Birkdale School

The SEND team is led by a named SENCo and includes an assistant SENCo, SEND teacher and teaching assistants.

“The team is overseen by the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), Mrs Annie Hinchliffe, who is situated in the Grayson Building of the Senior School Site. She is supported by the Assistant SENCo, Mrs Rachel Kirkby (Prep/Pre Prep School) and by the SEND teacher Mrs Meg Critchley (Prep School) They coordinate and deliver provision for identified students, with the support of our SEND TAs, Ms Vickki Stolz and Miss Lara Berridge.”

Most needs are met through adaptive classroom teaching, while some pupils receive individual academic and pastoral support through one-to-one and small-group interventions.

“The majority of students’ needs are expected to be met by classroom teachers through adaptive teaching, informed as necessary by advice from the SEND team. In addition to this, some students need individualised support (both academic and pastoral) which they access through a range of 1:1 and small group interventions.”

Experienced tutors, two Heads of Year and the Director of Sixth Form provide pastoral support for course, career and UCAS decisions.

“A team of experienced Sixth Form tutors is led by Helen Parsons, Director of Sixth Form. She works with two Heads of Year, Polly Pickford and Matthew Jones, providing strong pastoral care to support students in making informed decisions about courses, careers and the complexities of UCAS applications.”

Experienced tutors lead small groups, get to know students well, and provide support, advice and encouragement.

“To help you meet the many demands of Sixth Form life, we have a team of experienced Sixth Form Tutors. Small tutor groups usually led by one of your A level subject teachers, allow your tutor to get to know you well, providing you with effective support, advice and encouragement.”

Computing, French, Music Technology, Design & Technology (Graphics), and Spanish achieved exclusively A* or A grades.

“Five subjects achieved every result at grades A\* or A – Computing; French; Music Technology, Design & Technology (Graphics) and Spanish.”

Eleven subjects achieved exclusively A*–B results.

“11 subjects achieved every result at grade A\*, A or B – Art; Classics; Computing; Design Engineering; English Literature; French; Music Technology; PE; Design & Technology (Graphics), Design & Technology (Resistant Materials) and Spanish.”

Pupils learn in small classes supported by specialist resources and excellent facilities.

“Learning is supported by excellent facilities, specialist resources and small classes encouraging pupils to develop as independent, intelligent and insightful individuals and life-long learners who are self-aware, reflective and proficient in a wide range of skills and abilities.”

Around 200 students provide breadth of choice within a close-knit community.

“Around 200 students make it large enough to offer choice and variety but small enough for everyone to know each other within a supportive community.”

Sixth-form students can undertake leadership roles through the House system, School Prefects and other activities.

“Throughout your two years in the Sixth Form, those who are keen to take on an active leadership role can find opportunities in both the House system and as School Prefects. There is also a host of other activities in which we can look to you to assist in playing a major part in shaping the life of the Birkdale community.”

The school provides work experience through industry and commerce links, with each sixth former completing a week of work shadowing.

“We also operate a work experience programme having strong links with local industry and commerce. Each Sixth Former spends one week either during the Christmas or Easter holidays in the Lower Sixth, work shadowing in an area of their choice.”

The school aims to prepare students for academic and career success and life as confident, independent adults.

“It is our aim to provide students with a broad and well-rounded education that prepares them not only for academic and career success but also to live life to the full as a confident and independent adult.”

Pastoral care is founded on respect, humility, integrity, courage and compassion.

“Our pastoral care system is underpinned by the school values of respect, humility, integrity, courage and compassion.”

The Sixth Form Christian Union is led by pupils with staff support.

“The 6th Form CU is pupil led, and is supported by school staff.”

The school expected many GCSE pupils to join its Sixth Form in September, had places for other applicants, and offered 28 A-level subjects.

“We look forward to seeing many of those celebrating at our Sixth Form in September and have places available for others who want to start a new chapter in their education. With 28 A level subjects on offer, Birkdale is a place for everyone to grow and flourish together.”

An open evening for September 2024 admission was scheduled for 17 October 2023.

“Our Open Evening for admission September 2024 takes place on Tuesday 17th October 2023 .”

The school is holding an open morning on 3 October 2026 for prospective pupils, including Sixth Form applicants.

“Whether you are considering a place in our Pre-Prep, Prep School, Senior School or Sixth Form, this is the perfect opportunity to experience life at Birkdale.”

Nearly all students progress to leading universities.

“Nearly all students go on to leading universities.”

Two students secured Cambridge places, for Law at Trinity College and Mechanical Engineering at Downing College.

“Two students will be studying at Cambridge – Duncan will read Law at Trinity College and Aria will read Mechanical Engineering at Downing College.”

The school reports consistently outstanding academic results and a typical 100% A-level pass rate.

“Birkdale consistently achieves outstanding academic results. Typically Birkdale achieves 100% pass rate at A level.”

50% of all grades were A* or A.

“50% of all grades are at grade A\* or A.”