Birkenhead School is a leading co-educational independent school situated in Oxton, Wirral. The School offers outstanding educational opportunities for girls and boys from two years to eighteen years and attracts students from Wirral, Cheshire, Liverpool and North Wales.
The School was established in 1860 and at the heart of the School is a strong and welcoming student and parent community.
Birkenhead School was named the 2025 North West Independent Secondary School of the Year by the Sunday Times. The Good Schools Guide comments ‘Birkenhead is riding high. A bustling, traditional and community-driven school with happy, diligent pupils and a growing focus on extracurricular. Super campus and excellent rapport with teachers too. First rate and first choice not only for local families but increasingly those from further afield.'
School buildings are grouped around a spacious campus with a beautiful ‘village green’ at the centre. The different parts of the School have their own distinct areas and the School offers an educational journey from Nursery to Sixth Form and children move seamlessly from one year to the next.
The School was announced the Sunday Times North West Independent Secondary School of the Year for 2025. Exam results position the School as one of the leading independent schools within the North-West. The aim is academic excellence for all through inspirational teaching that looks to embed a lifelong love of learning. By knowing each individual, the School aims to recognise and celebrate each student’s unique skills and passions, adding value at every stage of the educational journey. Details of the curriculum at each key stage are available on the school website.
The education goes beyond the confines of the National Curriculum and students enjoy an extensive co-curricular programme of clubs and activities alongside programmes such as ‘Enrich and Explore’, ‘Future Skills’, ‘Beyond the Curriculum’ and the School's 'Leadership Pathways' programme.
Music plays an important role at the School, with students encouraged to learn a musical instrument from a young age. There is a wide range of musical bands to join including both Prep and Seniors Orchestras, Concert Band, Big Band and various ensembles. The School hosts an annual Festival of Arts that includes a wide range of concerts, exhibitions, lunchtime recitals and musical workshops which are open to both the School and wider community.
The School has a reputation for Choral music and offers a Chapel Choir that sings at weekday services and the weekly Sunday Evensong service in its on-site Chapel.
Sports offered at the School include rugby, hockey, netball and lacrosse during the winter terms and cricket, athletics, tennis and rounders during the summer. Facilities include a sports hall, floodlit astro pitches, strength and conditioning gym, cardio gym, squash court, fitness suites and a climbing wall. The School has its own Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
There is a strong tradition of drama, now offered as a GCSE and A Level subject, with regular Prep and Senior productions, alongside annual House Drama and House Music competitions.
The School's 'Inspiring Talks Series' encompasses the Nicholls Lecture Series for Sixth Form students, the Boumphrey Lecture Programme for younger pupils in Prep and a 'No Limits' Series in Seniors. The School also regularly welcomes high-profile public figures and authors to the School for events that are open to members of the public.
The School works closely within its community and has links with a number of business organisations, the Chamber of Commerce and many local charities. The School offers a range of events for children across Wirral including author talks, science events for local Brownies and Cub groups and runs a 'Be Inspired' programme for pupils in Years 5 and 6 with a focus on social mobility through education.
The legacy of an education at the School is about confidence, social awareness, and a breadth of skills and knowledge that will stay with students for a lifetime and set them apart from their peers. The majority of students continue their learning at Russell Group universities including Oxbridge and the School has a long tradition of producing Medical students. Upon leaving the School, The Old Birkonian Society offers young people membership of an established and extensive community and a range of alumni events provide valuable networking opportunities.
Fees per term (2024–2025). Seniors £4,565–£5,250; Prep £3,425–£3,915.
Admissions. Both the Headmaster and Head of Prep meet personally with prospective parents to discuss individual children’s passions and abilities and admissions are managed by their respective PAs. Prospective families are welcomed and encouraged to visit the School for a personalised visit at any time during the year and early application is encouraged. The School hosts Open Events during the Michaelmas, Lent and Summer terms. Entrance into the Prep is through individual assessments and interviews. Entry into Seniors at age 11 is by progression from the Prep and, for external applicants, through Assessment and Taster Days hosted by the School in Years 5 and 6. Entry into the Sixth Form is based on GCSE grades and an interview.
Charitable status. Birkenhead School is a Registered Charity, number 1093419. The charitable status means the School not only accepts fee-paying pupils, but can offer places to able children from less advantaged backgrounds.
Governors & Staff:
President: Sir Andreas Whittam Smith, CBE
Chair of Governors: Mr M R Cashin, MA
Company Secretary and Clerk to the Governors: Mr D J Byrne (Bursar)
Headmaster: Mr P R Vicars, MA
Deputy Head (Pastoral): Mrs K Pankhurst, BA
Deputy Head (Academic): Mr T Whitworth, BA
Head of Prep: Mr H R FitzHerbert, BA
Deputy Head of Prep: Mr R A Halpin, BSc