Birkdale School

Since January 2019, Peter Harris MSc BSc PGCE NPQH, previously principal of Ewell Castle School in Surrey. He used to be head of geography here before moving on to become vice principal at Bournemouth Collegiate School. Three children; he enjoys o

Year group of 72 with around 60 per cent from the prep and remainder from a range of other primaries. Entrance is by exam at 11 for all, with school reference also required. Top 12-16 are invited back for a second day, after which scholarships are

Around 15 per cent leave after GCSEs. Five to Oxbridge in 2024 and many to other Russell Group universities. Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham and Newcastle all popular. Broad range of subjects covered eg economics, engineering, law, mu

In 2024, 59 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 47 per cent at A*/A at A level (73 per cent A*-B).

Results are consistently creditable. Maths and sciences popular and successful, however only a small take up for languages at A level. Greek and Mandarin offered as extracurricular clubs. Design technology, comprising graphics, electronics and res

SEN available for mild cases only and costs extra, however SENCo has an open door and welcomes any struggling pupil to informal drop-in sessions.

Impressive art much in evidence throughout the school with a huge and colourful variety of media and styles. Lots of emphasis on fine art and drawing skills, impressive copies of old masters – Vermeer, Rembrandt, even Botticelli. A visiting tutor

Constraints of being an inner-city school on a Victorian site have forced the playing fields to Castle Dyke, a 10-minute drive away. However, extensive pitches, complete with 10 lane cricket nets and modern pavilion, more than compensate. There is

An ambitious school in every way. Founded as a boys' prep in 1904, it created a senior department in 1978, adding a sixth form in 1988. The only all boys independent school in Sheffield, parents say they understand boys extremely well. Girls joine

Pastoral care is high on the agenda emanating from the school’s strong Christian ethos. It is not heavy-handed but focuses on nurture and mutual respect with the advantage that the school is small enough for everyone to know everyone. First port o

Parents represent a healthy cultural mix. Lots of medics and many who make big sacrifices to send their boys. Most fairly local but some travel significant distances, coming from as far as Bakewell and Rotherham. Plenty of social events and parent

Variety of scholarships awarded at 11+ and 16+, both academic and music, with a combined ceiling of 25 per cent apart from cases of financial need which can be topped up with a bursary. Sixth form have sports scholarships and the Arkwright for DT

A lively school, strongly linked to the community and the world beyond with its impressive charitable activities. Pupils are cheerful and enthusiastic, obviously stimulated. Their USP is the ability to focus on individual development within a dyna