Kirkham Grammar School Review 2026: Independent Day and Boarding

Founded in 1549, Kirkham Grammar School (KGS) combines nearly five centuries of history with a pragmatic, forward-looking approach to independent education. Located in the Lancashire market town of Kirkham, roughly halfway between Preston and Blackpool, the school serves a broad catchment across the Fylde Coast and Ribble Valley.

While the "Grammar" in its name nods to its sixteenth-century origins, KGS is today a fee-paying independent school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. It is not a state selective grammar, although it maintains high academic expectations. The school is perhaps best known nationally for its formidable reputation on the rugby field, consistently producing teams that compete with the best in the country. However, under the leadership of Mr Tallan Gill, appointed Head in September 2024, the school emphasises a "family ethos" where pastoral care, creative arts, and academic value-added are given equal weight to sporting silverware.

With approximately 850 pupils on roll, the school is large enough to offer genuine variety but small enough to retain a close-knit community feel. The boarding provision, though a minority of the intake, sits at the heart of the school, bringing a domestic dimension to campus life and welcoming students from across the UK and overseas.

The school motto, Ingredere Ut Proficias (Enter in order to profit), is carved into the stonework and woven into the school’s daily language. It suggests a philosophy of active participation: education here is something you do, not something that is done to you. This sentiment permeates the atmosphere, which feels purposeful and energetic rather than hushed or reverent.

The campus itself tells the story of the school's evolution. The Edwardian front building, designed by F.H. Greenaway and opened in 1911, provides a traditional red-brick anchor. Behind this facade lies a mix of mid-century blocks and modern additions, including the Science Centre and the Lawrence House Pavilion. It is a functional site designed for use; corridors are busy, noticeboards are full, and the movement of pupils between the Senior School and the Boarding House adds a constant rhythm to the day.

Mr Tallan Gill brings fresh energy to the leadership, having joined from The King’s School, Chester. His background includes professional rugby, fitting for KGS, but his vision focuses heavily on the "whole child" and maintaining the school's reputation for producing grounded, employable leavers. The school retains strong links with the Worshipful Company of Drapers, a historic London livery company that has supported the school since the seventeenth century. This connection provides not just historical colour but tangible benefits through governance and support.

Students appear confident without being arrogant. The integration of day pupils and boarders prevents the school from feeling too insular, and there is a noticeable absence of the "bubble" effect sometimes found in more isolated boarding schools.

Academic performance at Kirkham Grammar School reflects its status as a moderately selective independent school with a broad ability intake. The school focuses heavily on "value-added" (progress from baseline), often helping pupils exceed their predicted grades.

In the 2024 A-level cycle, 35% of grades were A*-B. This places the school in the national lower band for this specific metric (FindMySchool ranking: 1837th in England). While this headline figure is lower than highly selective state grammar schools in the region, it is important to view it in context. KGS accepts pupils with a wider range of starting points, and the 16% of grades at A*-A demonstrates that top-tier academic success is fully supported for the most able students.

At GCSE, the school ranks 2659th in England, sitting in the national typical band (middle 35% of schools). The average Attainment 8 score was 45.9. Parents should note that many independent schools use IGCSE qualifications, which provide rigorous preparation for A-levels but do not always count towards government performance tables, potentially affecting official rankings.

The school's proprietary FindMySchool ranking for combined A-level and GCSE outcomes is 1716th in England. Locally, KGS ranks 4th for A-levels among schools in the Preston area, highlighting its position as a strong local contender, particularly for families valuing the broader independent curriculum over pure exam-factory statistics.

The curriculum is designed to keep doors open. In the first three years (First to Third Year), pupils follow a broad programme that includes Latin, separate sciences, and extensive exposure to creative subjects. This breadth allows students to identify their strengths before choices narrow for GCSE.

Teaching is structured and supportive. Class sizes are manageable, typically averaging around 20 in lower years and becoming significantly smaller in the Sixth Form. This allows staff to provide individualised attention, a necessity given the broad ability range. The school employs specialist Learning Support staff to assist pupils with mild learning difficulties, ensuring that the academic demands remain accessible.

Facilities support a practical approach to learning. The Science Centre features university-standard laboratories, while the creative arts are housed in purpose-built studios. Technology is integrated throughout, with a focus on preparing students for the modern workplace.

Destinations data for the 2024 cohort reveals a distinctively pragmatic trend. 56% of leavers progressed to university, with a further 24% moving directly into employment. This employment figure is notably higher than at many peer independent schools and suggests a student body that is career-focused and eager to enter the professional world. 6% of leavers began apprenticeships, often in competitive fields such as engineering or business management.

For those heading to university, choices are varied. One student secured a place at Oxford or Cambridge in the 2024 cycle. The school has a history of sending students to Russell Group institutions, but there is no snobbery about newer universities if they offer the right course for the individual.

The Careers Department, supported by the Old Kirkhamians Association, is active in arranging work experience and industry talks. The network of alumni—ranging from professional athletes to engineers and entrepreneurs—provides a rich resource for current students seeking mentoring or advice.

Entry to the Senior School is selective but accessible. The main entry point is at age 11 (Year 7), determined by an entrance examination typically held in late January or early February. The assessment covers English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning.

While the school tests for academic potential, it does not demand the extreme scores often required by the local state grammar schools. KGS looks for "value-added" potential; they want pupils who will contribute to the life of the school, whether in the classroom, on the sports pitch, or on stage. A reference from the candidate's current school is a key part of the process.

Scholarships are available for Academic excellence, as well as for talent in Sport, Music, and Drama. These are competitive and highly prized. Bursaries (means-tested financial aid) are also available, though families are advised to register their interest early, typically by December of the preceding year.

Entry at Sixth Form (Year 12) is based on GCSE performance. External candidates are interviewed and must meet specific grade requirements for their chosen A-level subjects.

Pastoral care is built around the House system, which provides a sense of belonging within the larger school. The four houses—Preston, Kirkham, Fylde, and School—compete fiercely for the Whitby Cup, fostering a healthy sense of tribal loyalty.

The Form Tutor is the primary point of contact for parents and sees students twice daily. This regular contact ensures that any issues, social or academic, are picked up quickly. Heads of Year provide an additional layer of support, tracking pupil progress across the cohort.

Wellbeing resources include school counsellors and a medical centre staffed by qualified nurses. The school places significant emphasis on "manners and morals," with a clear code of conduct that expects students to be polite, self-disciplined, and respectful. The PSHE programme addresses contemporary issues, from online safety to mental health, ensuring students are equipped to navigate the complexities of modern adolescence.

Boarding at Kirkham is integral to the school's identity. Although boarders are in the minority, they bring a 24/7 heartbeat to the campus. The boarding house is co-educational, with separate wings for boys and girls, and accommodates full, weekly, and flexi-boarders.

The atmosphere is described as a "home from home." Houseparents live on-site with their own families, eating meals with the boarders and overseeing evening prep. This creates a genuine family ethos where staff know the students intimately.

Weekends are active. Unlike some boarding schools that empty out on Fridays, KGS offers a full weekend programme for full boarders. Saturday mornings often involve sports fixtures or school activities, followed by trips to local cities, cinema outings, or on-site relaxation. The flexi-boarding option is popular with day pupils who have late rehearsals or sports commitments, or simply want to experience boarding life occasionally.

The co-curricular programme is where Kirkham Grammar School truly distinguishes itself. The philosophy is "work hard, play hard," and participation is expected.

Sport

Sport is a major pillar of KGS life. The school's reputation for rugby union is national; the 1st XV is consistently ranked among the top school teams in the UK and features prominently in major competitions like the St Joseph’s College National Schools Rugby Festival. The list of alumni who have gone on to professional and international honours is extensive, reinforcing a culture of excellence.

However, provision extends well beyond the elite. Hockey is played to a high standard, with teams frequently serving as county champions. The school also competes in cricket, athletics, tennis, and swimming. Facilities include floodlit all-weather pitches, extensive grass playing fields, and a dedicated fitness suite.

The Arts

Music and Drama provide a vibrant creative outlet. The Recital Hall hosts regular concerts ranging from classical ensembles to jazz bands. The choir tours internationally, performing in prestigious European venues. Drama productions are ambitious events, often involving large casts and technical crews drawn from the student body. Recent years have seen productions of major musicals and plays staged in the Multi-Purpose Hall.

CCF and Outdoor Education

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is one of the largest and most active in the North West. Offering both Army and RAF sections, it provides students with opportunities for leadership, resilience training, and adventure. Cadets participate in field days, overnight camps, and flying experiences. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is also thriving, with high participation rates at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.

As an independent school, KGS charges tuition fees. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Senior School day fees were £5,111 per term (£15,333 per annum). Parents should note that VAT is applied to school fees effective from January 2025, which may adjust these figures.

Boarding fees are charged in addition to the day fee. The boarding supplement was £4,966 per term, bringing the total for a full boarder to approximately £10,077 per term (£30,231 per annum).

The school offers means-tested bursaries to widen access for talented local children whose families could not otherwise afford the fees. These are distinct from scholarships, which are awarded based on merit in academics, sport, music, or drama and typically carry a smaller fee remission but significant prestige.

The school day runs from 8:50 am to 3:50 pm. Wraparound care is available for younger pupils, and the library stays open for senior pupils wishing to complete homework before leaving.

An extensive network of school buses covers the region, with routes from Lytham, St Annes, Preston, Southport, and the Ribble Valley. The school is also a short walk from Kirkham and Wesham railway station, providing direct links to Preston and Blackpool.

Lunch is served in the dining hall and is included in the fees. The catering team provides a varied menu catering to all dietary requirements.

Fees and VAT. Families must budget for annual fee increases and the impact of VAT on independent school fees. The costs quoted are a baseline; uniform, trips, and individual music lessons are additional.

Rugby Culture. While the school values all activities, the rugby culture is potent. For a boy with no interest in sport, the intensity of the rugby focus might feel overwhelming, although the arts and CCF offer strong alternative tribes.

Results vs. Selectivity. Parents comparing league tables should remember that KGS is not a "hothouse." Its A-level statistics reflect a broad intake. The school is best judged on its value-added data rather than raw A* counts alone.

Location. While safe and community-focused, Kirkham is a small town. This offers a sheltered environment but lacks the immediate cultural amenities of a city-centre school.

Kirkham Grammar School offers a grounded, energetic, and supportive education that looks beyond the exam hall. It is a place where character is forged on the pitch, on the stage, and in the classroom. Best suited to active, "joiner-in" types who will embrace the breadth of opportunity and thrive in a supportive, competitive community. The main challenge is balancing the wealth of co-curricular options with the academic demands of a rigorous curriculum.