Welcome to Birkenhead School – The Prep
Reception to Year 6 Entry
Small class sizes allow us to nurture and support children, recognising, encouraging and embracing their personal talents, strengths and passions. We look to develop inquisitive thinkers, nurturing children’s natural curiosity about the world around them; unlocking their creative potential and engendering a lifelong love of learning.
In today’s rapidly changing world, it is important children from an early age have the breadth of opportunity to develop their abilities, discover passions and fulfil their potential whilst enjoying the benefit of a caring, structured and secure environment.
Please do get in touch to discover what difference an independent education could make to your son or daughter’s educational journey.
We look forward to welcoming you to Birkenhead School.
* NEW – Liverpool Bus Service – 15 minutes from Liverpool City Centre *
Birkenhead School has been named Independent Secondary School of the Year in the North West by The Sunday Times. The award was announced in the 32nd edition of The Sunday Times ‘Parent Power Guide’.
Upcoming Open Events
Junior Open Morning (Years 3-6)
Friday 7th March 2025
9:15am – 11:15am
Whole School Open Day
Saturday 26th April 2025
9:30am – 12:30am
‘Play & Learn’ Sessions (Reception & Year 1 Entry)
‘Play and Learn’ sessions for Reception and Year 1 entry are two-hour sessions where children are invited to spend time with children of the same age.
Reception entry in September 2025 – Wednesday 26th February, Wednesday 26th March, Wednesday 21st May 9.15am(45 minutes)
Year 1 entry in September 2025 – Wednesday 21st May (2 hours)
Taster Days (Year 2 to Year 6 Entry)
Years 2-6 children are invited to spend a day at the School and are tailored to the individual child and their interests.
Year 2 entry in September 2025 – Tuesday 20th May
Year 3 entry in September 2025 – Tuesday 3rd June
Year 4 entry in September 2025 – Wednesday 21st May
Year 5 entry in September 2025 – Wednesday 4th June
Year 6 entry in September 2025 – Wednesday 5th February
Looking at Reception places for September 2025? Take a look at what children get up to during their 45 minute Play & Learn Session…as told by our Reception pupils!
Register Your Interest
Please complete the form below to register your interest for our Open Events or to find out more and a member of our admissions team will be in touch. We look forward to welcoming you to Birkenhead School.
Day in the Life of Reception
Day in the Life of Little School
Day in the Life of Juniors
Welcome to Birkenhead School
Music at Birkenhead School
Sport at Birkenhead School
Drama at Birkenhead School
Outdoor Learning
School Video
Why Choose Birkenhead School:
Class sizes - smaller class sizes that allow each child to be seen and heard
Beyond the Curriculum – a curriculum that goes beyond the National Curriculum to truly inspire a love of learning
Outstanding Opportunities - including our Inspiring Talks Series with high-profile authors
Sport – children taking part in four hours of timetabled lessons each week in Juniors, and have full access to the School’s excellent sports facilities
Music - group and individual lessons are taught by subject specialists and children can join our Prep Orchestra in Juniors
Leadership Pathways – opportunities to develop leadership skills from a young age
Clubs and Activities – over 50 lunchtime and after-school clubs are available each week – from Nature Club to Climbing Club – there is something for everyone to choose and enjoy
Outdoor Learning - our Outdoor Classroom, Forest School, allotments and sensory garden provide a truly inspiring place to learn
A warm and welcoming School community - where children can grow and develop through to Sixth Form and the wider alumni network.
Beyond the Curriculum
We offer a range of opportunities in Prep to expand upon, and go beyond, the National Curriculum to inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Nature Explorers
Nature Explorers is our own, innovative programme designed to help children understand, explore and appreciate the outside world. Children work through different levels in each year group from Reception to Year 4.
Enrich & Explore
Enrich and explore is a fun, innovative programme of activities that enhances the usual school curriculum for our youngest pupils.
Future Skills
Future Skills builds on skills and knowledge learnt in Enrich and Explore and covers topics such as problem solving, philosophical enquiry and leadership.
Eureka
Our academic extension programme designed to stretch and challenge our more able pupils.
Leadership Pathways
We aim to provide opportunities for students to learn and practice key life skills both inside and outside the classroom through our Leadership Pathways programme.
Civic Award
The Birkenhead School Civic Award allows children in Years 2 and 3 to explore and learn important fundamental skills to become good citizens through the initiative.
Clubs in Prep
Over 50 lunchtime and after-school clubs for pupils to choose from
– from Ballet to Climbing, Orchestra to Squirrels – there’s something
for every child to enjoy, and parents love the variety too!
Click on the image below to view the booklet and explore over 50 clubs and activities
Explore Our Campus
What people say…
Frequently Asked Questions
When can you join Birkenhead School?
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)
What is the Admissions Process?
When you register your interest or make an enquiry, Mrs Askew or Mrs Foreman, who look after admissions for Prep, will get in touch to organise a personalised visit with Mr FitzHerbert, Head of Prep. Following the visit your son or daughter will be invited to attend either a ‘Play and Learn Day’ for Reception places or Taster Day for Years 1 to 6. During the day they will spend time with other children, meet the teachers and take part in lessons and co-curricular activities such as sports and music. We will tailor the day according to their interests and look to make the days an enjoyable experience for all involved.
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.
What are the School fees?
School Fees from September 2024 are:
Reception £3,425 per term
Years 1 to 2 £3,695 per term
Years 3 to 6 £3,915 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.
Do you offer Bursary Support?
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
What is the School Day?
Below is an example of the Prep School Day:
| 8.40am (Years 3-6) 8.50am (Reception, Years 1&2) | Registration followed by activities such as: Assembly / Chapel / Phonics (dependent upon year group) |
| 9.00am | Lessons Start |
| Mid-Morning | Break |
| Midday | Lunch / Co-Curricular Clubs and Activities (1hr 10 minutes) |
| Mid-Afternoon | Break |
| 3.30pm (Reception, Years 1&2) 3.40pm (Years 3 to 6) | End of School Day / Co-Curricular Clubs and Activities |
What is the Curriculum offer?
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
What wrap-around care is available outside of School hours?
We offer a wide range of clubs and activities before and after-school to provide additional care and support outside of the school day.
| Club | Ages | Times |
| Early Morning Club | Pre-Prep to Year 6 | 8am – 8.30am |
| Fun Club | Pre-Prep to Year 2 | 3.30pm – 6pm |
| Junior Homework Club | Years 3 to 6 | 3.40pm – 6pm |
| Birkenhead School Holiday Activity Weeks | Ages 4 to 15 | Holiday Periods |
What Clubs and Activities are available?
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:
Reception, Years 1 & 2
- Art Club
- Beavers
- Choir Club
- Cookery Club
- Dance Club
- Nature Club
- Rounders Club
- Science Club
- Spanish Club
Years 3 to 6
- Beavers
- Chess Club
- Climbing Club
- Creative Arts
- Cricket Club Debating Club
- Cubs
- Drama Club
- Football Lacrosse Club
- Needlecraft
- Netball Club
- Orchestra
- Puzzle & Board Games Club
- Rugby Club
- Science Club
- Stop Motion Film
- Wirral Civic Award
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Contact Us
If you would like to book onto our next open day please contact our Admissions team .
We look forward to welcoming you to Birkenhead School.