The Belvedere School, was rated the best school in Liverpool by the official league tables, having gained 100% 5 A-C passes at GCSE in 2006. The same year, the school's Sixth Form was ranked "Best Value for Money" in the city area by locals. In 2008, 98% of all A-Level exams taken got A-C passes, and 74% of exams received A/B passes, a record for the school. Changes The change to an academy resulted in the abolition of school fees, as well as a change in the way in which the school selects its pupils. Unlike grammar and other selective schools, the Belvedere Academy may select only 10% of its pupils by academic potential and fair banding is now employed to ensure intake of the full breadth of academic ability. At the same time that the senior school became an academy, the junior school was established as a stand-alone non-state funded preparatory school for girls aged three to 11, The Hamlets. This was subsequently sold in 2010 out of GDST ownership, renamed Belvedere Preparatory School and became co-educational. Notable former pupils Alyson J K Bailes (CMG) (1949–2016), diplomat, political scientist, academic and polyglot. Dorothy Gradden OBE, leading nuclear engineer Linda Grant (b. 1951), novelist. Dame Rose Heilbron (1914–2006), barrister. Jane Lightfoot (b. 1969), classical scholar Liz McClarnon (b. 1981), member of pop group Atomic Kitten, winner of Celebrity Masterchef 2008, and television presenter. Esther McVey (b. 1967), journalist, television presenter and Member of Parliament. Anne Ziegler (1910–2003), soprano and popular singer-actress. References External links Official website GDST website Sutton Trust BBC Education League Tables listing School listing on Edubase from Department for Children, Schools and Families Educational institutions established in 1880 Girls' schools in Merseyside Schools of the Girls' Day School Trust 1880 establishments in England Secondary schools in Liverpool Academies in Liverpool