Birkenhead School
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

Birkenhead School is an independent co-educational day school founded in 1860, originally for male pupils, which became fully co-educational in 2008. The school has strong links to the Church of England, whilst welcoming a wide range of faiths and nationalities within its community. The school is organised into three sections: the Nursery and Pre-prep, catering for children from three months to three years; the Prep, covering Reception through to Year 6; and Seniors, for Years 7 to 13. Pupils come from a range of backgrounds and ethnicities across Wirral, Cheshire, the wider Merseyside area, and North Wales. The school supports pupils with a variety of special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those for whom English is an additional language, ensuring that additional help is available where needed. Birkenhead School aims to provide an open and happy community where endeavour and achievement flourish. It seeks to help every pupil realise their potential and develop a genuine love of learning, whilst preparing them for later life within a caring and structured environment. Pupils are encouraged to grow in self-confidence through a wealth of opportunities for teamwork and personal development, both inside and outside the classroom.

Year 7 and 8 must hand in phones to their form tutor at registration and collect them at the end of the day. Years 9-11 must keep phones switched off and out of sight. Sixth form students may use phones in designated areas with permission. Violations result in confiscation for 24 hours or over the weekend if on a Friday. Staff have legal authority to search and delete inappropriate content if it may cause harm, disrupt teaching, or break rules. Serious cases may involve the designated safeguarding lead, senior staff or the police.