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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017 }}
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Wirrallogo.jpg|200px]] -->
{{Use British English|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox UK school
{{Infobox school
| name = Wirral Grammar School for Boys
| image =
| name = Wirral Grammar School for Boys
| image = [[File:WirralGrammarBoysCrest.png|110px]] <Br/> School crest <Br/> [[File:Wirral Grammar School for Boys (2).jpg|250px]] <Br/> Wirral Grammar School for Boys, Cross Lane
| size =
| latitude = 53.348
| image_size =
| coordinates = {{coord|53.348|-3.013|type:edu_region:GB_dim:100|format=dec|display=inline,title}}
| longitude = -3.013
| motto = {{langx|la|Sapientia Ianua Vitae}}<br />(Wisdom is the Gateway to Life)
| dms =
| established = 1931
| motto = ''Sapientia Ianua Vitae''<br />(Wisdom is the Gateway to Life)
| motto_pl =
| closed =
| type = 11–18 boys [[Grammar school]];<br />[[Academy (English school)|Academy]]
| established = [[1931]]
| local_authority = [[Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council|Wirral MBC]]
| approx =
| closed =
| religious_affiliation =
| c_approx =
| president =
| head_label =
| type = [[Foundation school|Foundation]] [[Grammar schools in the United Kingdom|Grammar]]
| religion =
| head = Simon Ascroft
| president =
| chair_label = Chair of Trust
| chair = Andrew Lawrence <ref>{{cite web |title=Inspection Report |url=https://www.wirralgrammarboys.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/WGSB-Ofsted-Report-Nov-2022.pdf |publisher=Ofsted |access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref>
| head_label =
| head = David R. Hazeldine
| founder =
| address = Cross Lane
| r_head_label =
| r_head =
| city = [[Bebington]]
| county = [[Merseyside]]
| chair_label = Chair of Governors
| chair = Brian Edmondson
| country = [[England]]
| founder =
| postcode = CH63 3AQ
| founder_pl =
| ofsted = yes
| urn = 137476
| specialist = [[Business and Enterprise College|Business and Enterprise]]
| staff = 120
| specialist_pl =
| enrolment = 1,057 (2022) <ref>{{cite web |title=Inspection Report |url=https://www.wirralgrammarboys.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/WGSB-Ofsted-Report-Nov-2022.pdf |publisher=Ofsted |access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref>
| street = Cross Lane
| gender = Boys <ref>{{cite web |title=Inspection Report |url=https://www.wirralgrammarboys.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/WGSB-Ofsted-Report-Nov-2022.pdf |publisher=Ofsted |access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref>
| city = [[Bebington]], [[Wirral Peninsula|Wirral]]
| county = [[Merseyside]]
| lower_age = 11
| country = [[England]] {{flagicon|England}}
| upper_age = 18
| houses = {{color box|white}} Barber<br />{{color box|red}} Dodds<br />{{color box|green}} Hodgson <br />{{color box|yellow}} Lever
| postcode = CH63 3AQ
| colours = {{color box|black}}{{color box|blue}}
| LEA = [[Metropolitan Borough of Wirral|Wirral Borough Council]]
| ofsted = 105113
| publication = Nuntius
| staff =
| free_label_1 = Former pupils
| free_1 = Old Wirralians
| enrollment = 1000
| gender = Boys
| free_label_3 =
| lower_age = 11
| free_3 =
| website = {{URL|http://www.wirralgrammarboys.com}}
| upper_age = 17
| houses = Barber{{color box|white}}, Dodds{{color box|red}}, Hodgson{{color box|green}}, Lever{{color box|yellow}}
| colours = Black and blue {{color box|black}}{{color box|blue}}
| publication = Nuntius
| free_label_1 =
| free_1 =
| free_label_2 =
| free_2 =
| free_label_3 =
| free_3 =
| website = http://www.wirralgrammarboys.com/
| website_name = www.wirralgrammarboys.com
}}
}}


'''Wirral Grammar School for Boys''' is an 11–18 boys [[State school|maintained]] [[Selective school|selective]] [[grammar school]] founded in 1931. It is situated on a {{convert|9.1|acre|ha}} site to the west of [[Port Sunlight]] at Cross Lane, [[Bebington]], on the [[Wirral Peninsula]] in England. Academically successful, the school was placed 42nd in the top 100 in the [[Daily Telegraph]] [[A-Level]] table in 2015<ref name="Alev">{{cite news|last1=Gurney-Read|first1=Josie|title=Top 100 secondary schools by A-level results 2015|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2016/03/28/top-100-secondary-schools-by-a-level-results-2015/|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=28 March 2016|publisher=Telegraph Media Group|access-date=25 October 2016}}</ref> and 145th in the DfE [[General Certificate of Secondary Education|GCSE]] table in the same year,<ref name="GCSEresults">[https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=phase&geographic=all&region=0&phase=secondary&orderby=ks4prov.0.PTL2BASICS_LL_PTQ_EE&orderdir=asc&datatype=percent&sortpolicy=inversepolicy&page=3 School performance data] service.gov.uk {{dead link|date=August 2023}}</ref> but has not been inspected since its conversion to academy status.
'''Wirral Grammar School for Boys''' was founded in 1931, situated on Cross Lane, [[Bebington]], on the [[The Wirral Peninsula|Wirral]]. It is a foundation school, located within the [[Metropolitan Borough of Wirral]]. [[British Prime Minister]] [[Harold Wilson]] was the school's first [[Head Boy]], and attended the [[Sixth Form]] there. Today it is one of the few remaining state [[grammar school]]s in [[England]], and remains one of the highest achieving schools in the area, according to the Times on-line survey and the 2007 Department for Education School Perormance Tables for 2007.


The school's most recent [[Ofsted]] inspection occurred in November 2022, with inspectors grading the school overall as "Good". By November 2022, a total of 1,057 boys attended the school, 271 of whom were in the school's [[Sixth Form]] provision. <ref>{{cite web |title=Inspection Report |url=https://www.wirralgrammarboys.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/WGSB-Ofsted-Report-Nov-2022.pdf |publisher=Ofsted |access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref>
== Houses ==


== History ==
The school has five [[House system|houses]], which are:
===Establishment===
On 23 March 1925, Cheshire County Council passed a resolution to build a new secondary school in Bebington. Designed by the County architect, F Anstead Browne, the new school was opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Brigadier-General Sir [[William Bromley-Davenport (British Army officer)|William Bromley-Davenport]] on 26 September 1931.<ref name="Murphy">{{cite book|last1=Murphy|first1=Peter W.|title=The History of Wirral Grammar School for Boys, 1931–1991|date=1991|publisher=Knightprint Ltd|location=Oxton|edition=1st}}</ref>


The school was administered by [[Cheshire County Council]] until the council was dissolved in 1974; since then it has been administered by [[Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council]],<ref name="11+">{{cite web|url=https://www.wirral.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-admissions/secondary-school-admissions-timetable |title=Secondary school admissions timetable |publisher=www.wirral.gov.uk |access-date=9 February 2017}}</ref> which maintains use of the 11+ for senior school admission.<ref name="11+">{{cite web|url=https://www.wirral.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-admissions/secondary-school-admissions-timetable |title=Secondary school admissions timetable |publisher=www.wirral.gov.uk |access-date=9 February 2017}}</ref>
* '''Barber''' - indicated by a white stripe in the school tie, named after Mr John Barber
* '''Dodds''' - indicated by a red stripe in the school tie, named after Mr Alistair Dodd
* '''Hodgson''' - indicated by a green stripe in the school tie, named after Sir Hodgson
* '''Lever''' - indicated by a yellow stripe in the school tie, named after [[Lord Leverhulme]]
* '''Wilson''' - recently added with admission of extra pupils, named in memory of [[Harold Wilson]]


===Harold Wilson===
== Achievements & Events ==


The school was the ''alma mater'' of former [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|prime minister of the United Kingdom]] [[Harold Wilson]], who was a member of the sixth form and the school's first [[head boy]] in 1934.<ref>[https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/14338417.wirral-grammar-school-unveils-plaque-honouring-its-most-famous-old-boy-harold-wilson/ Wirral Grammar School unveils plaque honouring its most famous 'old-boy' Harold Wilson]</ref>
[[Image:Student Entrance WGSB.jpg|250px|left|thumb|Student Entrance to Wirral Grammar School for Boys]]


===Expansion===
Academically the school has received high standards, although it had been suggested that these could be further improved <ref name="multiple">[http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/pdf/?inspectionNumber=187295&providerCategoryID=32&fileName=%5C%5Cschool%5C%5C105%5C%5Cs10_105113_20000915.pdf 2006 Inspection Report, conducted by Ms Susan Wareing]</ref>. In 2005 [[GCE]] A-level results were in the top 90% nationwide, and in 2007 99.4% of pupils sitting the [[GCSE]] gained at least five A*-C grades, including Maths and English. The 0.6% that failed to achieve the 5 A*-C grades was in fact only one pupil.


In 2008 the borough council resolved to replace mobile classrooms with a brick building for the mathematics department, business studies facilities, an extra [[Modern Foreign Languages]] room, additional [[science]] laboratories, a new music centre and several [[ICT (education)|ICT]] suites.
The school has been commended for its sporting commitment <ref name="multiple">blah</ref>, with particular efforts in [[Rugby union]], solidifying a strong tradition of the sport at the school. The PE department holds tours of the sport, including to [[Australia]] and the [[United States]] The most notable achiever in recent years is the rugby player [[Matt Cairns]] of [[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]] & [[England national rugby union team|England]]. Other sporting success has come on the hockey field, most recently the First Eleven became only the second WGSB side to win the [[Metropolitan Borough of Wirral|Wirral]] Cup, usually a [[stonewall]] victory for rival school [[Calday Grange Grammar School]].


There is now an exterior science area (including a greenhouse), and refurbishment of the main building included two sixth form history and politics classrooms. An entrance [[Atrium (architecture)|atrium]], where exhibitions of pupils' work are held, is part of the new development.<ref name="plan">{{Cite web |url=http://www.wirralgrammarboys.com/uploads/docs/1433508713-School%20Map%20(Map)%20June%2015.png |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 October 2016 |archive-date=26 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026000311/http://www.wirralgrammarboys.com/uploads/docs/1433508713-School%20Map%20(Map)%20June%2015.png |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The school's Music Society, under the direction of Mr Geoff Hinde, has produced a number of plays and musicals jointly with the [[Wirral Grammar School for Girls|neighbouring girls' school]]. Recent productions have seen "[[Guys and Dolls]]", "[[Into the Woods]]", "[[Les Misérables]], and "[[Lord of the Flies]]" enacted on stage. "[[Oliver!]]" was 2006's production; in 2007 it was "[[Fame (musical)|Fame The Musical]]" and in 2008 it was "[[Little Shop of Horrors (musical)|Little Shop of Horrors]]". The production for 2009 has been announced as "[[High School Musical]]". It was also announced in June 2008 that Mr Geoff Hinde will be receiving an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for his services to Education and to the Performing Arts in Merseyside. In 2001, the then Head of [[English studies|English]], David Yates wrote and directed his own play "The Triumphant Return" which was very school-centric and was internally acclaimed. The Society also hosts tours for the Concert Band and the Full Choir, most recently performing in locations including the [[Black Forest]] in [[Germany]], [[Canada]], [[Italy]], [[Spain]] and [[Austria]], and in [[France]] in 2009. The choir, concert band and orchestra, in addition to several smaller musical groups perform three concerts a year, as well as a Carol Service in the nearby St. Andrew's Church at Christmas.


ICT suites and business studies classrooms were also developed in the new building. Although special funding for such colleges ended in 2010, the schools has chosen to retain its focus on business and enterprise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wirralgrammarboys.com/page/business-enterprise |title=Business enterprise |publisher=Wirral Grammar Boys |access-date=9 February 2017}}</ref>
== Subjects ==


In 2008 a school radio station was established, called Livewire Radio, broadcasting daily at lunchtimes. Students and teachers host the shows, featuring various musical genres and discussions regarding issues relevant to pupils.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wirralgrammarboys.com/page/live-wire-radio-the-wgsb-student-radio-station |title=Live wire radio the wgsb student radio station |publisher=Wirral Grammar Boys |access-date=9 February 2017}}</ref>
At the moment, the school curriculum employs many different subjects. The most recent alteration to the school's subjects was the introduction of [[Spanish language|Spanish]] - as was the case with [[German language|German]] (which is now not done in years 7 and 8) , [[Spanish language|Spanish]] is compulsory in Years 8 and 9. Also in Year 8, the three [[Sciences]] - [[Chemistry]], [[Biology]] and [[Physics]] - are separated out (having been taught as a combined science course in Year 7). Other subjects include: [[English language|English]], [[Mathematics]], [[French language|French]], [[History]], [[Geography]], [[Technology]], [[Art]], [[Music]], [[Information Technology]], [[Religious Studies]], [[P.E]]. and Games (which involves [[rugby union]], [[hockey]], [[badminton]], [[cricket]], [[basketball]] [[cross-country running]] and athletics, as well as a number of other [[sports]]).


Over the course of summer 2013, further development included a new multi-purpose activity hall, refurbished conference hall, new cookery classrooms and refurbished changing rooms. During the summer of 2012, an outdoor classroom was built as part of the art department on land previously occupied by music rooms. The landscaped area is used by the department for observational work and the displaying of 3-d pieces. It came into use in September 2012.<ref name="plan" />
Also in Year 8, pupils are setted for [[Mathematics]], in six sets. In Year 9, class sizes are made smaller for the [[Sciences]] and pupils are set for [[French language|French]]. [[GCSE]] classes for [[English language|English]] and [[Sciences]] also employ sets.


===Enterprise School===
The school teaches both [[French language|French]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]]. The latter subject was introduced in September 2004, replacing the long-taught [[German language|German]]. Earlier in the school's history, [[Latin]], some [[Greek language|Greek]], [[Russian language|Russian]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]] were taught for some time. At the beginning of the school's life, French was taught along with Latin. Pupils were later given a choice between French and German. Greek was also given to pupils who showed strength of languages. The previous headmaster, Anthony Cooper, at one point served as a [[Latin]] Master at the school, as well as English Master and Careers Master.


The school was designated as a ''Business and Enterprise School'' in 2006 and became a [[Business and Enterprise College]] in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/137476|title=Find an inspection report|last=Ofsted Communications Team|date=5 November 2010|website=reports.ofsted.gov.uk|access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref> This provided a grant for development of [[ICT (education)|ICT]] facilities and for the business studies department to benefit both pupils and the wider community, including summer classes in ICT, photography and basic business skills.
The subjects available for [[GCSE]] and/or [[Advanced Level (UK)|A-Level]] include [[Business Studies]], [[Economics]], [[Electronics]], [[Geology]], [[Law]], [[Media Studies]], [[Politics]], [[Sociology]] (AS only), [[Psychology]] and [[General Studies]], which also includes a [[GCSE]] in [[Latin]], [[GCSE]] [[Astronomy]], [[AS]] [[Critical Thinking]] and [[GCSE]] [[Philosophy]] and [[Ethics]].


==Overview==
Historically, the subjects offered at the school were:
===Extra–curricular===
[[File:Wirral Grammar School for Boys (3).jpg|thumb|right|Main student entrance for boys at the school]]
The school has been commended for its sporting commitment,<ref name="OFSTED">{{cite book|title=Wirral Grammar School for Boys: Inspection report|date=30 April 2009|publisher=OFSTED|page=7|location=London}}</ref> with particular efforts in [[Rugby union]], with a tradition of the sport at the school. School rugby teams often tour, including to [[Australia]] and the [[United States]]. The most notable achiever in recent years is the rugby player [[Matt Cairns]] of [[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]] & [[England national rugby union team|England]]. Other sports promoted in the school include athletics, badminton, basketball, cross country running, handball and volleyball.


Other outdoor activities (developed at the school's outdoor centres on [[Anglesey]] and near [[Mold, Flintshire|Mold]]) include abseiling, caving, climbing, raft building and various high level rope activities.
*[[Classics]], including [[Latin]], [[Greek language|Greek]] and [[Ancient History]]
*[[Modern Studies]], including [[English Literature]], [[French language|French]] or [[Geography]], [[Filth]] or [[History]]
*[[Science]], including [[Mathematics]], [[Physics]] and [[Chemistry]]

== Development Plans ==

Earlier this year, The [[Metropolitan Borough of Wirral|Wirral]] [[Local Education Authority|LEA]] secured a £3.1 million grant in order to replace the mobile classrooms and replace them with a full-brick building hosting the [[Mathematics]] department, Business Studies facilities, some History/Geography rooms, an extra [[Modern Foreign Languages]] room and another 2 [[Science]] laboratories, as well as a new [[Music]] Centre and several [[ICT (education)|ICT]] suites. In addition, there will be an exterior Science area, along with a greenhouse, as well as refurbishment to the main building, including two Sixth Form History and Politics classrooms. Building for this plan is making steady progress, and is expected to be used from Easter 2008, despite its official opening in September 2008.

Recently, the announcement was made that the school was to become a [[Business and Enterprise College]], improving [[ICT (education)|ICT]] facilities and the Business Studies department. This will be marked with improved ICT facilities, both for students and for the community, including summer classes for ICT, Photography and Business basics, as well as several ICT suites and Business Studies classrooms in the new building. Before early January 2008 a school radio station will be set up. The station is in talks among pupils and staff members at the present

At the beginning of the 2008 school year, the form system was changed. Instead of the previous system, whereby pupils were given one of four school houses, then split into 5 forms; 4 house forms and one mixed form, the school decided that all the forms should be of a mixed house and that the form names should correspond with their form tutors initials. (Eg. Mr. John Smith who took a year 7 form would be "7JS".) This system started with the new 2008 year 7's and the year 9's of 2007-2008 were then mixed.


== Headmasters ==
== Headmasters ==
* 1931–54 – James M. Moir
* 1955–72 – Bernard H. T. Taylor
* 1972–86 – Peter A. Fishwick
* 1986–97 – Bernard J. Treacy
* 1997–2006 – Anthony M. Cooper
* 2006–2020 – David R. Hazeldine
* 2020–Present – Simon Ascroft


Interim headmasters have included O. Wilson (1954), B. Thompson (1986, 1997)<ref name="Murphy"/> and A. P. White (2020).
<gallery>
[[Image:David Hazeldine.jpg|150px|right|thumb|Mr David Hazeldine, current headteacher of Wirral Grammar School for Boys]]
</gallery>


== Notable former pupils ==
1931-1954: Mr James M. Moir
{{See also|Category:People educated at Wirral Grammar School for Boys}}


[[File:Harold Wilson plaque, Wirral Grammar School for Boys.jpg|thumb|right|Plaque to Harold Wilson, Prime Minister, to the right of the main entrance of Wirral Grammar School for Boys Cross Lane, Bebington]]
1955-1972: Mr Bernard H. T. Taylor- died while appointed to the school during school hours, now has a memorial bench in the remnants of the Inner Quad.


* [[Ken Beamish]], forward for [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]]
1972-1986: Mr Peter A. Fishwick
* [[Peter Black (Welsh politician)|Peter Black]], [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] member of the [[National Assembly for Wales|Welsh Assembly]] for [[South Wales West (National Assembly for Wales electoral region)|South Wales West]] since 1999
* [[Matt Cairns]], former rugby union player for Sale Sharks, Saracens and England
* [[Alex Cox]], film director
* [[John Ebbrell]], former football player for [[Everton F.C.]] as a [[midfielder]]
* [[Kenneth Halliwell]], writer and also [[mentor]], lover and eventual murderer of playwright [[Joe Orton]]
* [[John Hardwick (director)|John Hardwick]], television, film and theatre director
* [[Daniel Hunt]], musician, songwriter, producer and founding member, principal songwriter and producer of the electronic band [[Ladytron]].
* [[Oliver James (footballer)]]<ref>{{cite web|title=James eager for more after debut|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/james-eager-more-after-debut-3518733|website=liverpoolecho.co.uk|date=12 May 2006|publisher=The Liverpool Echo|access-date=15 November 2016}}</ref>
* [[Steve Jones (biologist)|Steve Jones]], professor of genetics since 1992 at the [[Galton Laboratory]] of [[University College London]], and author who wrote ''[[The Language of the Genes]]''
* [[Bernard Elgey Leake]], professor of geology from 1974–97 at the [[University of Glasgow]], and [[President of the Geological Society of London|president]] from 1986–88 of the [[Geological Society of London]]
*[[Kevin Lewis (footballer, born 1940)|Kevin Lewis]], footballer for Liverpool, Huddersfield and Sheffield United<ref>{{cite web |last1=Prentice |first1=David |title=How winger Lewis eventually got the boot from Shanks |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-winger-lewis-eventually-boot-3498924 |website=Liverpool Echo |access-date=26 September 2020 |date=10 November 2007}}</ref>
* [[Justin Madders]], Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston
* [[Max Power (footballer)|Max Power]], footballer for [[Sunderland A.F.C.]]
* [[Ted Robbins]], comedian and actor
* [[Tom Roebuck]], rugby union player for [[Sale Sharks]] and England
* [[Ted Rowlands, Baron Rowlands]] CBE, Labour MP for [[Cardiff North (UK Parliament constituency)|Cardiff North]] from 1966–70, for [[Merthyr Tydfil (UK Parliament constituency)|Merthyr Tydfil]] from 1972–83, and for [[Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney (UK Parliament constituency)|Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney]] from 1983–2001, and served as a Foreign Office junior minister in Harold Wilson's government
* [[Grant Serpell]], musician
* Sir [[Brian Smith (administrator)|Brian Smith]], Vice-Chancellor from 1993–2001 of [[Cardiff University]]
* [[Paul Usher]], actor who played [[Barry Grant]] in ''[[Brookside (television programme)|Brookside]]''
* [[Air Commodore]] [[Bob Weighill]] CBE DFC, station commander of [[RAF Cottesmore]] (1961–64) and [[RAF Halton]] (1968–73); [[Rugby Football Union]] international player and captain; secretary of the [[Rugby Football Union|RFU]] from 1974 to 1986<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/story/33386.html|title=Rugby mourns passing of former RFU Secretary Weighill|website=espnscrum.com|access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref>
* [[Michael Wilde]], former chairman of [[Southampton F.C.]]
* [[Barry Williams (athlete)]], Olympic [[Athletics at the 1972 Summer Olympics – Men's hammer throw|hammer thrower in the 1972 Olympics]]
* [[Harold Wilson]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|prime minister]] 1964–70 and 1974-6 (only attended the [[sixth form]] in 1932 to 1934, having previously been a pupil at [[Royds Hall School]] in [[Huddersfield]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.number10.gov.uk:80/history-and-tour/harold-wilson-2/ |title=Harold Wilson - Number 10 |website=www.number10.gov.uk:80 |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011161640/http://www.number10.gov.uk:80/history-and-tour/harold-wilson-2/ |archive-date=11 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[John Winn]], British Army officer and winner of the Military Cross and Silver Star.


== See also ==
1986-1995: Mr Bernard J. Treacy
* [[Wirral Grammar School for Girls]]
* [[Calday Grange Grammar School]]
* [[West Kirby Grammar School]]
* [[Bebington High School]]


== References ==
1996-2006: Mr Anthony M. Cooper
{{reflist|30em}}


=== Bibliography ===
2006-present: Mr David R Hazeldine
* The History of Wirral Grammar School for Boys 1931–1991, Murphy, Pete (1991)


== Notable Alumni ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Wirral Grammar School for Boys}}
*[[Harold Wilson]] - [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] [[1964]]-1970 and 1974-1976 (only attended the [[sixth form]])
*[[Paul Usher]] - [[Actor]]
*[[Ted Robbins]] - [[Comedian]] and [[actor]]
*[[Kenneth Halliwell]] - [[Writer]] and also [[mentor]], lover and the eventual murderer of playwright [[Joe Orton]]
*[[Alex Cox]] - [[Film director]]
*[[Steve Jones (biologist)|Steve Jones]] - [[Professor]] of genetics at Galton laboratory of [[University College London]].
*[[John Ebbrell]] - former Football player for [[Everton F.C.]] as a [[midfielder]].
*[[Patrick Nagle]] - Design - British Broadcasting Corporation.
*[[Andy Bonner]] - [[Granada Reports]] journalist


*{{official website|www.wirralgrammarboys.com }}
== See also ==
*[[Wirral Grammar School for Girls]]
*[[Calday Grange Grammar School]]
*[[West Kirby Grammar School]]

== External links ==
*[http://www.wirralgrammarboys.com/ Wirral Grammar School for Boys - official website]
*[http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/index.cfm?fuseaction=summary&id=105113 OFSTED Report]
*[http://www.dfes.gov.uk/cgi-bin/performancetables/dfe1x1_05.pl?School=3445401&Mode=Z&Type= DFES Statistics]
*[http://www.ratemyteachers.co.uk/schools/england/wirral/wirral_grammar_school_for_boys Rate My Teacher]
*[http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=CH63+3AQ&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&z=16&ll=53.348617,-3.013022&spn=0.005085,0.026608&iwloc=A Google Map of the school]
*[http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=CH63+3AQ&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=1&z=16&ll=53.348617,-3.013022&spn=0.005085,0.026608&iwloc=A Google Map of the school]
*[http://www.livewire.web.com LiveWire - official online school magazine]
*[http://www.wirralgrammarboys.com/livewire LiveWire Radio – official school Radio Station]
*[http://www.edubase.gov.uk/establishment/summary.xhtml?urn=105113 EduBase]


{{Schools in Wirral}}
== References ==


{{authority control}}
{{reflist}}
*The History of Wirral Grammar School for Boys 1931 - 1991, Murphy, Pete (1991)


[[Category:Schools in Wirral]]
[[Category:1931 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Grammar schools in Merseyside]]
[[Category:Boys' schools in Merseyside]]
[[Category:Business and Enterprise Colleges in England]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1931]]
[[Category:Boys' schools in England]]
[[Category:Grammar schools in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral]]
[[Category:International Baccalaureate schools]]
[[Category:International Baccalaureate schools in England]]
[[Category:Academies in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral]]

Latest revision as of 17:44, 24 November 2024

Wirral Grammar School for Boys

School crest

Wirral Grammar School for Boys, Cross Lane
Address
Map
Cross Lane

Bebington
,
Merseyside
,
CH63 3AQ

England
Coordinates53°20′53″N 3°00′47″W / 53.348°N 3.013°W / 53.348; -3.013
Information
Type11–18 boys Grammar school;
Academy
MottoLatin: Sapientia Ianua Vitae
(Wisdom is the Gateway to Life)
Established1931
Local authorityWirral MBC
Department for Education URN137476 Tables
OfstedReports
Chair of TrustAndrew Lawrence [1]
Head teacherSimon Ascroft
Staff120
GenderBoys [3]
Age11 to 18
Enrolment1,057 (2022) [2]
Houses  Barber
  Dodds
  Hodgson
  Lever
Colour(s)  
PublicationNuntius
Former pupilsOld Wirralians
Websitewww.wirralgrammarboys.com

Wirral Grammar School for Boys is an 11–18 boys maintained selective grammar school founded in 1931. It is situated on a 9.1 acres (3.7 ha) site to the west of Port Sunlight at Cross Lane, Bebington, on the Wirral Peninsula in England. Academically successful, the school was placed 42nd in the top 100 in the Daily Telegraph A-Level table in 2015[4] and 145th in the DfE GCSE table in the same year,[5] but has not been inspected since its conversion to academy status.

The school's most recent Ofsted inspection occurred in November 2022, with inspectors grading the school overall as "Good". By November 2022, a total of 1,057 boys attended the school, 271 of whom were in the school's Sixth Form provision. [6]

History

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Establishment

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On 23 March 1925, Cheshire County Council passed a resolution to build a new secondary school in Bebington. Designed by the County architect, F Anstead Browne, the new school was opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Brigadier-General Sir William Bromley-Davenport on 26 September 1931.[7]

The school was administered by Cheshire County Council until the council was dissolved in 1974; since then it has been administered by Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council,[8] which maintains use of the 11+ for senior school admission.[8]

Harold Wilson

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The school was the alma mater of former prime minister of the United Kingdom Harold Wilson, who was a member of the sixth form and the school's first head boy in 1934.[9]

Expansion

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In 2008 the borough council resolved to replace mobile classrooms with a brick building for the mathematics department, business studies facilities, an extra Modern Foreign Languages room, additional science laboratories, a new music centre and several ICT suites.

There is now an exterior science area (including a greenhouse), and refurbishment of the main building included two sixth form history and politics classrooms. An entrance atrium, where exhibitions of pupils' work are held, is part of the new development.[10]

ICT suites and business studies classrooms were also developed in the new building. Although special funding for such colleges ended in 2010, the schools has chosen to retain its focus on business and enterprise.[11]

In 2008 a school radio station was established, called Livewire Radio, broadcasting daily at lunchtimes. Students and teachers host the shows, featuring various musical genres and discussions regarding issues relevant to pupils.[12]

Over the course of summer 2013, further development included a new multi-purpose activity hall, refurbished conference hall, new cookery classrooms and refurbished changing rooms. During the summer of 2012, an outdoor classroom was built as part of the art department on land previously occupied by music rooms. The landscaped area is used by the department for observational work and the displaying of 3-d pieces. It came into use in September 2012.[10]

Enterprise School

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The school was designated as a Business and Enterprise School in 2006 and became a Business and Enterprise College in 2008.[13] This provided a grant for development of ICT facilities and for the business studies department to benefit both pupils and the wider community, including summer classes in ICT, photography and basic business skills.

Overview

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Extra–curricular

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Main student entrance for boys at the school

The school has been commended for its sporting commitment,[14] with particular efforts in Rugby union, with a tradition of the sport at the school. School rugby teams often tour, including to Australia and the United States. The most notable achiever in recent years is the rugby player Matt Cairns of Saracens & England. Other sports promoted in the school include athletics, badminton, basketball, cross country running, handball and volleyball.

Other outdoor activities (developed at the school's outdoor centres on Anglesey and near Mold) include abseiling, caving, climbing, raft building and various high level rope activities.

Headmasters

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  • 1931–54 – James M. Moir
  • 1955–72 – Bernard H. T. Taylor
  • 1972–86 – Peter A. Fishwick
  • 1986–97 – Bernard J. Treacy
  • 1997–2006 – Anthony M. Cooper
  • 2006–2020 – David R. Hazeldine
  • 2020–Present – Simon Ascroft

Interim headmasters have included O. Wilson (1954), B. Thompson (1986, 1997)[7] and A. P. White (2020).

Notable former pupils

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See also: Category:People educated at Wirral Grammar School for Boys
Plaque to Harold Wilson, Prime Minister, to the right of the main entrance of Wirral Grammar School for Boys Cross Lane, Bebington

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Inspection Report" (PDF). Ofsted. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  2. ^ "Inspection Report" (PDF). Ofsted. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  3. ^ "Inspection Report" (PDF). Ofsted. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  4. ^ Gurney-Read, Josie (28 March 2016). "Top 100 secondary schools by A-level results 2015". The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  5. ^ School performance data service.gov.uk [dead link‍]
  6. ^ "Inspection Report" (PDF). Ofsted. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  7. ^ a b Murphy, Peter W. (1991). The History of Wirral Grammar School for Boys, 1931–1991 (1st ed.). Oxton: Knightprint Ltd.
  8. ^ a b "Secondary school admissions timetable". www.wirral.gov.uk. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  9. ^ Wirral Grammar School unveils plaque honouring its most famous 'old-boy' Harold Wilson
  10. ^ a b "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. ^ "Business enterprise". Wirral Grammar Boys. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  12. ^ "Live wire radio the wgsb student radio station". Wirral Grammar Boys. Retrieved 9 February 2017.
  13. ^ Ofsted Communications Team (5 November 2010). "Find an inspection report". reports.ofsted.gov.uk. Retrieved 22 June 2017.
  14. ^ Wirral Grammar School for Boys: Inspection report. London: OFSTED. 30 April 2009. p. 7.
  15. ^ "James eager for more after debut". liverpoolecho.co.uk. The Liverpool Echo. 12 May 2006. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  16. ^ Prentice, David (10 November 2007). "How winger Lewis eventually got the boot from Shanks". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
  17. ^ "Rugby mourns passing of former RFU Secretary Weighill". espnscrum.com. Retrieved 22 June 2017.
  18. ^ "Harold Wilson - Number 10". www.number10.gov.uk:80. Archived from the original on 11 October 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2022.

Bibliography

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  • The History of Wirral Grammar School for Boys 1931–1991, Murphy, Pete (1991)
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