Wirral Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 155
Ofsted Rating: Good
Wirral Grammar School for Boys
Wirral Grammar School for Boys is a selective state grammar school in Bebington, Wirral. Founded in 1931, it is known for strong academic results, character development and preparing pupils for success beyond school.
Combining tradition with modern learning, the school provides excellent facilities in science, technology and sport. Its balanced curriculum and disciplined, supportive environment encourage pupils to reach their full potential. The motto Sapientia Ianua Vitae (‘Wisdom is the gateway to life’) reflects its focus on curiosity and lifelong learning.
Academic outcomes are consistently high, with over 95% of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Many progress to Russell Group universities. A wide range of extracurricular activities, including sport, music, drama and robotics, enriches school life. The school is part of the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium and uses the shared 11 Plus entrance test for Year 7 entry.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Wirral Grammar School for Boys
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Wirral Grammar School for Boys
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Wirral Grammar School for Boys
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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Wirral Grammar School for Boys
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Wirral Grammar School for Boys
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Wirral Grammar School for Boys’ Key Information
The key information for Wirral Grammar School for Boys below is regularly updated.
School Address
Full Address:
Wirral Grammar School for Boys, Cross Lane, BebingtonWirral
Merseyside
CH633AQ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is parking within the school as well as on-street parking close by.
Additional parking off site
Car Park: 2 Barlow Ave, Bebington, Wirral CH63 7LU, 0.8 miles from the school.
Wirral Grammar School for Boys Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Wirral Grammar School for Boys is rated good, with pupils achieving highly and showing excellent behaviour, personal development and sixth form success.
Academic strength: Pupils make strong progress across subjects through expert teaching and a broad, ambitious curriculum.
Teaching and curriculum: Most subjects are well planned, though some need clearer sequencing to ensure consistent depth of learning.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is outstanding. Pupils are respectful, confident and take part in wide enrichment and leadership activities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and governors set high standards. Safeguarding is strong, and pupils feel safe, supported and valued.
Wirral Grammar School for Boys Exam Format
Entry to Year 7 at Wirral Grammar School for Boys is determined by performance in the 11 Plus exam, set by GL Assessment and used by all grammar schools in the Wirral Consortium.
The Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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
Applicants must achieve a standardised score of 236 or higher to be considered. Meeting this score makes a candidate eligible, but final offers are made according to the school’s admissions criteria.
Catchment Area
Priority for places will be given to the applicants living closest to Wirral Grammar School for Boys, measured by straight line.
Additional Eligibility
The school admits 170 students each year. When there are more eligible applicants than places available, the following oversubscription criteria are applied in order:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children, including those in care outside England, and children eligible for Service or Pupil Premium, who achieve the qualifying score or within five marks below it.
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Children with a valid medical reason for placement at the school, supported by written evidence from a senior healthcare professional explaining why only this school can meet the child’s needs.
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Siblings of pupils currently attending Wirral Grammar School for Boys at the time of application.
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Children of staff employed by the school for at least two years, or newly appointed staff recruited to fill a post with a demonstrable skills shortage.
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Distance from the school, with priority given to applicants living closest, measured in a straight line using Wirral Local Authority’s mapping system.
Click here to view the full Wirral Grammar School for Boys admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Wirral Grammar School for Boys
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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys. 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.
Wirral Grammar School for Boys’ Key Dates and Application Information
These are the predicted dates relevant to the entry exam, more precise dates can be acquired from the school.
Registration opens
Registration closes
Wirral Admissions Test
Test Results Released
CAF (Common Application Form) Deadline
Offer Day
Wirral Grammar School for Boys Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Wirral Grammar School for Boys, 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Register for the entrance exam through the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium registration 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 Wirral Grammar School for Boys 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.
Wirral Grammar School for Boys FAQs
Apply through your local authority and register your child for the Wirral 11 Plus assessment. Registration usually opens in the spring of Year 5, and results are released before preference forms are submitted.
The exam is set by GL Assessment and tests verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics. Scores are standardised for age and combined to determine eligibility for admission.
Entry is selective and competitive. Applicants must achieve a standardised score of 236 or higher to qualify, but places are offered according to the school’s oversubscription criteria when demand exceeds capacity.
There is no formal catchment area, but distance from the school is important when allocating places. Priority is also given to looked-after children, Pupil Premium applicants, siblings and children of staff.