Birkdale School
Birkdale School
Org 1: HMC
Org 2: The Society of Heads
Oakholme Road, Sheffield, S10 3DH
Telephone: 0114 266 8408
0114 266 8409 (Admissions)
Motto: Res non verba
Age Range: Pre-Prep/Infants, Prep/Junior to 11, Senior to 18
Day or Boarding: Day, Day Only
Gender: Boys + 6th Form Girls
Exams offered: A Level, GCSE
Scholarships Tick: Academic, Music, Sport
Scholarships Other Types: Arkwright Engineering
Bursaries and discounts: New entrant bursary, Existing pupil bursary/hardship award
Birkdale School is an HMC day school for 750 pupils, co-educational at the Prep School and with a Sixth Form of around 200 pupils. The age 4–11 Prep School is on a separate campus nearby. (For further details see IAPS section.) Birkdale is in the process of becoming fully co-educational by admitting girls into Year 7 in 2024. The Governing Body is in membership of the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools. Set in a pleasant residential area near the University 1.5 miles from the city centre, and 5 miles from the Peak District National Park, the school has expanded in recent years to provide for Sheffield and South Yorkshire the only independent secondary school for boys, with a co-educational Sixth Form. Birkdale Prep School for 250 pupils is on a separate campus half a mile from the Senior School. School coaches bring pupils from Worksop, Chesterfield, North Derbyshire, Rotherham and Barnsley.
Birkdale is a Christian school, reflecting its foundation in the evangelical tradition. There is nothing exclusive about this: entrance is open to all, and there is no denominational emphasis. We seek to develop the full potential of each individual: body, mind and spirit. Within a framework of high academic standards, pastoral care is given a high priority, balanced by an emphasis on sport and outdoor pursuits, music and drama with a wide range of extracurricular activities available.
At 18, over 95% of pupils go on to university, with a good proportion each year gaining places at prestigious universities including Oxford and Cambridge.
Admission. The main ages of admission are at 4, 7, 11 and 16, although it is possible to admit pupils at other ages if a place is available. Entrance examinations for candidates at 11 are held annually towards the end of January. Entrance to the co-educational Sixth Form is subject to interview and a satisfactory performance in GCSE examinations. In the first instance, enquiries should be addressed to the Registrar.
Academic curriculum. Over 25 subjects are offered at A Level. A full range of academic subjects are offered to GCSE. All pupils study English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Double Award Science, at least one Modern Foreign Language (French, German, Spanish) and at least one of the Humanities subjects (Classical Studies, Geography, History, RE). Optional subjects include Art, Design & Technology, Latin, Drama and Music. The wider curriculum includes ICT, Religious Education, Health Education, Careers and Economic Awareness. Latin, German and Spanish are compulsory subjects in the Lower School (11–13) in addition to the usual range of National Curriculum subjects.
Games and outdoor pursuits. The major games are Rugby, Soccer, Cricket and Athletics, with Cross Country, Hockey, Netball, Tennis, Squash, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming and Golf also available. The playing fields are a short bus ride away from the school. A 10-lane cricket net facility, constructed to full English Cricket Board standards was opened in 2012. The netting system is retractable and so the area can also be fully utilised for football and hockey outside of the cricket season. All members of the school play games weekly. Additional team practices take place on Saturdays or at other times, and there is a full fixture list in the major sports. The school uses two local international venues, Ponds Forge and the English Institute of Sport for netball, dance and athletics. Birkdale’s Sports Hall is at the centre of the Senior School campus.
Outdoor Pursuits play an important part in the overall leadership training programme. All members of the school participate in regular training sessions leading in each age group to a major expedition. This programme culminates in the 4th Form camp held annually. Virtually all members of the Third Form undertake the Bronze Award of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, and an increasing number progress to Silver and Gold awards.
Music and the Arts. Music, Art and Drama flourish both within and outside the formal curriculum. A full annual programme of dramatic and musical productions is arranged. Over 120 pupils receive weekly instrumental music lessons at school, and a wide range of orchestras and choirs provide opportunities for pupils to experience group musical activities at an appropriate level.
Extracurricular activities. In addition to the activities above there is a broad range of clubs and societies which meet at lunchtime and outside the formal school day, providing opportunities for members of the school to explore and excel in activities such as Chess, Debating and Design as well as in the usual activities such as Sport, Drama, Outdoor Pursuits, Art and Music. Awards are often won in local and national competitions.
Careers. The school is a member of the Inspiring Futures careers guidance service and there is a well equipped Careers Centre on site. A biennial Careers Convention is held in the school and regular visits are made by services liaison officers and others to give advice and help to pupils under the guidance of the school’s careers staff.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Sixth Form: £5,414; Senior School: £5,351 (Years 9–11), £5,265 (Years 7 and 8); Prep School: £4,397; Pre-Prep Department: £3,586. Including lunches, textbooks and stationery (with the exception of Sixth Form textbooks).
Scholarships and bursaries. Academic, Music and Sports Scholarships are normally available at 11 and 16. Bursaries are available to increase awards up to 100% of fees in cases of proven financial need. In addition we offer the Arkwright Scholarship at 16+.
Charitable status. Birkdale School is a Registered Charity, number 1018973, and a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in England, number 2792166. It exists to develop the full potential of its members within a Christian community.
Governors & Staff:
Chairman of Governors: P Houghton, FCA
Bursar and Clerk to the Governors: R Wade
Head Master: P Harris, MSc
Deputy Head (Pastoral): P R King, BA
Deputy Head (Academic): R D Becks, BSc
Heads of Departments:
Art: A Armitage, BA, Dip Ed Management
Biology: Mrs B Holder, MA, BSc
Careers: C J Cook, BSc
Classics: Ms M Fforde, MA, BA
Design & Technology: P S Offer, BA
Drama: A G Low, BA
Economics & Business Studies: S B Stoddard, BA
English: Mrs S J Burt, BA
Geography: H Parker, BSc
History: M S Clarke, MA
ICT: G Morton, BSc
Mathematics: M E Roach, BSc
Modern Languages: Mrs K M Higham, BA, MEd
Music: A M Jordan, BMus
Outdoor Pursuits: S Watchman, BA
Physical Education: S C Depledge, BSc
Psychology: M D Downs
Science & Physics: Dr P C Jukes, PhD, MA
Religious Education: T J Pearson, BA
Chemistry: Dr P D Myatt, BSc, DPhil
SENCO: L E Marsh, BA
Counsellor: M Armour-Brown
Prep School:
Head of Prep School: C J Burch, BA, PGCE
Deputy Head (Pastoral): J M G McDermott, BEd
Deputy Head (Academic): S Lambert, BA Hons, PGCE
Senior Mistress: Mrs E J Arcari, BA