West Kirby Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 180
Competition: High
Ofsted Rating: Good
St Anselm’s College
West Kirby Grammar School (WKGS) is a selective girls’ grammar school situated on the Wirral Peninsula in Merseyside. Established in 1913, it has earned a strong reputation for academic excellence and well-rounded student development.
The school provides a broad and stimulating curriculum supported by excellent facilities, including modern science labs, IT suites and specialist arts areas. Alongside academic study, WKGS encourages creativity, leadership and resilience, helping pupils develop confidence and independence.
Known for outstanding results, West Kirby Grammar School regularly achieves impressive GCSE and A level outcomes. Many students go on to leading universities and competitive degree courses. As part of the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium, the school uses the shared 11 Plus entrance test for Year 7 admissions.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for West Kirby Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for West Kirby Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at West Kirby 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 West Kirby Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for West Kirby Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for West Kirby Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
West Kirby Grammar School’s Key Information
Key information, such as student intake numbers and contact information, for West Kirby Grammar School.
School Address
Full Address:
West Kirby Grammar School, Graham Road, West KirbyWirral
Merseyside
CH48 5DP
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is limited parking within the school, there is on-street parking outside the school.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: Dee Ln, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 0QA, 0.5 miles from the school.
- Car Park: West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 0QG, 0.6 miles from the school.
West Kirby Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: West Kirby Grammar School is rated good in all areas, with pupils achieving well in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.
Academic strength: Pupils and sixth form students succeed through a broad, ambitious curriculum taught by skilled and enthusiastic teachers.
Teaching and curriculum: Most subjects are well planned and sequenced, though some Key Stage 3 areas need more consistent challenge and assessment.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is excellent. Pupils are kind, confident and take part in many enrichment activities that build teamwork and leadership.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and governors are ambitious for all pupils. Safeguarding is strong and pupils learn how to stay safe and make good choices.
West Kirby Grammar School Exam Format
Entry to Year 7 at West Kirby 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 West Kirby 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.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Each section of the 11 Plus is equally weighted, and scores are standardised according to the child’s age before being combined into a final result. To be considered for a place at West Kirby Grammar School, candidates must achieve a standardised score of 236 or above.
Catchment Area
While West Kirby Grammar School does not have a fixed catchment area, proximity is a key factor when allocating places.
Additional Eligibility
Meeting the qualifying score does not guarantee admission, as the school applies its oversubscription criteria when there are more applicants than available places.
-
Looked-after and previously looked-after children who meet the qualifying score
-
Up to 20 places for eligible Pupil Premium applicants with qualifying results
-
Siblings of current pupils
-
Remaining places offered according to distance from the school
Click here to view the full West Kirby Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at West Kirby Grammar School
Preparation can make a big difference to your child’s confidence and performance. Here are some effective ways to support them:
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 West Kirby 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.
West Kirby Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
These are the predicted dates that are relevant to the entry exam. During the open day the Headteacher will talk at 18:00, 18:30 and 19:00. The open day tours must be booked and are only for parents or carers.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Assessment Test Day
Test Results Released
CAF (Common Application Form) Deadline
Offer Day
Calday Grange Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at West Kirby 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 West Kirby 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 exam through the Consortium’s online portal. Registration usually opens in April and closes at the end of May.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with West Kirby 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.
West Kirby Grammar School FAQs
Apply through your local authority and register separately for the 11 Plus test used by the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium. Registration normally opens in the spring of Year 5.
The exam includes two papers set by GL Assessment, covering verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics. Scores are standardised and combined to produce the final result.
Entry is selective and competition is high. Applicants must achieve a standardised score of 236 or above, but places are offered according to oversubscription rules and available capacity.
There is no fixed catchment area, but distance plays an important role when allocating places. Priority is also given to Pupil Premium applicants, siblings and looked-after children.