About Wirral Grammar Schools
Wirral is a fully-selective LA hosting 7 grammars on the peninsula across the river from Liverpool: Calday Grange (boys), West Kirby Grammar (girls), Wirral Grammar Boys, Wirral Grammar Girls, Upton Hall School (girls, Catholic), St Anselm's College (boys, Catholic), and Liverpool Blue Coat (independent). The Wirral Admissions Test coordinates the 4 state grammars, while the Catholic and independent schools run their own tests.
History & Tradition
Wirral's grammar tradition is primarily Victorian-era — Calday Grange (founded 1636 as a chapel school, became Grammar 1872), West Kirby Grammar (1913), Wirral Grammars (1929 — boys', 1932 — girls'). St Anselm's College (1923) and Upton Hall School (1864) are Catholic foundations. Wirral retained selective state schools when most of Cheshire moved to comprehensive.
The Entry Test
The Wirral Admissions Test uses GL Assessment papers covering English, Maths, and Reasoning. Children sit it on a single Tuesday in September. St Anselm's College sets its own test on a different Friday in September. Upton Hall School tests on the same Friday as the Liverpool Blue Coat Phase 2. Liverpool Blue Coat runs a multi-phase test (Phase 1 in July, Phase 2 in September).
Wirral 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Wirral Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1Wirral is one of England's 11 fully-selective LAs — every state secondary on the peninsula is either a grammar or a faith school (no traditional comprehensives).
- 2The Wirral Admissions Test runs on a single Tuesday in September — making it one of the few weekday 11+ tests (most others use Saturdays).
- 3St Anselm's College (boys, Catholic) is highly oversubscribed — applicants must demonstrate Catholic baptism plus a strong test score. Around 2.5 applicants per place.
- 4Liverpool Blue Coat operates a unique two-phase test — Phase 1 (early July) shortlists candidates; Phase 2 (September) determines final places. Day pupils only, no boarding.
- 5Calday Grange Grammar (founded 1636) is the oldest Wirral school — though its selective grammar status dates from 1872.
- 6Upton Hall School (girls, Catholic) is the only girls' Catholic grammar on the peninsula — receives applications from across Merseyside and West Cheshire.
- 7Wirral grammar families often face cross-Mersey commutes — many parents travel from Liverpool city centre or Crosby across the Mersey daily.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birkenhead School | Boys | — | Independent | 45.1% | 60.7% | |
| Calday Grange Grammar School | Boys | 155 | GL Assessment | 52.7% | 60.8% | |
| St. Anselm's College | Boys | — | GL Assessment | 30.3% | 56.1% | |
| Upton Hall School | Girls | — | GL Assessment | 65% | 65% | |
| West Kirby Grammar School (WKGS) | Girls | 150 | GL Assessment | 65.8% | 64% | |
| Wirral Grammar School for Boys | Boys | 155 | GL Assessment | 40.1% | 56.9% | |
| Wirral Grammar School for Girls | Girls | 155 | GL Assessment | 65% | 65% |
Wirral Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
What 11+ exam do Wirral grammar schools use?
Most Wirral grammar schools admit pupils through the GL Assessment 11+. Check each school's row above, as some set their own entrance test or use a different exam board.
What makes Wirral grammar schools distinctive?
Wirral is one of England's 11 fully-selective LAs — every state secondary on the peninsula is either a grammar or a faith school (no traditional comprehensives).
What else should families know about the Wirral 11+?
The Wirral Admissions Test runs on a single Tuesday in September — making it one of the few weekday 11+ tests (most others use Saturdays).
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: