St Anselm’s College is a rare find: a state-funded Catholic grammar school for boys. Located in Prenton, Wirral, it combines the academic rigour of a selective grammar with the pastoral depth of the Edmund Rice tradition. The college serves around 1,000 boys, drawing from across the Wirral, Chester, and Liverpool. Under the leadership of Mrs Serena Cubbin, appointed Headteacher in September 2024, the school continues to balance its historic identity with modern ambition.
The school motto, Fides Quaerens Intellectum (Faith Seeking Understanding), is not merely a slogan but the operating system of the college. Life here is structured and purposeful. The "Brotherhood" is a tangible concept, often cited by sixth formers who describe a culture of mutual support rather than sharp-elbowed competition.
The Christian Brothers heritage remains visible in the school's commitment to social justice. The "Eight Essentials" of an Edmund Rice education—including compassion and concern for the marginalised—drive a busy calendar of charity work and immersion projects. Boys are expected to look outwards.
Physically, the campus is a hybrid of the historic Outwood House and modern additions, including purpose-built science and technology blocks. It feels like a traditional grammar school: blazers are worn with pride, assemblies are formal, and discipline is clear.
St Anselm’s delivers strong academic outcomes. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.03, indicating that students perform in line with the high expectations set for their prior attainment.
At GCSE, the school ranks 1,927th in England and 3rd in the local area (Prenton). The Attainment 8 score of 55.6 sits well above the England average of 45.9.
At A-level, performance is notably stronger, ranking 1,059th in England. In 2024, over half of all grades (51%) were A*-B, with nearly 20% at A grade or higher. These results consistently place the college among the top providers in the region for sixth form outcomes.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
51.09%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
22.9%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is broad but traditional, designed to suit academically able boys. Latin is introduced in Year 7, and the sciences are a particular strength. Teaching tends to be structured and subject-focused, preparing boys for the linear demands of A-levels and university study.
The school operates a three-year Key Stage 3, giving students time to mature before narrowing their choices. In the Sixth Form, class sizes are small, fostering the seminar-style discussion that bridges the gap between school and university.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Good
The vast majority of leavers progress to university. In 2024, 76% of students secured university places, with others moving into higher apprenticeships (4%) or employment (12%).
The college has a dedicated pathway for competitive applications. In the most recent cycle, one student secured a place at Cambridge, and 12 students went on to study medicine. The "Old Anselmians" network is active, frequently returning to offer career guidance and mentoring in law, engineering, and finance.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 10%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
Entry is by selective examination. St Anselm’s is consistently oversubscribed, with more than two applicants for every place in 2024.
The entrance exam is proprietary to the school (not the standard Wirral 11+ test) and typically takes place in mid-September of Year 6. It consists of papers in English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning.
Families must register specifically with the college for the exam and list the school on their Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF) by 31 October.
While the school welcomes boys of all faiths and none, admissions criteria give priority to baptised Catholic boys who reach the required standard. Parents should review the policy carefully, as religious affiliation often determines the allocation of final places.
Applications
332
Total received
Places Offered
156
Subscription Rate
2.1x
Apps per place
Pastoral care is organised through a Year system, with Form Tutors providing the first point of contact. The Catholic ethos provides a strong framework for wellbeing; boys are encouraged to reflect on their place in the world and their responsibility to others.
The most recent Ofsted inspection (published May 2025) rated the school Outstanding, highlighting the exceptional quality of personal development and the safe, supportive culture that permeates the college.
Extracurricular life is a major strength, particularly in sport.
The college is a national powerhouse in cross-country and athletics, frequently reaching English Schools Cup finals. Rugby Union is the main winter sport, with a competitive fixture list against leading independent and grammar schools.
The music department is vibrant, with a choir, orchestra, and jazz band performing regularly. The Debate Society is another highlight, often competing successfully in university-run competitions.
The Edmund Rice network offers unique opportunities for international immersion, including projects in Sierra Leone and India, which many students describe as life-changing experiences.
08:40 to 15:35.
Dedicated school buses serve routes across the Wirral, Chester, and Ellesmere Port.
Traditional blazer and tie, strictly enforced.
St Anselm’s College offers a distinctive education: the academic ceiling of a grammar school with the moral compass of a faith community. It produces young men who are not just exam-ready but socially conscious. Best suited to boys who will flourish in a structured, values-led environment with a strong sense of brotherhood.
Yes. The latest Ofsted inspection (May 2025) rated the school Outstanding. It combines strong academic results—particularly at A-level—with a highly regarded pastoral system rooted in Catholic values.
There are no tuition fees. St Anselm’s College is a state-funded academy. Parents may be asked for voluntary contributions for trips or specific activities, but education is free.
No. The school accepts boys of all faiths and none. However, in the event of oversubscription, priority is given to baptised Catholic boys who have passed the entrance exam.
You must register your son for the school's own entrance exam (usually by July of Year 5) and sit the test in September of Year 6. You must also include the school on your Local Authority Common Application Form.
The school serves a wide area including Wirral, Cheshire West, and Chester. Places are allocated based on the entrance exam results and the oversubscription criteria (faith, siblings, etc.), rather than a strict distance-based catchment circle.
There is no fixed pass mark. The school standardises scores annually based on the cohort's performance. Boys take tests in English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning to determine if they are of grammar school ability.
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