Kirkham Grammar School

Kirkham Grammar School, founded in 1549, is a co-educational independent School of 850 pupils aged between 3 and 18. The Senior School of 630 pupils, 70 of whom are boarders, incorporates a Sixth Form of 180, and the Junior School, for day pupils, has 220 on roll.

Kirkham Grammar School prides itself on developing well-balanced and confident young people, the vast majority of whom go on to University. As well as excellent academic results and a good Oxbridge entry record, the School introduces pupils to as wide a range as possible of cultural, sporting and creative activities and encourages them to participate in those which appeal to them. Great emphasis is placed on preparing pupils for life beyond university.

The School has a strong Christian ethos, with an emphasis on care for the individual, traditional family values, good manners and sound discipline.

It is a friendly close-knit community where staff and pupils work closely together, fostering leadership and self-discipline, and encouraging cheerful, friendly and supportive relationships within the framework of ‘one family’.

Facilities. Occupying 30 acres of its own grounds, Kirkham Grammar School boasts some excellent facilities, which include a large multi-purpose hall, a superb floodlit all-weather pitch, Lawrence House Pavilion, a Sixth Form Centre, an outstanding Technology Centre and Languages Centre, and a magnificent Dining Complex. The Senior School has undergone a transformation over the last decade and boasts a host of magnificent new facilities. In addition, we have completed phase one of a planned four phase development programme. This included the refurbishment of the Summerlee Hall, a multi-purpose space available for use by the whole foundation; a new psychology classroom; a new conference room and an upgrade to the rugby pitches and sports facilities. The teaching provision includes twelve interactive classrooms and a science block designed to meet the needs of the large number of pupils who pursue studies in this area. Significant developments have also been made to both music and sport facilities.

Boarding. The School is a member of the Boarding Schools’ Association. The refurbished Boarding House is pleasant and comfortable and is run by a House Parent, whose residence is attached to the boarding wing of the School. The House also has a team of full-time support staff and tutors.

Academic Programme. The courses lead to GCSE and A Level. In the first three years, the basic subjects studied are English, French, Mathematics, German, Spanish, Geography, History, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Music, Art & Design, Drama, Computing, Design and Technology, Religion, Philosophy & Ethics and an enrichment programme including Philosophy. The first stage of specialisation takes place on entering the Fourth Year where the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology are taught in sets, and there is a further choice of subjects from four option blocks, which include: Art & Design, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Drama, Business Studies, French, Geography, German, History, Classics, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Spanish.

In the Sixth Form, A Level subjects are chosen from the following: Art & Design (Fine Art and Photography), Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design & Technology, Drama & Theatre Studies, Economics, English Language, English Literature, French, German, Geography, Government & Politics, History, Classics, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies and Spanish. BTEC programmes are also available in Business and Sport.

In addition many Sixth Form pupils voluntarily continue in the CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Young Enterprise or Community Service. Extra tuition is provided for Oxbridge candidates. Pupils are also offered the opportunity to undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A Levels. A comprehensive careers service is available.

Sport. There is a strong sporting tradition at Kirkham Grammar School and it ranks among the very best schools in the country for rugby and girls hockey. The other main sports played are cricket, athletics, tennis, netball, cross-country, badminton, squash, swimming, rounders, volleyball and basketball.

Music. There is a very active musical life at the school, with regular concerts both at lunchtime and in the evening, providing a platform for the orchestra, choir, various ensembles and soloists.

Co-Curricular Activities. An impressive range of co-curricular activities is offered by a school renowned for its sporting prowess, but with strength across the board in music, art and drama. There is a strong and popular Combined Cadet Force contingent, with Army and RAF sections, and a flourishing house system. A large number of societies cater for a wide range of interests including astronomy, drama, the very popular Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, chess, badminton, climbing, science, young engineers, Sixth Form discussion group, music and many others.

Admission to Senior School. Four Year entry. Pupils are usually admitted at 11 years old after passing the entrance examination held in February each year. Admissions to the school in other year groups, especially the Sixth Form, are possible. Day and boarding applications should be made to the Registrar who will be glad to provide further details.

Fees per term (2023-24). Day (excluding lunches): Senior School £4,729; Junior School £3,534; Pre-School: £62.30 (full day).

These fees cover tuition, use of class, text and library books, school stationery, scientific equipment, games apparatus.

Senior School Boarding: £4,600 in addition to the Day fee. The boarding fee is discounted by 5% for children resident Monday to Friday (weekly boarders) and for children whose parents are current members of HM Forces.

Scholarships and Bursaries. The School offers an impressive number of Scholarships and Bursaries at 11+ and 16+. Further details are available from the Registrar.

Junior, Infant and Pre-School (Rising 3s–11 years). An integral part of the School, under the same Board of Governors, this section of Kirkham Grammar School comprises of a Junior, Infant and Pre-School department housed in excellent, purpose-built accommodation. The curriculum is organised to ensure that education is continuous from the age of 3 to 18.

The curriculum in the Infant and Junior department promotes the development of pupils morally, culturally, mentally and physically, ensuring that they are prepared for Senior School, and also amply prepared for the responsibilities of later life. An emphasis on the importance of physical engagement, creativity and opportunity pervade the day-to-day experience at Kirkham Grammar School.

The teaching in Pre-School and Reception is equally as ambitious and stimulating, provided in a caring and supportive environment. There is a strong emphasis on preparing pupils for the rigour of education in future years to ensure that they fulfil their potential. As a result, the curriculum is designed first and foremost to focus on the strong development of every pupil’s social and emotional needs. The daily educational diet constitutes a planned curriculum with an emphasis on language, mathematics and design and technology. In addition, as in the Junior and Infant department, importance is placed upon physical exercise, Spanish and music lessons, all delivered by specialists.

The School guarantees that a Kirkham Grammar Junior, Infant and Pre-School pupil will thrive and succeed through opportunity, inspirational teaching and their renowned family ethos.

Application should be made direct to the Headmistress’s PA from whom further details may be obtained.