Wirral Grammar School for Boys 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Wirral Grammar School for Boys.
How to get into Wirral Grammar School for Boys
Wirral Grammar School for Boys is a selective secondary school in Wirral. To get into Wirral Grammar School for Boys children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Wirral Grammar School for Boys with all the important information you need to know.
Admission Requirements
Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 will take the Wirral 11+ in September 2025 for Year 7 entry in September 2026 [1]. The school offers 155 places annually for admission based on student performance in the 11 Plus exam.
Families from Wirral and the surrounding county of Cheshire can apply for a Year 7 place. The school does not have a formal catchment area, but prioritises pupils who live closer to the school based on shortest distance as measured by Wirral Local Authority's computer mapping system.
The school receives over eight applications for each Year 7 place, making it highly competitive. Admission is contingent on achieving the required standard in the Wirral 11+ examination administered by Wirral County Council for all four Wirral-based selective schools.
Application Process
The application process requires two separate steps: registering for the assessment and submitting school preferences. Families must complete and return the Assessment Request Form to Wirral Local Authority by 31st May (see key dates). This applies to both Wirral and Cheshire residents.
Registration for the Wirral 11+ opens on Thursday 1st May 2025 and closes on Saturday 31st May 2025 (see key dates). The Assessment Request Form can be downloaded from the school website when it becomes available.
- Register for the 11+ assessment through Wirral Local Authority by 31st May 2025 (see key dates)
- Complete the Common Application Form through your local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- Provide proof of identity for your child on exam day with completed identity form
- Indicate any special access arrangements needed on the registration form
- For admissions queries, contact details are available in the school information section
Preference forms should be returned to your Local Authority by 31st October (see key dates). Cheshire residents complete the Cheshire preference form, while Wirral residents complete the Wirral LA form.
Examination Details
The 11+ assessments take place in the third week of September and assessment results will be returned to parents by around 21st October (see key dates). The examination follows the GL Assessment exam format.
The assessment comprises two papers taken on the same day. The assessments include questions on verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics. All questions are multiple-choice with separate answer sheets marked electronically.
- Verbal Reasoning: Language-based tasks including identifying patterns, completing analogies, solving codes and making logical deductions
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Visual and abstract reasoning challenges to identify patterns, relationships and sequences within shapes, figures and diagrams
- Mathematics: Mathematical skills, problem-solving abilities and logical reasoning including number operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, statistics and data handling
Each test takes around one hour to complete, with results age-standardised to ensure no pupil has an advantage based on their age.
Oversubscription Criteria
If more eligible children apply than the 155 places available, the school uses oversubscription criteria. Places are prioritised for eligible children in this order: looked after children and previously looked after children, children with valid medical or social reasons, up to 15 places for children receiving free school meals based on shortest walking distance, children with siblings at the school, and remaining places allocated by shortest distance to the school.
The school does not have a catchment area, but children who live closest to the school are prioritised for places. All grammar schools using the Wirral 11+ prioritise children who achieve the qualifying score and are on free school meals, requiring evidence to be provided to Wirral Council.
Preparation Guidance
Building a good knowledge base before the 11+ using a 'little and often' approach is key, with child psychologists recommending regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11. Regular reading helps build skills for analysing and interpreting written information tested in 11+ exams.
Families should aim for 80%+ in practice tests as preparation guidance. The tests are designed to predict potential performance at secondary school, so preparation is not necessary, though familiarisation materials with sample questions will be available.
- Start preparation with regular 20-30 minute study sessions
- Focus on reading comprehension and analytical skills
- Practice with timed conditions to build exam confidence
- Access free practice papers at practice 11+ papers
- Consider professional support through 11+ tutor services
- Use familiarisation materials provided by Wirral Local Authority
- Practice multiple-choice question formats
Key Timeline
Registration opens Thursday 1st May 2025 and closes Saturday 31st May 2025 (see key dates). Children take the test in September 2025 and receive results by Tuesday 21st October (see key dates). Secondary school common application forms must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates).
Families will be notified of secondary school allocation on 1st March, applying to both Wirral and Cheshire residents (see key dates). If offered a place, the school will contact families with Welcome Evening details in the Summer Term.
Practical Advice
If your child is unwell on exam day, do not bring them along - instead email secondaryplaces@wirral.gov.uk with their name and date of birth for invitation to another session. Bring completed identity form as proof of identity is required before assessment.
Passing the 11+ does not guarantee placement at your preferred school as many grammar schools are oversubscribed with qualified children, requiring admissions authorities to prioritise through admissions criteria. Families should research backup school options in Wirral area.
- Ensure your child is well-rested before exam day
- Arrive early with required identification documents
- Have backup school preferences ready for application form
- Understand that achieving the pass mark does not guarantee admission
- Consider appeal processes if unsuccessful initially
- Contact the school information section for specific queries
- Plan for alternative school options in the Wirral area
If your son achieves the grammar school standard but is allocated another school, this may be because that school was listed as a higher preference or because the school is full after admission criteria have been applied [1].
Wirral 11+ Information
In order to get into Wirral Grammar School for Boys, 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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.
All questions in the Wirral Admissions Test are presented in a multiple-choice format. Students are provided with separate answer sheets on which they indicate their responses. These answer sheets are then electronically marked to determine the student's performance.
The test aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of a child's suitability for entry into Wirral Grammar School for Boys by evaluating their skills and knowledge across various domains.
Other Schools using Wirral 11+
As well as Wirral Grammar School for Boys, 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Wirral Grammar School for Boys 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Wirral Grammar School for Boys) 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Wirral Grammar School for Boys
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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys
Here are all available past 11+ papers for Wirral Grammar School for Boys. 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys currently uses.
The exam board (or test supplier) that Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys
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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.
11+ Practice Papers for Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys.
| 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys.
| 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Writing | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys.
| 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Wirral Grammar School for Boys, Cross Lane, Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside CH63 3AQ |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://www.wirralgrammarboys.com/ |
| Telephone | 01516440908 |
| Email Address | schooladmissions@wirral.gov.uk |
| Gender | Boys only |
| Total Year 7 Places | 155 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1053 (0 Girls / 1053 Boys) |
| Headteacher | Mr Simon Ascroft |
Wirral Grammar School for Boys is a boys 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 1,053 pupils attend Wirral Grammar School for Boys and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Simon Ascroft.
Wirral Grammar School for Boys Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Wirral Grammar School for Boys was last inspected by Ofsted on 08/11/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 19/12/2022, 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 | 08/11/2022 | 1 | 19/12/2022 | Good | Full Report |
|---|
Ofsted Report Summary
Wirral Grammar School for Boys was inspected by Ofsted on 8 November 2022 and received an overall outcome of Good. The school demonstrated outstanding performance in the areas of behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and sixth form provision. The quality of education and leadership and management were both rated as good.
The inspection results highlight the school's commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and supporting students' personal growth. The outstanding ratings in behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and sixth form provision indicate that the school excels in nurturing well-rounded individuals and preparing them for success beyond their secondary education.
While the quality of education and leadership and management were rated as good, there may be opportunities for further improvement in these areas. Nevertheless, the overall good rating demonstrates that Wirral Grammar School for Boys is providing a solid educational foundation for its students and is well-positioned to continue its positive trajectory.
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 | 47 | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | 9 | 19 | 9 | 4 |
| Biology | 153 | 2 | - | - | 4 | 11 | 35 | 32 | 31 | 24 | 14 |
| Business Studies:Single | 115 | - | - | - | 4 | 7 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 19 | 12 |
| Chemistry | 152 | 2 | - | - | 9 | 16 | 29 | 37 | 24 | 19 | 16 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 33 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 2 | 3 |
| Design & Technology | 50 | - | - | - | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 4 | - | - |
| English Language | 155 | - | - | - | 3 | 14 | 31 | 43 | 35 | 19 | 10 |
| English Literature | 152 | - | - | - | 3 | 13 | 38 | 47 | 31 | 15 | 5 |
| French | 60 | - | - | - | 12 | 12 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 1 | 4 |
| Geography | 117 | - | - | - | 3 | 5 | 12 | 23 | 30 | 34 | 10 |
| Geology | 34 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| History | 71 | - | - | 4 | 4 | 7 | 14 | 9 | 15 | 11 | 7 |
| Mathematics | 155 | - | - | - | - | 10 | 28 | 37 | 43 | 29 | 8 |
| Music | 44 | - | - | 2 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 6 |
| Physics | 152 | 3 | - | - | 8 | 13 | 27 | 36 | 24 | 25 | 16 |
| Religious Studies | 13 | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Spanish | 103 | 4 | - | 11 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 19 | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 53 | - | - | - | 4 | 7 | 7 | 18 | 9 | 4 | 4 |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 6 | - | - | - | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |||
| Biology | 42 | - | 2 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 5 | |||
| Business Studies:Single | 44 | - | - | 6 | 22 | 12 | 4 | - | |||
| Chemistry | 37 | - | 2 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 10 | 8 | |||
| Computer Studies / Computing | 8 | - | - | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | - | |||
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 6 | - | - | 3 | 3 | - | - | - | |||
| Economics | 38 | - | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 1 | |||
| English Language | 9 | - | - | - | 7 | 1 | 1 | - | |||
| English Literature | 14 | - | - | 2 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 1 | |||
| French | 7 | - | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Geography | 9 | - | - | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | - | |||
| Government and Politics | 7 | - | - | 1 | - | 3 | 1 | 2 | |||
| History | 25 | - | - | - | 3 | 7 | 11 | 3 | |||
| Law | 14 | - | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | - | 1 | |||
| Mathematics | 55 | - | 3 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 9 | |||
| Mathematics (Further) | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | |||
| Physics | 42 | - | 2 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 5 | |||
| Psychology | 23 | - | 5 | 6 | 5 | 7 | - | - | |||
| Spanish | 7 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | |||
FAQ
Is Wirral Grammar School for Boys hard to get into?
Yes, Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys a private school?
No, Wirral Grammar School for Boys is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Wirral Grammar School for Boys free?
Yes, Wirral Grammar School for Boys is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Wirral Grammar School for Boys won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Wirral Grammar School for Boys?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys a boys-only school?
Yes, Wirral Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only school.
