Growing up in Essendon North, Birrell attended North Essendon Primary School from 1934 to 1940 and Essendon State High School from 1940 to 1944.
Birrell, who lived in Essendon North, attended North Essendon Primary School between 1934 and 1940 and Essendon State High School from 1940 until 1944 during his formative years.