Kilgarth School

  • Special
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 11 to 16
Ofsted: Outstanding

Cavendish Street, Birkenhead, CH41 8BAOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Kilgarth School is a special school in Birkenhead for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 135 schools in Wirral. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in March 2015.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 10 March 2015, report published 21 April 2015

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 5 November 2024

Kilgarth School provides a calm and welcoming environment for pupils to learn in. Despite the considerable barriers that pupils have faced before joining the school, they quickly settle when they get here. Pupils develop nurturing and trusting relationships with staff, who help them to understand their own emotions and behaviour. This helps pupils to feel comfortable, happy and safe in the school community. The school has the highest aspirations for pupils' academic and social success. Through a thoughtfully designed curriculum, pupils take qualifications in subjects that are tailored skilfully to their aspirations and ambitions. For example, a rich vocational offer is available for pupils that includes construction, mechanics and catering. Pupils, all of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve exceptionally well. Staff treat pupils respectfully and with kindness. They know each pupil extremely well. This contributes significantly to pupils' growing self-esteem and to their confidence. Classrooms are typically purposeful. Across the school, pupils behave exceptionally well. The school provides pupils with the tools that they need to succeed in life. Opportunities to strengthen pupils' resilience and social skills are wide-ranging. For example, pupils relish rock climbing, fishing and competing against other schools in sports tournaments.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

12 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score7.8

7.8, 38.3 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths0%

0%, 45.4 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths8.3%

8.3%, 56.5 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc0%

0%, 40.5 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score0.36

0.36, 3.73 below the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

63 pupils on roll, with places for 55

Eligible for free school meals87.3%

87.3%, 60.8 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language0%

0%, 21.6 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support0%

0%, 14.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan100%

100%, 94 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Kilgarth School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
IMPACT Northwest Schools0.9 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 10.0
Edstart Schools Wirral1 mileOfsted: GoodNot published
The Observatory School1 mileOfsted judgements: GoodAttainment 8: 5.9
Wirral Wrap2 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Horizons Independent School2 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standardNot published

School details

School type
Community special school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
11 to 16
Gender
Boys
Headteacher
Ms Jane Westlake
Address
Cavendish Street, Birkenhead, CH41 8BA
Local authority
Wirral
URN
105130

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.