Calday Grange Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 210
Competition: High
Ofsted Rating: Good
Calday Grange Grammar School
Calday Grange Grammar School is a selective grammar school for boys, with a mixed sixth form, situated in West Kirby on the Wirral. Founded in 1636, it is one of the oldest grammar schools in the North West and is renowned for its academic excellence, rich history and forward-looking approach to education.
The school promotes independence, ambition and responsibility, encouraging students to develop both academically and personally. With a strong focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Calday offers a diverse curriculum supported by a wide range of clubs, sports, music and leadership opportunities.
Calday Grange Grammar School is part of the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium, and admission to Year 7 is based on the shared 11 Plus entrance exam used by all consortium schools.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Calday Grange Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Calday Grange Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Calday Grange Grammar School
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Calday Grange Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Calday Grange Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Calday Grange Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Calday Grange Grammar School’s Key Information
The key information regarding Calday Grange Grammar School such as admission number, where to park, and contact information.
School Address
Full Address:
Calday Grange Grammar School, Grammar School Ln, Newton, West Kirby, BirkenheadWirral
Merseyside
CH48 8GG
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is parking within the school. On-street parking can be found nearby.
Additional parking off site
Unfortunately there are no car parks within 30 minutes.
Calday Grange Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Calday Grange Grammar School remains a good school, with ambitious pupils and high academic standards.
Academic strength: The curriculum is broad and challenging, helping pupils achieve strong results across most subjects.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is effective and well planned, though some subjects show minor inconsistency in delivery.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is excellent. Pupils are respectful, motivated and take pride in the wide range of school opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is strong and supportive, and safeguarding is effective, ensuring pupils’ safety and wellbeing.
Calday Grange Grammar School Exam Format
Entry to Year 7 at Calday Grange Grammar School is determined by performance in the 11 Plus exam, set by GL Assessment and used by all grammar schools in the Wirral Consortium.
The Calday Grange Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview
The test is made up of two multiple-choice papers, each lasting around an hour and guided by an audio soundtrack. Pupils record their answers on a separate computer-marked answer sheet. Each paper includes three sections:
Verbal Reasoning:
tests understanding of words, letters and language patterns.
Non-Verbal Reasoning:
assesses logic, shapes, patterns and spatial awareness.
Mathematics:
covers problem-solving and reasoning using Key Stage 2 maths skills.
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
To qualify for consideration at Calday Grange Grammar School, pupils must achieve a standardised score of 236 or above. However, meeting this score does not guarantee a place, as oversubscription criteria apply when more pupils qualify than available spaces.
Catchment Area
Calday Grange Grammar School does not have a formal catchment area, but distance plays a key role in final allocations. Families must register for the Wirral 11 Plus and complete the Common Application Form (CAF) through their local authority by the stated deadline.
Additional Eligibility
Once a pupil reaches the qualifying score, Calday Grange Grammar School applies the following oversubscription criteria if more pupils qualify than there are places:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children.
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Children with a valid medical or social reason supported by a professional.
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Up to 15 places for pupils eligible for Free School Meals, prioritised by shortest walking distance.
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Siblings of current students.
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Remaining places offered based on distance from the school.
Click here to view the full Calday Grange Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Calday Grange Grammar School
Here’s how you can help your son feel ready and confident on exam day:
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Calday Grange Grammar School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Calday Grange Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Here are the key dates involved in application and the entry exam for 11 Plus admission to Calday Grange Grammar School.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Entrance Test Date
Results Released
Common Application Form (CAF) Deadline
Offer Day
Calday Grange Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Calday Grange Grammar School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Calday Grange Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Register your child for the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium 11 Plus test between 1 May and 31 May 2025. Registration must be completed online through the Consortium’s official portal to ensure eligibility for the exam.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Calday Grange Grammar School listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed, failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Calday Grange Grammar School FAQs
You’ll need to register your child for the Wirral 11 Plus test and list Calday Grange Grammar School on your local authority’s Common Application Form (CAF) before the deadline.
The Wirral Admissions Test includes two multiple-choice papers covering verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics, with an audio guide leading pupils through each section.
Entry is selective. Pupils must achieve a standardised score of 236 or higher, and places are then offered according to the school’s oversubscription criteria.
There is no formal catchment area, but distance from the school is considered when allocating places if applications exceed available spaces.