Academic ability is assessed at age 16 by means of GCSE results, an interview and references from the applicant’s secondary schools.

The main entry to the Sixth Form is at age 16, following on from GCSE studies. Entry may be available at other times but is subject to places being available and a student meeting the relevant entry criteria for their chosen subjects.

Entry Criteria:

A minimum of six GCSE passes (grade 6 or above).

A minimum of grade 7 at GCSE in subjects that a student wishes to study at A level.

A grade 6 may be considered if the applicant has shown a particular commitment and aptitude to succeed in the subject area.

In the case of subjects which have not been taken at GCSE, other relevant subjects will be taken into account.

School Fees from September 2024 are:

Senior School (Years 7 and 8)   –   £4,565 per term
Seniors School (Years 9 to 11)   –   £5,185 per term
Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13)    –   £5,250 per term

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

Fees for 2025-6 will be confirmed in Spring 2025.

Upon enquiry, students will be invited to attend a Taster Day which will be personalised to encompass those subjects that are being considered for A Level study. To arrange a Taster Day, please contact the Headmaster’s PA who will discuss subject choices and arrange for the Head of Sixth Form to make contact. Following the Taster Day, an application pack will be sent which should be completed and returned.

If successful, a conditional offer will be made. Once an offer has been received, parents should reserve the place by completing and returning the Acceptance Form together with a deposit of £300. The usual practice is for 2-4 weeks to be allowed to receive the paperwork back otherwise any places not accepted will be offered to students on the waiting list, or who subsequently apply.

*The reservation fee is refundable on the completion of the student’s education at the School.

Following reservation of a place in Sixth Form, the Bursar will issue contracts and further information.

Birkenhead School is committed to making a first-class education accessible by offering Access Scholarships to academically able students who have not benefitted from an independent education to date.  The award of an Access Scholarship (up to 25% of full fees) is conditional upon outstanding GCSE results and impressing during the Taster Day and interview with the Headmaster. Students may also be eligible for additional means-tested bursary support (up to 75% of fees).

Parents/Guardians of any student who has been offered a place may apply for a bursary if they are unable to pay full fees.  Bursaries are means-tested and vary in size dependent on family circumstances.  They are provided towards the core School fees, and not in support of lunches, uniform or other additional  provision such as music tuition.

We have a dedicated Sixth Form Centre with common areas and dedicated space for studying, along with a separate dining area exclusive to our Sixth Form students.

In the Sixth Form, students choose from a range of A Levels to tailor a study programme which will support their future career. Our A Level programme offers breadth and includes subjects that are favoured by Russell Group universities and Oxbridge.

• Art
• Biology
• Business Studies
• Chemistry
• Classical Civilisation
• Design & Technology (Product Design)
• Design Technology (Systems)
• Economics
• English Literature
• French
• Further Mathematics
• Geography
• History
• ICT
• Latin
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Spanish
• Theatre Studies

Our A Level and GCSE results regularly place the School as one of the leading schools within the North West region.

Click here to view the 10 Year Summary of results.

The School has a long tradition of supporting students into Oxbridge and prestigious universities, both in the UK and further afield, to read subjects ranging from dentistry and veterinary science to music, architecture and politics.

Through our dedicated Futures Programme we offer outstanding support and preparation for Higher Education and the world of work, including:

Futures Team – a dedicated team who specialise in supporting students’ university and apprenticeship applications.

Advanced Tutorial Groups – specialist tutorial groups to help students prepare for the most competitive university courses at the UK’s top tier of universities.

Oxbridge / Medics / Engineering Pathways – specialist support and advice for students identified with the potential to study at Oxford or Cambridge University or who wish to go on to study Medicine or Engineering.

Career Conferences – specialist conferences focused on specific industries or professions hosted by the School, and which bring together leading business people from the Old Birkonian network and the wider community to inspire students. The School also extends invitations to students studying at local schools. 

We are immensely proud of our academic success, but being a member of the Sixth Form allows you to also take advantage of a vast range of co-curricular activities across Music, Drama and Sport, all of which are designed to inspire creativity, encourage self-discipline and develop leadership.

Music continues to play an important role in life within the Sixth Form, with many students taking leadership roles within the various choirs, bands, orchestras and other ensembles, to inspire and enthuse younger musicians.

Sports play an important role within the Sixth Form, with students representing the School in weekly fixtures and competitions.

Drama – students have the opportunity to take part in drama productions during the year, from leading roles to assisting behind the scenes.

Leadership Pathways – students have the opportunity to take on leadership and mentor roles during their time at the School.

We are proud to go beyond the National Curriculum to offer students an education that will help them develop into responsible and informed adults. Students benefit from access to:

Beyond the Curriculum – a weekly timetabled session that allows students the opportunity to complete the Extended Project Qualification, or complete a course in another area of study or area of interest.

The Nicholls Lecture Series – a weekly lecture series provides students with thought-provoking lectures on a broad range of topics, to introduce them to ideas, interests and experiences beyond the academic curriculum.

Leadership Development Programme – students can act as a peer or academic mentor to other students or take on other leadership roles within the Sixth Form and wider School. Sixth Form students also have the opportunity to participate in a wider development programme run in conjunction with an external management development organisation.

Beyond Birkenhead – a programme which is tailored to equip students with the knowledge and skills to play an active role in contributing to the life of the School and the wider community.