September 2026
Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Who: Prospective Year 7 learners and their parents/carers
Booking: Not required
Headteacher presentations: 5.30pm and 6.30pm (In the main school hall)
Parking: Limited parking is available on the school site. Some alternative school car parking spaces are available at The Cheshire Sports Club. Please be considerate of our neighbours if you have to park away from the school site.
Arrival: Please enter the school through the main entrance on St James Avenue.
What to expect at our Open Evening
Our Open Evening is a wonderful opportunity for prospective learners and their families to experience life at Upton-by-Chester High School and discover what makes our school such a special place to learn.
During the evening, you will be able to explore the school, visit our subject areas and meet members of our teaching and support staff.
You will have the opportunity to find out more about:
· our curriculum and approach to teaching and learning
· pastoral care and how we support young people as they make the transition from primary to secondary school
· SEND provision and the support available for learners with additional needs
· our extensive programme of clubs, activities, trips, sport, music and other extra-curricular opportunities
· school life, including uniform, the school day and our expectations
· the admissions process and where to find further information.
There will also be an opportunity to hear from our Headteacher, who will introduce you to our school, our values and our ambitions for every young person. Throughout the evening there will be time to talk to many of our current learners, who will be able to share their experience of the school.
We encourage prospective learners to come along with their parents or carers. Choosing a secondary school is an important decision for the whole family, and we want young people to have the opportunity to explore the school, meet us and begin to imagine themselves as part of our school community.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Open Evening?
Our next Open Evening will take place on Thursday 24 September 2026, from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.
Do we need to book?
No, there is no need to book. Families are welcome to come along at any time during the evening.
Who is the Open Evening for?
Our Open Evening is primarily for learners who are considering joining us in Year 7 and their parents or carers. This is generally for learners who are in Year 5 or Year 6. Prospective learners are very welcome and encouraged to attend so that they can experience the school for themselves.
What happens when we arrive?
Please enter the school via the main entrance. Members of staff and our learner leaders will be there to welcome you and provide you with information to help support your visit to the school.
Do we need to arrive at the start of the evening?
No. You are welcome to arrive at any point during the Open Evening. We recommend allowing at least one hour to make the most of your visit.
Will there be a Headteacher's presentation?
Yes. Our Headteacher will give presentations at 5.30pm and 6.30pm.
Each presentation will last approximately 20 minutes and will provide an introduction to Upton-by-Chester High School, our ethos and values, and our aspirations for every young person.
Will we be shown around the school?
You are welcome to explore the school at your own pace, with staff and learners available throughout the evening to help you find your way around.
Will we be able to meet teachers?
Yes. Staff from across the school will be available throughout the evening. You will be able to visit subject areas, meet teachers, see examples of work and find out more about our curriculum and approach to learning.
Can I speak to someone about SEND or additional needs?
Yes. Members of our SEND team will be available during the evening to explain the support we provide for learners with special educational needs and disabilities and to answer general questions.
Can I find out about pastoral support and the transition to Year 7?
Yes. We know that moving from primary to secondary school is an exciting but significant step. Our staff will be available to explain how we support learners before they join us and during their first weeks and months at our school.
Is parking available at the school?
Very limited parking is available on the school site. Some alternative school car parking spaces are available at The Cheshire Sports Club. Please be considerate of our neighbours if you have to park away from the school site. We strongly encourage walking to the school where possible or using public transport.
Is the school accessible for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility?
The school has limited abbess for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility. If you have a particular accessibility requirement and would like to discuss this with us before your visit, please contact admin@uptonhigh.co.uk
Does attending the Open Evening affect my child's chances of being offered a place?
No. Attendance at our Open Evening does not form part of the admissions process and will not affect your child's application or priority for a school place.
How do I apply for a Year 7 place?
Applications for secondary school places are made through your home local authority rather than directly to Upton-by-Chester High School.
You can find further information about the application process, admissions criteria and relevant deadlines on our Admissions page.
What should we do if we can't attend the Open Evening?
We understand that not everyone will be able to join us on Thursday 24 September.
There is an opportunity to visit our school during the school day on one of our tours. Please use this link to book your place. https://www.uptonhigh.co.uk/form/?pid=527&form=18
You can also explore our website, where you will find further information about our curriculum, pastoral support, extra-curricular opportunities and life at Upton-by-Chester High School.
Who should I contact if I still have a question?
We hope the information on this page answers everything you need to know before your visit. If you have a question that isn't covered here, please contact admin@uptonhigh.co.uk
The video below will give you a flavour of what makes Upton-by-Chester High School such an exceptional place to learn.
Our ethos is built upon excellence in all that we do; our academic achievements at both GCSE and A Level are amongst the best in Cheshire West and Chester, and our extra-curricular offer is second to none.
