Sunday Times Schools Guide 2025 - Independent Secondary School of the Year North West

Prep Admissions

Start Your Birkenhead School Journey

Prep

– Pre-School to Year 6 Entry –

 

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Why Choose Birkenhead School

At Birkenhead School, we offer a truly distinctive educational experience — one that nurtures the whole child and inspires a lifelong love of learning.

Smaller Class Sizes
Our smaller class sizes mean every child is known, valued, and encouraged to contribute, helping them grow in confidence and thrive academically.

A Curriculum that Inspires
We go beyond the National Curriculum to deliver a rich and varied learning experience that sparks curiosity and creativity in every pupil.

Exceptional Opportunities
From our Inspiring Talks Series featuring renowned speakers and authors, to exciting enrichment experiences — pupils are encouraged to think big and aim high.

Sport in Prep
Junior pupils enjoy four hours of timetabled sport each week, with access to top-class facilities and expert coaching — developing skills, teamwork and a love of physical activity.

A Rich Musical Life
Children can explore their musical talents through individual and group lessons taught by subject specialists, and even join our Prep Orchestra in Juniors.

Leadership from the Start
Our leadership pathways encourage pupils to take initiative and develop confidence from an early age.

Clubs and Activities
With over 50 lunchtime and after-school clubs — from Nature Club to Climbing Club — every child can find something to spark their interest and passion.

Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our Outdoor Classroom, Forest School, allotments, and sensory garden offer endless opportunities for hands-on, nature-based learning.

Seamless Transition into Seniors
The majority of our children who start in Prep progress onto Seniors. Children benefit from lessons being taught by Seniors staff during the later years in Prep which help supports a seamless transition onto their secondary education.

A Warm, Welcoming Community
Our supportive, close-knit Birkonian community enables children to grow, explore, and flourish — right through to Sixth Form and beyond, as part of our proud alumni network, The Birkonian Society.

Personalised Visits

There really is something special about our school community and we encourage you to come along to one of our Open Events or book a visit  to discover what more we can offer. We want you to feel, happy, prepared and confident, knowing that your child will be warmly welcomed to our School. These can be organised during term-time throughout the year.

Book a Visit

Open Morning - Friday 13th November, 9.30-11.15am

Our Open Events are a fantastic opportunity to explore our campus, meet with our staff and students and get a real feel for what life is like at Birkenhead School.

Prep Open Morning – Friday 13th November, 9.30-11.15am

Click to view more information and to register your interest.

Open Events

Admissions Entry Points

Pre-Prep     |     Reception     |     Year 3     |     Year 5

Places may be available in other year groups – please get in touch with our Admissions Team to confirm availability.

Join Pre-Prep (3-4 Years) - Stay & Play Sessions Throughout the Year

Applications are now open for Pre-Prep entry in September 2027.

Children join Pre-Prep in the September following their third birthday, becoming part of the wider Birkenhead School community from the very start.

We warmly invite families considering Pre-Prep for September 2027 to get in touch with our Admissions Team and arrange a visit. This is a wonderful opportunity to see Pre-Prep in action, meet our team and discover what the start of a Birkenhead education could look like for your child.

Families are also invited to attend our Prep Open Morning on Friday 13th November, with Stay and Play sessions taking place throughout the year.

Register Your Interest

Join Reception - Play & Learn Session Monday 30th November

Applications are now open for Reception entry in September 2027.

Families are invited to attend our Prep Open Morning on Friday 13th November. 

Applications close on Wednesday 25th November.

Children applying for Reception will be invited to a 45-minute Play and Learn session on Monday 30th November, giving them the opportunity to spend time with other children of the same age and become familiar with the School in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Please get in touch with our Admissions Team to find out more, arrange a visit or begin your application.

Register Your Interest

Join Juniors - Year 3 and Year 5 - Taster Days in January

Applications are now open for entry into Juniors in September 2027.

We offer additional entry points at Year 3 and Year 5.

Families are encouraged to attend our Open Morning on Friday 13th November and Taster Days will be held on:

  • Year 3 Entry – Thursday 14th January
  • Year 5 Entry – Thursday 28th January

Applications close on Friday 11th December.

Please get in touch with our Admissions Team to find out more, arrange a visit or begin your application.

Register Your Interest

Application Enquiries

Places may be available in other year groups. Please get in touch with our Admissions team to discuss availability of places.

“I want every child to discover their niche or passions whilst at the School – that is my aim.” Mr Vicars, Headmaster
"There is something a little bit magical about Birkenhead Prep." The Good Schools Guide 2026
"The campus is idyllic ... if you were to imagine the perfect English public school setting, this would be it" The Good Schools Guide 2026

FREE Transport for Liverpool Students

We are delighted to announce that we are offering free transport* for Liverpool-based families:

  • All primary aged pupils for the duration of their education in Prep
  • New entrants into Seniors (Year 7 to Upper Sixth) who will benefit from a year of free transport.

Please contact Mrs Helen Askew in Prep Admissions to register your interest and find out more.

*terms and conditions apply – see our Bus Routes & Travel page for further information.

Scholarships & Bursaries

No parent with a child of suitable ability who would benefit from an education at Birkenhead School should be dissuaded from applying for a place on grounds of costs.

Scholarships & Bursaries

Register Your Interest

Mrs Askew, Prep Admissions, will be delighted to organise a visit to the School and talk you through the opportunities available for Taster Days and upcoming Open Events.

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Contact Information

Prep Admissions
Mrs Helen Askew and Mrs Clare Foreman
prepadmissions@birkenheadschool.co.uk
0151 652 4114