West Kirby Grammar School 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for West Kirby Grammar School.
How to get into West Kirby Grammar School
West Kirby Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Wirral. To get into West Kirby Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into West Kirby Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.
About West Kirby Grammar School
West Kirby Grammar School is a selective state grammar school for girls, located at Graham Road, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 5DP [1]. The school is an accredited High Performance Learning World Class School and was founded in 1913. Girls are admitted from age 11 to 18, with boys admitted to the sixth form only.
The school has approximately 1,225 students and operates under the school motto "ad metam contendo" (strive toward the goal). West Kirby Grammar School is recognised as one of The Sunday Times top one hundred state schools.
Admission Requirements
Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 will take the Wirral Admissions Test in September 2025 for Year 7 entry in September 2026. The school offers 180 places annually [1].
West Kirby Grammar School is a selective state school, which means children must take the 11 plus exam to be eligible for a place in Year 7. The school uses the Wirral Admissions Test, which is used by four non-Catholic grammar schools in Wirral, meaning children only need to take the test once if applying to any of these schools.
West Kirby Grammar School does not have a catchment area, however children who live closest to the school, based on walking distance, are prioritised for places. Distance is measured from the child's home to the nearest school gate via the shortest road route unless a footpath, considered by the school to be a safe walking route, can be used instead.
Application Process
Registration for the Wirral Admissions Test opens on the Wirral Council website on Thursday 1st May 2025 and closes at midnight on Saturday 31st May 2025 (see key dates). Children will take the test in September 2025 and families will receive results by Tuesday 21st October (see key dates).
To apply to West Kirby Grammar School, families need to name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form, which will be available on their home council website from early September and must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates).
Passing the 11 plus does not guarantee a place, as many grammar schools are oversubscribed with qualified children. Families will find out which school their child has been allocated a place at on Monday 2nd March 2026 (see key dates).
- Register for the Wirral 11+ by 31st May 2025 (see key dates)
- Complete the secondary school common application form by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- List West Kirby Grammar School as a preferred choice on the application
- Contact the school information section for specific guidance
Oversubscription Criteria
If more eligible children apply than the 180 places available, places are prioritised for eligible children in this order: looked after children and previously looked after children; children who have a valid medical or social reason to attend the school; up to 18 places for children who receive free school meals, in rank order of the shortest walking distance to the school; children who have a sibling at the school at the time of admission; children of staff employed by West Kirby Grammar School for at least two years [1].
The Wirral 11+ Examination
West Kirby Grammar School uses the Wirral Admissions Test to assess children's suitability for entry, which consists of two papers with three different types of questions. All questions are multiple-choice, with children using separate answer sheets that are marked electronically.
The assessment comprises two papers that cover verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics. The verbal reasoning sections test children's reasoning skills using language-based tasks, such as identifying patterns, completing analogies, solving codes and making logical deductions.
Children's marks are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged, with all standardised scores placed in rank order from highest to lowest, and the Wirral admissions authority sets a required standard based on this ranked list.
Preparation Guidance
Children who score 80%+ consistently in practice tests should be on track to pass the 11+ test, which has historically been a fairly strong indicator for success. West Kirby Grammar School has an age-standardised pass mark of 236.
Building a good knowledge base before the 11 plus is important, using a 'little and often' approach when learning, with child psychologists recommending regular study sessions of 20–30 minutes for children aged 10–11.
West Kirby Grammar School offers familiarisation sessions for students in Year 5 each year to help students develop confidence to attempt the 11+ examination [1].
- Start preparation with regular 20-30 minute study sessions
- Aim for 80%+ scores in practice tests consistently
- Access free preparation resources at practice papers section
- Consider professional support through the tutoring section
- Attend Year 5 familiarisation sessions offered by the school
Practical Advice
Any queries relating to the 11+ testing arrangements should be directed to Wirral LA School Admissions. Families should prepare for exam day by ensuring children are well-rested and arrive early at the test centre.
If children need special access arrangements to complete the test, families should indicate this on the registration form. All grammar schools using the Wirral Admissions Test prioritise children who have achieved the qualifying score and are on free school meals, requiring evidence to be provided to Wirral Council.
The Wirral 11+ is shared with other Wirral grammar schools including Calday Grange Grammar School, Wirral Grammar School for Boys, and Wirral Grammar School for Girls. Families should consider these as backup options alongside other comprehensive schools in the Wirral area.
- Ensure children have adequate rest before exam day
- Arrive early at the test centre with required documentation
- Apply for special access arrangements if needed during registration
- Consider backup school options in Wirral
- Contact details are available in the school information section
Key Information
School Contact: For specific enquiries, families should refer to the school information section rather than contacting the school directly about 11+ arrangements.
Academic Performance: At West Kirby Grammar School, 94% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE, demonstrating the school's strong academic standards.
School Community: Over 1,260 pupils are divided across six houses: Furniss, Gonner, Hudson, Paton, Stewart and Wallis, benefiting from a broad and balanced curriculum including mathematics, PSHE, science, DT, French and religious studies [1].
Wirral 11+ Information
In order to get into West Kirby Grammar School, children need to pass the Wirral 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.
Wirral 11+ Subjects & Structure
The Wirral 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Maths
The Wirral Admissions Test is used by West Kirby Grammar School to evaluate the aptitude of prospective students. This assessment comprises two papers that cover a range of subjects, including verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics. The test is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of a child's academic potential and suitability for the school's curriculum.
All questions in the Wirral Admissions Test are presented in a multiple-choice format, allowing students to select the most appropriate answer from the given options. To record their responses, children are provided with separate answer sheets, which are then electronically marked to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the evaluation process.
By assessing a student's performance across these key areas, West Kirby Grammar School aims to identify those who demonstrate the necessary skills and abilities to thrive within their educational environment. The Wirral Admissions Test serves as an essential tool in the school's selection process, helping to ensure that each child admitted to the school has the potential to succeed academically and contribute positively to the school community.
Other Schools using Wirral 11+
As well as West Kirby Grammar School, several other schools also use Wirral 11+. These are:
Wirral 11+ Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as West Kirby Grammar School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.
Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.
Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.
It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!
Wirral 11+ Pass Mark
The pass mark for the Wirral 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).
Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at West Kirby Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the West Kirby Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into West Kirby Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.
| Date | Event | Calendar Link |
|---|---|---|
| 01/05/2025 | Registration Opens For The Wirral Admissions Test | Add Dates to Calendar |
| 31/05/2025 | Registration Closes For The Wirral Admissions Test | |
| Early September | Wirral Admissions Test | |
| Late October | Parents Receive Outcome Of Wirral Admissions Test | |
| Late October | Secondary School Applications Close At 5pm | |
| 02/03/2026 | Secondary School National Offers Day |
Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with West Kirby Grammar School as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for West Kirby Grammar School
As the Wirral 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.
Why use a private 11+ tutor?
Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.
11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.
11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.
Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!
Private 11+ Tutors for the West Kirby Grammar School 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the West Kirby Grammar School 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.
11+ Past Papers for West Kirby Grammar School
Here are all available past 11+ papers for West Kirby Grammar School. Please note that this may include 11+ past papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that West Kirby Grammar School currently uses.
The exam board (or test supplier) that West Kirby Grammar School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.
As well as these past 11+ papers, you may find our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers helpful for your child's preparation.
| Exam Board | Subject | 11+ Past Paper |
|---|---|---|
| CEM* Now use GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for West Kirby Grammar School
Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Wirral 11+ Ensure you double-check with West Kirby Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.
This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.
11+ Practice Papers for West Kirby Grammar School by Bond
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the Wirral 11+ to get into West Kirby Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for West Kirby Grammar School by GL Assessment
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into West Kirby Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for West Kirby Grammar School by Exam Ninja
These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the Wirral 11+.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | English |
11+ Practice Papers for West Kirby Grammar School by Owl Tutors
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into West Kirby Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Writing | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for West Kirby Grammar School by CGP
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into West Kirby Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If West Kirby Grammar School ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEM | Maths | |||
| CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| CEM | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for West Kirby Grammar School by 11+ For You
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for West Kirby Grammar School by Examberry
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for West Kirby Grammar School by Independent Junction
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for West Kirby Grammar School by IPS
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
11+ Practice Papers for West Kirby Grammar School by Schofield & Sims
These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about West Kirby Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | West Kirby Grammar School, Graham Road, West Kirby, Wirral, Merseyside CH48 5DP |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://wkgs.org/ |
| Telephone | 01516323449 |
| Email Address | schooladmissions@wirral.gov.uk |
| Gender | Girls only |
| Total Year 7 Places | 180 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1270 (1224 Girls / 46 Boys) |
| Headteacher | Mr Simeon Clarke |
West Kirby Grammar School is a girls only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).
In total 1,270 pupils attend West Kirby Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Simeon Clarke.
West Kirby Grammar School Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
West Kirby Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 02/11/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 15/12/2022, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.
Last Ofsted Report Data
| Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 02/11/2022 | 1 | 15/12/2022 | Good | Full Report |
|---|
Ofsted Report Summary
West Kirby Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 15/12/2022 and received an overall rating of Good. The school was judged to be Good in all areas, including Quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management, and Sixth form provision.
The inspection, which took place on 2 November 2022, found that West Kirby Grammar School provides a high-quality education for its students. The school's leadership and management team have effectively implemented strategies to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future success.
The Good rating across all areas demonstrates the school's commitment to providing an excellent learning environment for its students. The school's focus on personal development and behaviour and attitudes, alongside a strong academic curriculum, has resulted in a positive and supportive school community that encourages students to reach their full potential.
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at West Kirby Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.
| GCSE Subjects Offered |
|
|---|---|
| A-Level Subjects Offered |
|
GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for West Kirby Grammar School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.
GCSE Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Art & Design (Textiles) | 17 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 1 |
| Art & Design (Fine Art) | 22 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 9 |
| Art & Design (Graphics) | 31 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 1 | 8 | 13 | 7 | - |
| Biology | 181 | - | - | - | 3 | 15 | 24 | 35 | 47 | 27 | 30 |
| Business Studies:Single | 57 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 18 | 5 | 14 |
| Chemistry | 180 | - | - | - | 4 | 24 | 30 | 43 | 19 | 31 | 29 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 27 | - | - | - | - | 6 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Design & Technology | 73 | - | - | - | 3 | 7 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| English Language | 186 | - | - | - | 2 | 10 | 37 | 38 | 49 | 35 | 15 |
| English Literature | 180 | - | - | 1 | - | 6 | 20 | 53 | 44 | 33 | 23 |
| D&T Food Technology | 14 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| French | 42 | - | - | 1 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 3 |
| Geography | 111 | - | - | 1 | - | 8 | 6 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 21 |
| German | 34 | - | - | - | - | 8 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| History | 115 | - | - | 1 | 5 | 6 | 12 | 22 | 27 | 25 | 17 |
| Latin | 19 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Mathematics | 186 | - | - | - | - | 7 | 46 | 48 | 29 | 36 | 20 |
| Music | 11 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | - |
| Physics | 180 | 1 | - | - | 3 | 22 | 42 | 40 | 22 | 27 | 23 |
| Religious Studies | 76 | - | - | - | 2 | 5 | 2 | 27 | 20 | 14 | 6 |
| Spanish | 72 | 2 | - | - | 13 | 12 | 13 | 6 | 12 | 12 | 2 |
| Drama & Theatre Studies | 63 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 8 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 8 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 39 | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | 6 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 6 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | - | |||
| Biology | 67 | - | 7 | 7 | 5 | 22 | 12 | 14 | |||
| Business Studies:Single | 25 | - | 1 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 3 | 3 | |||
| Chemistry | 52 | - | 6 | 2 | 4 | 20 | 13 | 6 | |||
| Design and Technology (Textiles Technology) | 6 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | - | |||
| Economics | 15 | - | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 1 | |||
| English Language | 25 | - | - | 3 | 2 | 14 | 5 | 1 | |||
| English Literature | 19 | - | - | 1 | - | 11 | 4 | 3 | |||
| Film Studies | 6 | - | - | - | - | 5 | 1 | - | |||
| Geography | 24 | - | 1 | - | 7 | 5 | 8 | 3 | |||
| Government and Politics | 18 | - | - | 3 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 1 | |||
| History | 31 | - | 3 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 7 | 3 | |||
| Mathematics | 30 | - | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 12 | 6 | |||
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 15 | - | 4 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 1 | - | |||
| Psychology | 72 | - | 6 | 5 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 2 | |||
| Religious Studies | 14 | - | - | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | - | |||
| Spanish | 7 | - | - | - | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |||
FAQ
Is West Kirby Grammar School hard to get into?
Yes, West Kirby Grammar School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.
Is West Kirby Grammar School a private school?
No, West Kirby Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is West Kirby Grammar School free?
Yes, West Kirby Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to West Kirby Grammar School won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into West Kirby Grammar School?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact West Kirby Grammar School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.
Is West Kirby Grammar School a girls-only school?
Yes, West Kirby Grammar School is a girls-only school.
