Wirral Grammar School for Boys 11 plus: a parents' guide for 2022

Wirral Grammar School for Boys is a selective school for boys aged 11-18 in Bebington, Wirral. The school has been offering a grammar school education to boys from across the Wirral and beyond since 1931.

The school’s academic results are positive, with almost 10% of GCSEs graded the highest score of 9 in 2019 and nearly 50% graded 9–7 (previous A*–A standard). Beyond the classroom, boys are encouraged to get involved in at least two extra-curricular activities, which include extensive music and sports clubs and programmes.

Wirral Grammar School for Boys is dedicated to building international partnerships; the school has completed three fully-funded British Council projects with partner schools across Europe and won the British Council International School Award in 2021.

11 plus information for Wirral Grammar School for Boys

• Address: Wirral Grammar School for Boys, Cross Lane, Bebington, Wirral, CH63 3AQ

• County: Merseyside

• Admissions contact: [email protected], 01516 440908

• School type: Boys’ grammar

• Number of pupils: 1,060

• Number of places in Year 7: 155

• Open day date: Wednesday 4th May 2022. The school also welcomes visits at any time.

• 11 plus exam dates: Monday 19th September 2022

• Exam board type: GL Assessments

Wirral Grammar School for Boys term dates

The term dates for Wirral Grammar School for Boys in 2022-23 are:

• Autumn term: 2nd September – 20th December

• Half term: 24th – 28th October

• Spring term: 4th January – 31st March

• Half term: 20th – 24th February

• Summer term: 17th April – 20th July

• Half term: 29th May – 2nd June

Admissions process for Wirral Grammar School for Boys

Wirral Grammar School for Boys operates a joint admissions process with Calday Grange Grammar School, West Kirby Grammar School and Wirral Grammar School for Girls. This admissions process is managed by Wirral Council.

There are 155 places available in Year 7 at Wirral Grammar School for Boys in 2023. Children who attain the qualifying score in the 11 plus exam (taken at a testing centre on 19th September 2022) will be eligible to be considered for admission.

Children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which names Wirral Grammar School for Boys will be admitted to the school. If more children reach the required standard than there are places at the school, children in the following categories will be offered a place in order:

1. Boys who are looked after or previously looked after

2. Boys with a valid medical reason, supported by a doctor’s letter

3. Up to 15 places are available for boys on Free School Meals who achieve the qualifying score in rank order of distance from the school

4. Boys with a sibling attending the school at the time of application

5. Preference will be given to boys with the shortest distance from their home to school as measured by Wirral Local Authority’s computer mapping system

What is the catchment area for Wirral Grammar School for Boys?

Wirral Grammar School for Boys does not have a defined catchment area.

How to apply for Wirral Grammar School for Boys

Applications to Year 7 at Wirral Grammar School for Boys are managed by Wirral Council. If you would like to register your son for the 11 plus assessment, you will need to complete the online registration form between 1st May and 31st May 2022.

Following the results of the 11 plus test and by 31st October 2022, you will need to complete a Local Authority admissions form, naming Wirral Grammar School for Boys as your preference. If you are a resident within the Wirral Local Authority, this can be done on the Wirral Council website.

When is the Wirral Grammar School for Boys 11 plus exam taken?

Registration for the 11 plus test at Wirral Grammar School for Boys opened on Sunday 1st May and will close on Tuesday 31st May 2022. The 11 plus exam will be taken at a test centre on 19th September 2022.

Parents can expect to receive the results of the assessment on around 21st October 2022. If you receive confirmation that your child is eligible for a place, you will then have time to complete your Local Authority school preference form (or Common Application Form) before the national deadline of 31st October 2022.

Wirral Grammar School for Boys 11 plus exam format

The 11 plus exam for Wirral Grammar School for Boys will consist of two papers, both provided by GL Assessment. These papers will take around an hour each (including time in which the invigilator will read out instructions) and will include questions on verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and maths. Note that this is a change from CEM – the provider from 2019 and previous years.

So that children are not disadvantaged because of their date of birth, the score for the tests is adjusted to take into account each child’s age in years and months to determine a Standardised Age Score (SAS). The test scores from both papers are then added together, and children who have reached the qualifying score (normally the score of the 210th child, ranked in order from highest to lowest) will be deemed eligible for a place.

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How to prepare for the Wirral Grammar School for Boys 11 plus

It's best to start preparing as early as possible for the 11 plus exam at Wirral Grammar School for Boys to give your child the maximum amount of time to master the Key Stage 2 core curriculum before the exam.

A good way to prepare is to practice as many questions as possible in the format of the GL exams. Carrying out mock tests helps students practice answering questions under pressure and improve their exam technique and time management.

Atom Nucleus has Mock Tests that replicate the 11 plus exam at Wirral Grammar School for Boys.

There is also a familiarisation guide on the Wirral Council website, which takes pupils through the types of questions they may be asked.

We can help

At Atom Learning, we have over 90,000 teacher-written practice questions and unlimited mock tests that mirror the format and structure of the 11 plus exam at Wirral Grammar School for Boys. We also offer live exam prep courses and lessons to help build their skills in a friendly, encouraging, and interactive way.

You can start your 5-day free trial of Nucleus today to ensure your child is fully confident and prepared for the 11 plus.

We know how crucial this time is, so our team is on hand to support you and your family every step of the way. You can book a call with one of our Education Experts to ask any questions you may have about the GL Assessments 11 plus or Wirral Grammar School for Boys:

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