About Kirkham Grammar School
Kirkham Grammar School is a co-educational independent school in Kirkham, near Preston, Lancashire, with a long tradition of academic excellence. Entry uses the CEM Select assessment. Academic Scholarships and means-tested Bursaries available.
Kirkham Grammar School offers an outstanding education with excellent academic standards, small class sizes and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
About the CEM Select Assessment for Kirkham Grammar School
Kirkham Grammar School is a co-educational independent school in Kirkham, near Preston, Lancashire, founded in 1549. Entry to Year 7 is by the CEM Select assessment (now known as Cambridge Select Insight), an online test set by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Applications are made directly to Kirkham Grammar School (a non-refundable registration fee of £75 applies).
The CEM Select / Cambridge Select Insight assessment is taken online (about 60 minutes) and covers Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning, using question types designed to be hard to over-prepare for. Scores are age-standardised so younger pupils are not disadvantaged.
For 2026 entry, the assessment is held in February of Year 6, and applicants also attend an interview with the Headmaster; a report from the child's current school is requested. Offers follow after the assessment period.
Kirkham Grammar School is academically selective. Where applications exceed the available places, the school applies its own admissions criteria. This page is updated each year with the latest verified admissions information and key dates.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Kirkham Grammar School
Kirkham Grammar School Admissions Criteria
Kirkham Grammar School is a co-educational independent school in Kirkham, near Preston, Lancashire, with a long tradition of academic excellence. Entry uses the CEM Select assessment. Academic Scholarships and means-tested Bursaries available.
- ✓Attend an Open Day or arranged visit to Kirkham Grammar School — check the school website for dates.
- ✓Complete the Registration Form on the school website and pay the registration fee.
- ✓A reference is requested from the child's current school. Based on a satisfactory report, the candidate is invited to sit the assessment.
- ✓Sit the CEM Select online assessment at the school (approximately 60 minutes): three sections covering Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- ✓Attend a short interview with a member of the admissions team, focusing on interests, motivation and personal qualities.
- ✓No fixed pass mark — selection is based on overall performance in the assessment, interview and school reference.
- ✓An offer is usually made within 1–2 weeks of the interview and assessment.
- ✓Academic, Music, Sport, Art and All-Rounder Scholarships may be available — contact the school for details.
- ✓Means-tested Bursaries may be available for financially eligible families.
- ✓Confirm the place by completing an Acceptance Form and paying the required deposit.
Kirkham Grammar School Oversubscription Criteria
For 2026 Year 7 entry, Kirkham Grammar School ranks applicants by performance in the CEM Select assessment. The following selection priorities are typically applied:
- Children who meet the academic standard in Kirkham Grammar School's CEM Select assessment
- Children with siblings currently attending the school
- Children of former pupils (alumni connections)
- Children with strong references from current primary head
- Children of staff members (where applicable)
- Distance from school / catchment priority (some independents)
- Children ranked by performance in the assessment up to Kirkham Grammar School's places available
- Tiebreak: interview performance, references, or other school-specific criteria
Key Dates & Deadlines — Kirkham Grammar School 2026 Entry
| 📌 Registration opens | Varies by school (typically open Sept/Oct of Year 5) |
| 📌 Registration closes | Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies) |
| 📌 CEM Select Assessment | February of Year 6 (online Cambridge Select Insight test) |
| 📌 Test results released | February of Year 6 |
| 📌 Offers issued by school | February-March (varies by school) |
How to Apply to Kirkham Grammar School Directly
Step 1 — Attend an Open Day at Kirkham Grammar School
Visit during Year 5 to meet staff, tour the school and assess fit. Independent school open days are usually in Sept-Nov.
Step 2 — Register your child with Kirkham Grammar School
Complete the registration form on the school's website. Registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies). A registration fee usually applies.
Step 3 — Sit the school's entrance assessment
Kirkham Grammar School's CEM Select assessment is typically held in February of Year 6. It covers Verbal, Non-Verbal and Numerical Reasoning, with an interview with the Headmaster.
Step 4 — Provide school references
Your child's current Head Teacher will be asked to submit a confidential reference. Strong references are particularly important for independent schools.
Step 5 — Attend an interview
Most independent schools interview shortlisted candidates. Interviews assess motivation, character and academic potential.
Step 6 — Receive your offer
Offers issued by Kirkham Grammar School in February-March (varies by school). Compare with offers from any other independent schools applied to.
Step 7 — Accept your place and pay deposit
Accept your offer in writing and pay the acceptance deposit (typically £500-£2,000, deducted from first-term fees) by the school's deadline.
CEM Select Subjects Tested at Kirkham Grammar School
CEM Select Practice Papers for Kirkham Grammar School
Kirkham Grammar School uses the CEM Select 11+ format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning tests
- 450 video explanations
- 24 hours of video content
- 3 × Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning tests
- 450 video explanations
- 22.5 hours of video content
- 3 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × Maths, Verbal & NVR
- 150 video explanations
- 8.5 hrs video content
- 3 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × Maths, Verbal & NVR
- 150 video explanations
- 8.0 hrs video content
- 3 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × Maths, Verbal & NVR
- 150 video explanations
- 7.5 hrs video content
- 3 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × Maths, Verbal & NVR
- 150 video explanations
- 7.0 hrs video content
- 3 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × Maths, Verbal & NVR
- 150 video explanations
- 6.5 hrs video content
- 3 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × Maths, Verbal & NVR
- 150 video explanations
- 6.0 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Kirkham Grammar School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Kirkham Grammar School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Kirkham Grammar is a selective co-educational independent school (not a state grammar) with results above national averages.
- GCSE: a high proportion of strong GCSE grades across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: strong A-Level outcomes (around a quarter of grades at A*/A recently) supporting university applications.
- Progression: high rates of progression to universities, supported by individual guidance.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Kirkham Grammar School
Kirkham Grammar School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. Places are open to families from across Kirkham, Preston and the wider Fylde and Lancashire area, and are allocated on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school is on Ribby Road in Kirkham, near Preston; it offers day and boarding (including good-value flexible and full boarding), with entry by the entrance examination rather than catchment.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1549, with roots in a 13th-century chantry school, Kirkham Grammar is an independent (fee-paying) co-educational day and boarding school — despite its name it is not a state grammar — built on its core values of Family Ethos, Inspirational Teaching and Fulfil Potential, and housed in part in Grade II listed buildings.
There is a broad co-curricular programme spanning sport, music, drama and many clubs and societies, alongside a friendly boarding house. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kirkham Grammar School
How do I apply to Kirkham Grammar School for Year 7?
Applications to Kirkham Grammar School are made directly to the school. Register on the school's website (registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies)), pay the registration fee, sit the entrance exam, and attend an interview if shortlisted.
Does Kirkham Grammar School use the CEM 11+ test?
Kirkham uses the CEM Select assessment (now Cambridge Select Insight), an online test covering Verbal, Non-Verbal and Numerical Reasoning, with an interview with the Headmaster. This is distinct from the former CEM 11+ consortium test, which was retired in 2022.
What's the difference between CEM and GL Assessment?
Both test similar subjects (English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning) but differ in style: CEM was designed to be less coachable with broader vocabulary and varied question types per paper; GL Assessment has more structured, predictable papers per subject area. Many former CEM schools now use GL Assessment after CEM 11+ was retired in 2022.
How many Year 7 places does Kirkham Grammar School have?
Kirkham Grammar School admits a limited number of Year 7 pupils each September. Demand for places typically exceeds supply, so the school applies its oversubscription criteria to allocate places fairly.
When is the 11+ test for Kirkham Grammar School?
For 2026 entry, Kirkham Grammar School's 11+ CEM Select assessment is held in February of Year 6 (online Cambridge Select Insight test). Registration closes Typically November-December of Year 5 (varies).
What's the pass mark / qualifying score for Kirkham Grammar School?
Kirkham Grammar School sets its own qualifying mark each year based on the standardised score distribution of applicants. Pupils must score at or above the qualifying mark to be eligible for a place. Final ranking is by total standardised score (highest first) according to performance in the entrance assessment.
Is Kirkham Grammar School a state school or fee-paying?
Kirkham Grammar School is an independent fee-paying school. Registration fees, entrance exam fees, and tuition fees apply. Bursaries and scholarships are typically available for academically able pupils from lower-income families — check the school's website for details.
How can my child prepare for the Kirkham Grammar School 11+ test?
ExamTutor offers a complete CEM-style 11+ preparation programme including tutor-led practice papers, full video explanations for every question, and downloadable resources covering English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Most parents start preparation 12-18 months before the test for best results.
Where can I find Kirkham Grammar School's official admissions policy?
The full Admissions Policy for Kirkham Grammar School 2026 entry is published on the school's official website. Always check the school's website for the most up-to-date oversubscription criteria, current test format, qualifying mark, supplementary forms, and any school-specific application requirements.