Private and Grammar Schools | Merseyside

Merseyside offers a diverse selection of grammar and private secondary schools, known for their academic excellence and commitment to holistic development.

In Merseyside, grammar schools like Wirral Grammar School for Boys and Wirral Grammar School for Girls are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and consistently high exam results. These selective institutions offer a challenging environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and prepares students for higher education.

Private schools in Merseyside, such as Merchant Taylors' Schools (both Boys' and Girls') in Crosby and The Blue Coat School in Liverpool, provide a more intimate learning experience with smaller class sizes and a strong focus on pastoral care. These schools offer a broad curriculum, often with a strong emphasis on the arts, sports, and community service.

Below, you can find an updated list of all the private and grammar schools in Merseyside. Click the links below for individual school/admissions information, as well as some free 11 Plus exam papers in a similar style to those the school uses for its admissions test for year 7.

All Private and Grammar Schools in Merseyside

Calday Grange Grammar School

Calday Grange Grammar School Merseyside 11 Plus Entrance
  • Address: West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 8GG, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1636.

  • Type of School: Grammar school, all-boys (co-educational sixth form).

  • Age Range: 11-18 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment for the Wirral Consortium of Schools.

  • Notable Features: Calday Grange Grammar School is a high-performing grammar school with a rich history and a strong reputation for academic excellence. The school is known for its challenging and supportive environment, diverse curriculum, and wide range of extracurricular activities. It aims to foster a passion for learning, encourage personal development, and prepare students for success in university and beyond.

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Merchant Taylors' Boys' School, Liverpool

Merchant Taylors' Boys' School Merseyside 11 Plus Entrance Liverpool
  • Address: Liverpool Road, Crosby, Liverpool L23 0QP, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1620.

  • Type of School: Independent, all-boys day school.

  • Age Range: 7-18 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.

  • Notable Features: Merchant Taylors' Boys' School is a prestigious independent school with a long and distinguished history. The school is known for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and focus on developing well-rounded individuals. It offers a broad and challenging curriculum, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive community that encourages boys to achieve their full potential in all aspects of life.

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St Anselm’s College 

  • Address: Manor Hill, Birkenhead, Wirral CH43 1UQ, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1933.

  • Type of School: Independent, Catholic, all-boys day school (with a co-educational sixth form).

  • Age Range: 11-18 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English, maths and verbal reasoning.

  • Notable Features: St Anselm's College is a high-performing Catholic school known for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and focus on developing well-rounded individuals. The school offers a broad and challenging curriculum, extensive extracurricular activities, and a supportive community that encourages boys to achieve their full potential in all aspects of life.

  • Resources

St Mary's College

St Anselm’s College Merseyside 11 Plus Entrance Liverpool
  • Address: Wallasey Village, Wirral CH45 8HS, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1870.

  • Type of School: Catholic, all-girls school (co-educational sixth form).

  • Age Range: 11-18 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English and maths.

  • Notable Features: St Mary's College is a high-performing Catholic school with a strong reputation for academic excellence and pastoral care. The school is known for its focus on developing well-rounded young women, offering a broad curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a supportive community.

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The Blue Coat School

The Blue Coat School Merseyside 11 Plus Entrance
  • Address: Church Road, Wavertree, Liverpool L15 9EE, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1708.

  • Type of School: Church of England, co-educational school.

  • Age Range: 11-18 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam.

  • Notable Features: The Blue Coat School is a high-achieving school with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and a strong Christian ethos. The school offers a broad and challenging curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a supportive community that encourages students to develop their talents and interests.

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Tower College  

Tower College Merseyside 11 Plus Entrance Liverpool
  • Address: Rainhill, Prescot L35 4lJ, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1948.

  • Type of School: Independent, co-educational day school.

  • Age Range: 3-16 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam.

  • Notable Features: Tower College is an independent school committed to academic excellence and developing well-rounded individuals. It fosters a strong sense of community, encouraging students to achieve their full potential in a supportive and nurturing environment.

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Upton Hall School 

Upton Hall School Merseyside 11 Plus Entrance
  • Address: Moreton, Wirral CH46 7RA, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1891.

  • Type of School: Independent, Catholic, all-girls day school.

  • Age Range: 3-18 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment.

  • Notable Features: Upton Hall School FCJ is a renowned independent girls' school known for its Catholic ethos, academic excellence, and focus on personal development. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a supportive community that empowers girls to become confident, compassionate, and independent learners.

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West Kirby Grammar School

West Kirby Grammar School Merseyside 11 Plus Entrance
  • Address: Graham Road, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 7DY, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1919.

  • Type of School: Grammar school, all-girls.

  • Age Range: 11-18 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment for the Wirral Consortium of Schools.

  • Notable Features: West Kirby Grammar School is a high-performing grammar school with a strong academic reputation. The school is known for its focus on developing well-rounded individuals, offering a broad curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a supportive community that encourages girls to achieve their full potential.

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Wirral Grammar School for Boys

Wirral Grammar School Merseyside 11 Plus Entrance for Boys
  • Address: Cross Lane, Bebington, Wirral CH63 2AQ, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1931.

  • Type of School: Grammar school, all-boys.

  • Age Range: 11-18 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment for the Wirral Consortium of Schools.

  • Notable Features: Wirral Grammar School for Boys is a high-performing grammar school with a strong focus on academic achievement and character development. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a supportive community that encourages boys to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.

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Wirral Grammar School for Girls

Wirral Grammar School Merseyside 11 Plus Entrance for Girls
  • Address: Heath Road, Bebington, Wirral CH63 3AF, United Kingdom.

  • Founded: 1907.

  • Type of School: Grammar school, all-girls.

  • Age Range: 11-18 years old.

  • Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment for the Wirral Consortium of Schools.

  • Notable Features: Wirral Grammar School for Girls is a high-performing grammar school with a strong academic tradition and a focus on empowering young women. The school offers a broad and challenging curriculum, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a supportive environment that encourages girls to develop their talents and interests.

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