Founded in 1877, under the provision of the first Viscount Leverhulme. The boys' and girls' divisions, together with their junior schools, are a single foundation; the senior schools and the girls' junior are all set in 32 acres on the western side of Bolton. The site comprises of the handsome stone school buildings and their grounds, playing fields and a pretty woodland area. The school is well equipped with a fine library, spacious hall and a fully-refurbished traditional theatre. There is also an arts and conference centre and an indoor sports complex with swimming pool. Examination results are consistently very good. Music and drama are strong and involve a large number of pupils, who reach high levels of achievement. A wide range of sports and games is available and the school has many representatives at county, regional and national level. Numerous clubs and activities cater for extra-curricular needs and the school has an outdoor pursuits centre, Patterdale Hall, in the Lake District. Regular expeditions at home and abroad are organised. Pupils also have a commitment to the school's local community service and Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. There are many joint activities with the boys' division, including music, drama and the debating society.
Pupils: Age range 11-18, 802 day girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, school tests appropriate to sixth form subjects and 6 GCSEs at least grade B (higher in sixth form subjects). 60% of senior intake from state schools (plus 15% intake to sixth form); 40% from own junior, Bolton Junior (Girls).
Foundation grants, up to full fees depending on parental income; currently one in six pupils receive bursary assistance. Ogden Trust science bursaries at 16. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; lunch included in the fees.
Headmistress: Miss Sue Hincks, in post from 2011. Educated at Oxford University (modern history and modern languages). Previously Senior Deputy Head of The King's School, Worcester. Teaching staff: 79 full time, 22 part time.
GCSE: 121 pupils in Year 11; 99% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects, with an average of 10.6 subjects (89% of pupils included English, maths, a science, a humanity and a modern language). A-levels: 113 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3.4 subjects with a final point score of 390.
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 10% to Oxbridge. 25% took courses in science and engineering, 20% in social sciences, 31% in arts, 11% in vocational subjects and 11% in combined courses.
GCSE, AS and A-levels, plus option of the AQA Baccalaureate. 27 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 or 4 at A-level; in addition, general studies optional at AS and A-level. 6% take science A-levels; 63% arts/humanities, 31% both. Key skills not separately assessed; all sixth form courses incorporate one or more key skill. Vocational: Work experience and workshadowing available. Special provision: Lift for wheelchairs. Languages: French (compulsory 11-14), German and Spanish all offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg research and presentation of coursework. 200+ computers for pupil use, all networked and with supervised email and internet access.
Music: Many pupils learn a musical instrument or take singing lessons; instrumental exams can be taken. Several musical groups including 4 choirs, orchestra, 2 string orchestras, 2 concert bands, jazz band, flute, clarinet choirs, saxophone, percussion and other ensembles. Pupils play in many local youth orchestras, National Children's Orchestra and smaller specialist groups. Many joint musical activities with the Boys' Division. Drama and dance: Both offered. Many pupils are involved in joint and school productions. Art and design: On average, 40% take GCSE, 8% A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, food technology also offered.
Sport: Athletics, badminton, basketball, cross-country, dance, gymnastics, health-related fitness, lacrosse, life-saving, netball, rounders, synchronised swimming, swimming, tennis, volleyball compulsory at different ages. Sixth form only: football, rugby, golf, rock climbing, self-defence, trampolining. RLSS exams may be taken. National representatives in lacrosse, water polo; other pupils in regional and county lacrosse teams and county netball team. Netball and lacrosse teams successful in the North of England; athletics, swimming and tennis teams locally. Sports clubs for elite squads and those participating in on a recreational basis. Activities: Pupils take Duke of Edinburgh's bronze, silver and gold awards. Community service optional. Many clubs including computing, literary and debating, life-saving.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Prefects: Prefects and head girl elected by sixth form and staff. Religion: Non-denominational. Attendance at morning assembly the norm but withdrawal by parents possible. Social: Number of joint activities with boys' division, including literary and debating society, drama productions, instrumental groups, field trips to Berlin and skiing holidays. Exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. Meals self-service. School shop.
is run by Mrs C Haslam, c/o the School.
Dame Janet Smith QC; Baroness Ann Taylor, Baroness Patricia Morris (politicians); Monica Ali (author).
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