Birkenhead School was founded in 1860 and, despite changes in status since then, has flourished and established an enviable record of academic success and scholarship throughout Wirral and beyond. From 1935 to 1975, Birkenhead School was a Direct Grant establishment but on the abolition of this scheme in 1976, it began the transition to a fully independent fee-paying institution. It is now a leading day member of the Headmasters' Conference, administered by an autonomous Governing Body. The School was a member of the Assisted Places Scheme and has responded to the phasing out of this scheme by establishing the Birkenhead School Foundation Trust and launching the associated Appeal in order to continue the provision of funded places.
We are particularly lucky to possess a spacious campus in the heart of Oxton and, following the prudent acquisition by the Governors of many adjoining properties, a comprehensive refurbishment and development programme has been carried through. The Preparatory Department now occupies the whole of the original School building on Shrewsbury Road and a separate purpose-built Infant's block was added in August 1992. At the same time, the Senior School has gained new science and technology laboratories, a new administrative centre, a magnificent sports hall and an all-weather surface for sport at McAllester Field.
Although the School has adapted to changing social mores, it remains unashamedly committed to high standards of learning, integrity and self-discipline. It is our firm belief that pupils benefit from a firm structure and framework and it is probably no coincidence that our teaching staff is such a stable and committed one.
There is in consequence a tangible sense of community here to which former pupils and the Parents' Association also make a significant contribution. Our ultimate aim is, of course, to prepare pupils to contribute to the outside world; after several years' experience here, I feel sure that Old Birkonians are ideally placed to make such commitments.
John Clark
Headmaster
