We have recorded our best GCSE results in a decade with a quarter of results at the highest possible grade 9 and a third of students achieving 8 or more of the very top grades, 8 or 9. Among the highlights: 47% of all grades awarded in all subjects to all pupils were at the top grades, 8 or 9 Two pupils, Joseph and Dylan, achieved grade 9s across the board in all 10 subjects they studied Four subjects achieved over 80% of grades at the top 7, 8 and 9 - Art, Computing, Design & Technology (Electronics) and Religious Studies While a further five achieved over 70% of grades at the top 7, 8 and 9 - Biology, Chemistry, Latin, Mathematics and Physics Ben Bowles, Birkdale Head, said: “Most of the pupils receiving their GCSE results today started Senior School in the midst of the Covid pandemic in 2000 so their individual achievements and collective success shows resilience and determination, along with the exceptional support provided by their parents, teachers and staff. “At Birkdale, the majority of children take 10 subjects from our offer of 22. This, alongside our exceptional offer of sport, music, drama and more, creates young people who are both able to fully explore their passions and interests academically but develop as rounded individuals too. “We look forward to seeing many of those celebrating at our Sixth Form in September and have places available for others who want to start a new chapter in their education. With 28 A level subjects on offer, Birkdale is a place for everyone to grow and flourish together.”

We are celebrating our students’ successes in this year's A Level results which see every exam passed, 95% receiving a place at their choice of university and a third receiving three A grades or higher. Among the highlights: 50% of all grades are at grade A* or A. 80% of all grades are at grade A*, A or B. Five subjects achieved every result at grades A* or A – Computing; French; Music Technology, Design & Technology (Graphics) and Spanish. 11 subjects achieved every result at grade A*, A or B – Art; Classics; Computing; Design Engineering; English Literature; French; Music Technology; PE; Design & Technology (Graphics), Design & Technology (Resistant Materials) and Spanish. Two students will be studying at Cambridge – Duncan will read Law at Trinity College and Aria will read Mechanical Engineering at Downing College. 28 students studied Mathematics, achieving the following outstanding results: 43% A*, 82% A*- A, 96% A*- B, 100% A*- C. Head Girl Amelie will study Politics at the London School of Economics. Obi will study Applied Economics & Management in the USA at Cornell University. Eden will study History of Art at the prestigious Courtauld Institute in London. Felix will study Veterinary Medicine at Nottingham University. Two students, Rowan and Hadley, have been supported to achieve A Level success while pursuing driving careers on the track. Ben Bowles, Birkdale Head, said: "I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our A Level students on receiving an outstanding set of results today. “Each grade represents a significant personal achievement, made possible through the dedication and encouragement of parents, friends, teachers, and the wider school community. “We look forward to seeing what the future holds for each of them - they will always remain valued members of the Birkdale family."

The annual Birkdale trip to Nepal took place over the Easter holiday. Students and staff enjoyed the adventure of a lifetime experiencing an 8 day trek, followed by teaching at the Peace Garden School and so much more. Mr Watchman, who led the trip, has written a fantastic round up, which can be found here: Nepal 2025

Written by Mrs Frost, Librarian  Kenton accepted a library invitation to visit us in the midst of his UK K2 Savage Mountain Tour for 2024. He spoke of his autobiography plus his amazing adventures and offered an informative snapshot into his life as a World leading Mountaineer, Adventurer, Speaker and Author. He gave focus to inspiration, motivation and approach to challenges as someone who has reached the summit of Everest a huge eighteen times! He explained he’s a great believer in aiming for people to constantly progress and be the best versions of themselves, stressing that for him it is the passion and enjoyment of what he does that drives him forwards – with an emphasis on progress not perfection. He reminded us that he has failed many times and this has been just as important to him as his successes. After a debilitating accident in 1996 he recalled how something inside him would not allow that to be the ending for his love of the mountains and he battled through whilst galvanising every part of his being to overcome the prognosis presented to him. He indicated that some of his early reading experiences, as serendipity would dictate, have aligned to a certain extent with his current reality. After years spent in Nepal making wonderful lifelong friends he referenced his close mountaineering friend Dorje Gelje ; a Sherpa guide who has worked with him extensively over the years and someone who he would not wish to be without in the mountains. He holds a close affinity with the general Guide and Porter community; these are the men & women who work above base camp at Everest fixing ropes to ensure safety for an influx of climbers and visitors each year. Sadly, these astonishingly hard working individuals do lose their lives to the mountains in their quest to keep everyone safe. Bereaved family members are faced with financial hardship and no social support available in Nepal. Kenton supports the Juniper Trust Charity which fundraises to help these families affected into a more hopeful and brighter future. Thank you to everyone for showing great interest in this event and should you be interested in finding out more about the Juniper Trust Charity please see a link below. Many thanks should go to Kenton Cool for his inspirational talk. We wish him well as he returns to Everest base camp with a group as we speak. We look forward to hearing more about Kenton’s future adventures and maybe a new book or two in the future! https://thejunipertrust.org/  

A group of pupils from across the year groups and four members of staff visited the stunning island of Sicily over half term. It was a superb adventure for all involved and described as the best trip ever! The quality photos were captured by Mr Clark, who also put great effort into getting everyone on, yet another, big Birkdale Adventure. They were able to visit some incredible places, walked up active volcanoes, all mixed in with a bit of Sicilian culture. The trip was jam-packed with activities including: sightseeing in the town of Ortigia; a walk up the amazing Mount Etna; visits to the Aeolian island of Vulcano; the Basalt columns in Gole dell’Alcantara and the Alcantara gorge and the ancient Greek/Roman city of Taormina for a look at the Greek theatre. There was even time for a pizza making class! All in all this was a superb adventure, which the pupils will never forget.

As the academic year draws to a close, our school community came together to celebrate the incredible achievements, efforts, and talents of our wonderful pupils at our annual Celebration & Prizegiving. From academic successes to music, sport, drama, school trips and many more accomplishments, it has been a year filled with hard work and dedication. Well done to all our pupils for their amazing efforts this year!

Over half term 31 pupils (13 S2 and 18 S3) visited Isla, to the west of Santander in Cantabria, Spain. The visit lasted five days and the pupils experienced a real flavour of the area and a range of experiences from the beachside Magdalena Park in Santander itself, the medieval village of Santillana del Mar, pre-historic caves and a wildlife reserve. Linguistic activities included buying of fruit, drinks and ice-creams, two town trails as well as regular work on diaries throughout the stay. They were blessed with mostly excellent weather were able to play games on the beach in the early evenings or even paddle in the sea. After the evening meal, pupils were given time to complete diaries as well as various other competitions and quizzes. By the end of the stay, the pupils had gained so much both linguistically and culturally and their completed diaries reflect this. Staff were encouraged by their willingness to come out of their comfort zone and speak Spanish throughout the trip. All in all, the visit was greatly enjoyed by the pupils.  We were pleased to be complimented by various members of the public with regards to pupil behaviour. Indeed, the staff team felt that everyone had been extremely well-behaved and responsive throughout the trip.  They  were a credit to the school and to their families.