Key Information Summary
- School Name: St Anselm's College
- Location: Manor Hill, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH43 1UQ
- Type: Catholic Grammar School for Boys
- Number of Pupils: Approximately 1,000
- Year 7 Places Available: 156
- Ofsted Rating: Good (2019)
- Contact: [email protected]
About St Anselm's College
St Anselm's College is a prestigious Catholic grammar school for boys situated on Manor Hill in Birkenhead, overlooking the Mersey towards Liverpool. Founded on the educational philosophy of Edmund Rice, the college has established itself as one of the Wirral's leading academic institutions, combining rigorous scholarship with strong Catholic values.
The college's distinctive approach centres on developing young men of character and intellect. With approximately 1,000 pupils, St Anselm's maintains an environment where each boy receives personalised attention whilst benefiting from the resources and opportunities of a large institution. The school's commitment to excellence is reflected in its consistent academic achievements and the success of its alumni across diverse professional fields.
Beyond academics, St Anselm's is renowned for its exceptional sporting tradition, particularly in rugby and cricket, where teams regularly compete at national level. The college's comprehensive extracurricular programme encompasses music, drama, debate, and community service, ensuring boys develop into well-rounded individuals prepared for leadership roles in their chosen careers.
The 11+ Assessment Process
St Anselm's College operates its own selective entrance examination designed to identify boys with the academic potential to thrive in a grammar school environment. The assessment consists of two comprehensive one-hour papers that evaluate fundamental skills in English and Mathematics.
English Paper Structure
The English assessment comprises two distinct sections, each allocated approximately 25 minutes:
- Reading Comprehension: Candidates analyse unseen texts, demonstrating understanding of language, tone, and meaning through detailed questions
- Creative Writing: Boys showcase their ability to construct engaging narratives or persuasive arguments, with emphasis on vocabulary, structure, and originality
Mathematics Paper Content
The mathematics examination covers the full Year 6 curriculum, including:
- Number operations and problem-solving
- Fractions, decimals, and percentages
- Geometry and measurement
- Data handling and statistics
- Algebraic thinking and pattern recognition
Results are ranked from highest to lowest scores, with the college setting a required standard for admission. When more than 156 candidates meet this threshold, places are allocated according to the admissions criteria, prioritising Catholic applicants and those residing within the designated catchment area.
How to Apply
The application process for Year 7 entry follows a structured timeline that families must observe carefully:
Key Dates for 2024-2025 Entry
- Registration Opens: April 2024
- Registration Closes: Friday, 13th September 2024
- Entrance Examination: Friday, 20th September 2024
- Results Notification: Mid-October 2024
- Common Application Deadline: Thursday, 31st October 2024
- National School Offers Day: Monday, 3rd March 2025
Application Requirements
Parents must complete the registration process during the specified period and ensure their son sits the entrance examination on the designated date. Catholic families are advised to upload their child's baptismal certificate during registration, as Catholic status influences admissions priority under the school's faith-based criteria.
Following the entrance examination, successful candidates must also submit a Common Application Form through their local authority by the October deadline to secure their place for the following September.
How Taylor Tuition Can Help
Taylor Tuition's specialists understand the unique demands of St Anselm's College entrance requirements and have guided numerous boys to successful admission. Our tailored preparation programmes are specifically designed to maximise performance in the college's distinctive two-paper format.
Targeted English Preparation
Our English tutors focus on developing the analytical reading skills and creative writing techniques that St Anselm's values. Through practice with similar text types and writing styles, boys gain confidence in expressing complex ideas clearly and persuasively within the examination's time constraints.
Comprehensive Mathematics Coaching
Our mathematics programme ensures complete mastery of Year 6 concepts whilst developing the problem-solving strategies essential for success. We emphasise both accuracy and speed, preparing boys for the examination's challenging pace whilst building the mathematical reasoning skills valued by the college.
Strategic Preparation Timeline
We recommend beginning focused preparation at least 12 months before the September examination date. Our tutors work with families to create personalised study schedules that complement school learning whilst building the specific skills and confidence needed for St Anselm's rigorous assessment process.
With our deep understanding of Catholic grammar school expectations and proven track record of success, Taylor Tuition provides the expert guidance necessary to secure a place at this exceptional Wirral institution.
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