Tell us something about Kirkham Grammar School?
Kirkham Grammar School, founded in 1549, is a co-educational independent school with over 800 pupils aged between 3 and 18. The Senior School which has 630 pupils, 72 of whom are boarders, incorporates a Sixth Form of 180, and the Junior School for day pupils has 180 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 occupies a 30 acre site and is situated in Kirkham, approximately midway between Preston and Blackpool, overlooking the pleasant countryside of the rural Fylde. The school
There are excellent road and rail links. The motorway (M55) is a five minute drive away and
discipline, and encouraging cheerful, friendly and supportive relationships within the framework of 'one family'.
What is the profile of pupils at the school?
Pupils at the school come from a variety of backgrounds, both locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. In nurturing well-qualified, compassionate, self-assured members of the community, our vision sets out the opportunity to look forward and plan without losing sight of what has come before. Every child travels through our school only once and deserves the very best.
Is the school traditional or modern?
There is an unseen influence that is exerted by buildings and surroundings that are beautiful and dignified. These are in keeping with fine honourable traditions and high ideals embedded at Kirkham Grammar School. We offer something that is intangible but very real; the atmosphere in which we dwell and the pervasive spirit which surrounds us influences all of which we strive to achieve. Our most recent inspection confirmed what we all knew about Kirkham Grammar School; it is the 'best kept educational secret in Lancashire'. However, we are delighted that it has been officially acknowledged against national criteria that we are working hard to ensure our pupils get the finest education.
What facilities does the school offer? What can my child do outside of the classroom?
As well as a stunning campus on which to live and learn, we offer a range of facilities, activities and co-curricular opportunities to our pupils. These include sports facilities, all weather sports pitches, badminton and basketball courts, music rooms, a drama studio, climbing wall, a well-stocked library and resource area along with plenty of open spaces on site. The co-curricular opportunities can be accessed by all pupils and include archery, art, chess and engineering, as well as CCF and Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
What does the school curriculum offer?
In the first three years, the basic subjects studied are; English, French, mathematics, German, Spanish, geography, classical studies, history, physics, chemistry, biology, music, art and design, drama, computing, design and technology, religion, philosophy and 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 GCSE option blocks, which include: art and 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 and design (fine art and photography), biology, business studies, chemistry, computer science, design and technology, drama and theatre studies, economics, English Language, English Literature, French, German, geography, government and politics, history, classics, mathematics, music, physical education, physics, psychology, religious studies and Spanish. BTEC programmes are also available in business and sport.
Where do the school's pupils mainly come from?
Most day pupils join the school from local towns and villages and further afield from Lancashire and other parts of the North West. For those in pursuit of scholarships, we attract a national and sometimes international audience. The majority of our international pupils join us from Hong Kong or mainland China. Pupils also come from countries including Canada, Russia, South Africa, Portugal, Italy and the Netherlands.
What is the percentage of international pupils at the school? How many Chinese pupils
The Boarding House currently has an international community of 38% and 28% of those are from
How will you help my child settle in to their new school?
We are aware that there is a period of adjustment for international pupils joining the school. Not only in terms of climate, culture, diet, new subjects and the school routine but also in terms of making new friends and being away from home for the first time. All staff will be on hand to support new pupils when they arrive at the school in order to make the transition as smooth as possible. We are also in regular contact with parents and keep them updated on any issues which may arise. Likewise, we ask parents to keep us informed about anything that may have a bearing on their child's welfare
How does the school support pupils wishing to go on to higher education?
Kirkham Grammar School is committed to providing high quality careers education, information, advice and guidance. The aim is to enable learners to understand themselves, research information, explore opportunities and develop the skills they need to manage their future pathways and career destinations.
Lectures, briefings and open day visits are arranged for Lower Sixth Form pupils and the school has recently bought into Unifrog, a comprehensive careers package which support university, apprenticeship and general careers support. Applications for university are prepared in close consultation with the pupil's personal tutor, support of their subject teachers and the Deputy Head, who has a particular focus on UCAS applications and higher education. We are particularly proud of our detailed and supportive references for university entrance, which ensure that every one of our pupils is represented in the most positive and detailed manner. Kirkham Grammar School references include input not only from teachers, but also from employers, sports coaches, youth leaders, and any other adults with whom a pupil has had contact. University admissions tutors, faced with thousands of applications in some popular subjects, are increasingly reliant upon these references for the decisions, and we believe that our pupils are unusually well represented by their school.
The progress of each pupil's application through the long and complex offer and acceptance procedure is closely monitored up to and beyond the publication of A Level results in the August after leaving school. At that time, a full time counselling and advice service is provided by the Head of Sixth Form and other senior staff, enabling pupils to make the most of their results.
Through the Deputy Head, the school also provides careers advice and references for former pupils seeking employment after university or wishing to re-apply to university after leaving school. In all aspects of careers guidance in the Sixth Form, advice is personal and familiar. Every pupil passing through the Sixth Form at Kirkham Grammar School can be assured of receiving the most appropriate guidance in the matter of using academic qualifications to best effect in career development.
How does the school provide pastoral care?
In all years pupils are cared for by a Form Tutor who is responsible for all aspects of a pupil's life in school. Tutors are expected to keep parents informed of developments of their tutees.
Each Head of Year leads a team of tutors and together they arrange pastoral care and tutorial work which reflects the different needs of their pupils as they move through the school. Our Pastoral Hub (pictured left) is also available should a pupil need support.
Within each year pupils are assigned to a form, as far as possible with a balanced gender mix. These forms meet their tutors each morning and afternoon, when registration takes place, administrative matters are dealt with and routine notices given. Form Tutors also lead a planned tutorial programme in this time.
What is the culture in the Boarding House?
Boarding at Kirkham Grammar School is a unique experience offering the opportunity to benefit from the full range of activities on offer at the school while being a part of a supportive family community. The House comprises, on average, of 75 boarders including those who reside full time and others who are weekly boarders. Boys and girls live in homely rooms within distinct accommodation for each gender, staffed by the Head of Boarding, assistant house staff and sessional staff. The house allows pupils to develop a spirit of independence and tolerance that are so vital in meeting the challenges of modern times. It provides a stable environment with a clear structure for homework and activity thus ensuring a realistic and desirable work/life balance is achieved. In our experience, loyal friendships are made that will sustain for life and it is common for former pupils to return regularly to visit their 'second home'.
There is no doubt that a boarding education at Kirkham Grammar School offers exceptional value with a very competitive fee structure. The experience of boarding is one which is popular even amongst day pupils, a number of whom eagerly transfer to join the house during their school career. Importantly, boarding offers an appropriate setting between home and university life and experience tells us that those leaving to higher education are well prepared to make the most of this next stage. Boys and girls live in separate accommodation, which is a mixture of dormitory style rooms and study bedrooms allowing flexibility in allocation. Ample recreation space is available and pupils enjoy full participation in the activities provided after school and at weekends, alongside specific excursions run for boarders. This includes movie nights, sporting events, firework display and trips to other local attractions.
How do you manage the behaviour of boarding pupils?
The aim of boarding at KGS is to create a happy, caring, family atmosphere within a disciplined environment to enable boarders to benefit from all that it has to offer. There are a number of policies, requirements and expectations we ask boarders to follow – this promotes safety, respect, honesty and consideration for others. These rules and regulations are in place to protect the pupils from harm and encourage respect for each other and the surroundings in which they live. The rules are explained to pupils when they arrive at the school, along with the consequences or sanctions if the rules are broken. The majority of pupils follow the rules and they are seldom broken. If discipline problems persist, then parents are informed and further sanctions may result. All boarders are encouraged to speak English in the communal areas of the Boarding House and pupils are expected to behave sensibly at all time, including when they are off school premises. The school also has clear policies for equal opportunities, safeguarding, anti-bullying, drugs, alcohol and smoking, complaints and just about every aspect of school life. These can be viewed on the school website.
SixthForm
The Sixth Form is led by a Head of Sixth Form. In addition to the team of 12 tutors, there is an Assistant Head of Sixth Form. On entry to the Sixth Form pupils are assigned to a Form Tutor who will be responsible for them for two years. Each pupil is the subject of detailed discussion between the Head of Sixth Form, his assistant and the experienced team of Sixth Form Tutors, to ensure the most appropriate placement for that pupil. In addition, the Head of Boarding and her team will work closely with the Pastoral Team and Heads of Year/Form Tutors to ensure that pupils are given support as and when it is required.
Is the school safe?
We recognise the importance of safety for all members of the school community. All staff are expected to actively participate in achieving the highest practicable standard of health and safety.
The school aims to:
provide and maintain a safe and healthy environment
establish and maintain safe working procedures amongst staff, pupils and all visitors to the school site
have robust procedures in place in case of emergencies
ensure that the premises and equipment are maintained safely, and are regularly inspected
Boarding pupils must stay in the school grounds at all times, unless given permission to leave by a member of staff. They must sign in and out and be contactable at all times.
As children reach adolescence, many parents wonder whether the school has regulations on pupil relationships and any possible impact on their academicperformance.
The school believes that effective relationships and sex education (RSE) is essential if pupils are to make responsible and well-informed decisions about their lives as they grow. It contributes to the promotion of the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, emotional, mental and physical development of the pupils, preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. The school believes RSE should not be delivered in isolation, but must be firmly rooted in a personal, social, health education programme, supplemented by science and other subjects of our taught curriculum.
If a child is excluded and bullied, do teachers know about it? How does the school handle these issues?
Kirkham Grammar School is dedicated to ensuring that the school environment supports learning and the wellbeing of pupils and staff through a strong sense of community cohesion. Cooperation, support, and respect are the foundations of this community and all work hard to provide a safe school where pupils feel included in every aspect of school life and comfortable to voice their opinions. Everyone should treat one another with dignity, kindness and respect. The school believes that the encouragement of positive behaviour patterns promotes good relationships throughout, built on trust and understanding. Through the use of this policy, pupils are supported in developing a high level of social awareness, thus ensuring that they leave school with the key skills required to continue to progress to the best of their ability in all areas of life. Support and guidance for both personal and academic matters is available at all times to all pupils. We pride ourselves on 'being there' for our pupils and the Boarding House staff have extensive experience of dealing with young adults. Where necessary, we work in conjunction with parents to support the pupil.
Does the school strongly emphasise religion?
The school has a strong Christian ethos, with an emphasis on care for the individual, traditional family values, good manners and sound discipline. We welcome pupils of all denominations and faiths. The school is non‑denominational but whole-school assemblies, which are held once a week, are broadly Christian in nature. The assembly can include a hymn and an address by a member of staff or visitor. Year group assemblies are also held on a rota system.
What do I do if I have any concerns?
The Head of Boarding is in daily contact with teaching staff and Form Tutors and, if there is a problem with an aspect of your child's education you would like us to resolve or clarify, please contact us immediately.
How is the boarding environment? How many pupils share a room?
The Boarding House aims to:
create and maintain a safe environment
create and nurture a happy caring and homely environment
create an environment which encourages tolerance of others and respect for oneself and others, provide an environment which enhances and supports the pursuit of academic excellent for all boarders at a level appropriate to their abilities or needs.
Whilst the communal areas on the ground floor are for both boys and girls, sleeping areas are clearly divided and pupils are not permitted to enter the other areas. Younger pupils tend to share a dorm room of up to four pupils, whilst older pupils tend to have either twin or single rooms. However, this can vary each year depending on the number and age profile of children in the Boarding House but we will always put pupils in an age appropriate setting.
What is the food like at the school ?
Breakfast, lunch and evening meals are taken in the school's Dining Hall. Menus cater for all tastes, including vegan and vegetarian, and boarders are given the opportunity to decide on food options through the Boarders' Council. Pupils are expected to attend all meals and this is monitored by staff, who also help in the planning of balanced choices. Throughout the week, a snack is provided after school and at supper time for boarders. At weekends, meals are slightly later in the day and there is normally a 'themed' evening meal on Saturdays and brunch on a Sunday.
We also offer a small kitchen facility for boarders who wish to cook specific food items in addition to the school meals.
A typical daily menu for boarders is:
Breakfast: Assorted cereals
Toast Eggs
Lunch Fish and chips, mushy peas, curry sauce, gravy
Vegan and roast vegetable kebab, flat bread, garlic mayo, chilli sauce
Salad bar
Freshly prepared sandwiches
Jacket potatoes with a choice of filling
Hot sandwiches
Pizza and pasta
Desserts – hot and cold puddings, fruit, yoghurts
Evening meal Beef lasagne and garlic bread
Creamy mushroom noodles
Potatoes and sweetcorn
Salad bar
Desserts - Jammie Dodger blondie, fruit, yoghurt
Supper Homemade cookies
Do you allow children to use their phones?
Pupils are not allowed to use their phones in school during the school day (8.55 am to 4.00 pm). Boarding pupils can use their phones outside of these hours (but not during meal time). If it is deemed that a pupil's use of a mobile phone or device is affecting their sleep and ability in school, they will be required to hand the device in 30 minutes before lights out. They will then be able to collect their device the morning after.
What if my child needs to contact home?
All boarders are encouraged to keep in close contact with home and family. Mobile phones can be used within the school guidelines and pupils have access to email facilities. The Head of Boarding will also keep families informed of anything they need to be aware of.
How do we apply?
In the first instance, you should complete the relevant registration form, which is available to download on the school website at www.kirkhamgrammar.co.uk. The form should be completed and returned with the associated fee and a copy of your child's last school report/academic progress report.
You will then be required to register with UKiset for your child to take the relevant assessment papers at a centre near to you. The cost of this will be £295 but the school will reimburse this when your child leaves us on completion of their Sixth Form studies. Once we have the results from UKiset, we will then contact you to arrange a ZOOM meeting or similar with the Head, who will be able to answer any questions you may have and tell you a little more about the school. If all parties are happy, we will then issue the offer letter and associated acceptance paperwork for you to complete and return with the deposit. As Tier 4 Child Pupil Sponsors, we will also prepare and issue the CAS document once the place has been accepted.