We welcome enquiries for places to join the Prep from all age groups throughout the year and early application is strongly encouraged. It is possible for children to join in different year groups, during the year, subject to places being available.

Entry points into Prep

• Reception Entry: In the September after a child turns 4
• Infants / Little School: Years 1 or 2
• Juniors:  Year 3 upwards (for children aged 7 plus)

When you register your interest or make an enquiry, Mrs Farlam or Mrs Askew who look after admissions for Prep will get in touch to organise a personalised visit with Mr FitzHerbert, Head of Prep. Following the visit, we will invite your son or daughter to attend either a ‘Play and Learn Day’ for Reception places, where they will spend time with other children, meet the teachers in Little School and see how they enjoy being at School. If your son or daughter is looking to join Years 1 to 6, we will invite them to attend a Taster Day, during which they take part in lessons and co-curricular activities such as sports and music, and we will tailor the day according to their interests. We look to make the days an enjoyable experience with importantly lots of fun.

If you child is joining Years 1 to 6 they will be asked to complete short assessments in Mathematics, English, Reading and Spelling (please note that no preparation is required).  The assessments are completed alongside a teacher and we aim to make the process as informal as possible. References will also be requested from your child’s current school.

School Fees from September 2021 are:

Reception £2,900 per term

Years 1 to 6 £3,295 per term

Fees include, in addition to the cost of tuition and a wide range of co-curricular activities, almost all text books and materials, exercise books, examination fees (except re-sits) and a number of year group trips (where circumstances allow), travel to sporting fixtures and a level of travel and personal accident insurance.

Bursaries are awarded to help students take up or retain a place at the School where their parents or guardian cannot pay full fees. All Bursaries are means-tested and may cover up to 100% of the full fee. It is unusual for very young children to be awarded Bursaries as assessment of their potential has to be established before a bursary can be considered.

In addition to bursaries, the School offers different scholarships for students looking to join Year 7 or above. Further information on the Scholarships available can be found online at: https://www.birkenheadschool.co.uk/Admissions/Scholarships-Bursaries

Below is an example of the Prep School Day – please note that timings may vary according to Year Group and current COVID restrictions:

Our independent status allows us to offer a broader curriculum that goes beyond the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum and all the activities and learning opportunities are tailored to match the development stage of each child.

This stage of a child’s education is about discovery – finding and nurturing interests, talents and passions.  We look to provide lots of opportunities and to encourage the pursuit of individual talents and interests from an early age. Children grow in confidence during their time in Prep and the foundations for success in later life are firmly established.

In addition, our Eureka Academic Extension Programme offers stretch and challenge for our most able pupils.

For more information on the curriculum see: https://www.birkenheadschool.co.uk/Prep/The-Curriculum/The-Curriculum

We offer a wide range of clubs and activities before and after-school to provide additional care and support outside of the school day.

We recognise that the classroom is one part of the education on offer at the School and there are a wide range of clubs and activities on offer to entice and excite our pupils.

Clubs on offer can include: