Upton Hall School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 140
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Upton Hall School
Upton Hall School FCJ is a selective Catholic grammar school for girls based in Upton, Wirral. Established in 1862, it blends academic excellence with a caring, faith-based ethos inspired by the values of the Faithful Companions of Jesus.
Renowned for outstanding exam results, pastoral support and leadership development, the school holds specialist status in maths and computing. Its broad and balanced curriculum promotes creativity, independence and compassion, helping pupils reach their full potential in school and beyond.
Upton Hall operates independently of the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium, meaning it manages its own entrance exam and registration process.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Upton Hall School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Upton Hall School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Upton Hall 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 Upton Hall School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Upton Hall School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Upton Hall School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Upton Hall School’s Key Information
Here is some information about Upton Hall School such as contact details, parking availability, and planned student intake for 11 Plus.
School Address
Full Address:
Upton Hall School, FCJ, UptonWirral
Merseyside
CH49 6LJ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is some parking within the school, however it is limited. There is also on-street parking nearby.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: Euro Car Parks Limited, Upton Retail Park, Upton By-Pass, Wirral, CH49 6QG, which is a 20 minute walk from the school.Â
- Car Park: Wirral Council, Arrowe Country Park, Arrowe Brook Road, Wirral, CH49 1SX, which is a 40 minute walk from the school.
Upton Hall School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Upton Hall School FCJ was rated Outstanding in every area, including overall effectiveness and sixth-form provision.
Academic strength: Inspectors highlighted the school’s exceptional teaching, ambitious curriculum, and consistently high achievement..
Teaching and curriculum: Pupils were described as kind, respectful, and deeply motivated, thriving in a nurturing and aspirational environment.
Behaviour and culture: The school provides a rich programme of enrichment and careers guidance, helping pupils develop confidence and ambition.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and staff were commended for their high expectations, collaborative ethos, and strong focus on safeguarding and wellbeing.
Upton Hall School Exam Format
Upton Hall School is responsible for its own admissions process and runs a unique entrance test that differs from the GL Assessment used by other grammar schools in the area.
The Upton Hall School Entry Exam: Overview
The entrance exam consists of two written papers. Both papers are completed on the same day at Upton Hall School in mid-September. The test aims to measure natural ability, reasoning skills and understanding rather than memorised knowledge, and it is not in multiple-choice format.
Paper One
Verbal Reasoning
Paper Two
English Comprehension and Composition
11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The pass mark for Upton Hall School is a total of 236. This mark will be adjusted to account for age differences. In the event of oversubscription within any of the additional criteria, places will be awarded to those who achieve a higher mark in the entry exam.
Catchment Area
The school has no defined catchment area, so applications from outside the Wirral are accepted. However, preference is given to practising Catholic children as stated in the school’s admissions policy.
Additional Eligibility
Admission decisions are based on entrance test results and the school’s oversubscription criteria. Priority is given in the following order:
-
Baptised Roman Catholic girls who achieve strong academic results
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Other Christian applicants who reach the required academic standard
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Applicants of other or no faith, ranked according to their test performance
Click here to view the full Upton Hall School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Upton Hall School
Since the Upton Hall entrance test is set by the school and not multiple choice, preparation should focus on building core skills and exam technique. Here are some useful approaches:
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 Upton Hall 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.
Upton Hall School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Here are the key events that need to be known for successful application to Upton Hall School.
Deadline to apply for Upton Hall School entrance exam
Parents receive details of exam arrangements
Upton Hall School entrance exam
Test Results Released
CAF (Common Application Form) Deadline
Offer Day
Upton Hall School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Upton Hall 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 Upton Hall School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
This form must be submitted directly to the school. It is available on the Upton Hall School website from April and must be completed and submitted by the end of August 2025 for your child to be eligible to sit the entrance test.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Upton Hall 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.
Upton Hall School FAQs
Apply through your local authority and complete Upton Hall’s separate registration form to take the 11 plus entrance exam. Registration typically opens in spring of Year 5.
The exam consists of two verbal reasoning papers set by GL Assessment. Scores are standardised and combined to determine eligibility for a grammar school place.
Entry is selective and highly competitive. Only students who achieve the qualifying score in the 11 plus are considered, and places are allocated in order of score and admission criteria.
There’s no strict catchment area, but priority is usually given to Catholic girls who achieve the qualifying mark and live closer to the school. Distance may be used as a tie-breaker.