School: Bolton School (Boys)
Address: Bolton School Boys’ Division, Chorley New Road, Bolton, Lancashire BL1 4PA
Pupils: 914, Upper sixth 103
Enquiries: the Headmaster
Description: Originally founded before1516 and endowed by Robert Lever in 1641, it is comprised of impressive older buildings plus modern additions. It is on an estate of 32 acres in an urban residential area, a mile west of the town centre. The prep and junior departments are nearby. The boys’ and girls’ divisions are in the same building and, although the organisation of the two divisions provides single-sex education, there are many opportunities for boys and girls to meet and cooperate in the running of trips, societies and other activities. A broad traditional education is given and it has a high reputation far beyond Bolton. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. Though non-denominational, Christian beliefs are encouraged. Extra-curricular activity is taken very seriously: both music and sport are strong and there are many clubs. A good deal of emphasis is placed on health, fitness and outdoor pursuits (based in its own outdoor education centre in the Lake District) and scouting is strong. The boys have built their own sailing boat, Tenacity of Bolton, and sailing is offered as part of the curriculum .
School Head: Headmaster: Philip Britton, in post from 2008. Educated at universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Leeds. Previously Deputy Head at Leeds Grammar School. Teaching staff: 87 full time, 24 part time.
Results: GCSE: 129 pupils in fifth; 100% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects (including English, maths, a science, a humanity and a foreign language). A-levels: 100 in upper sixth; typically all passing in 3+ subjects, with average final point score of 438.
Furtherhigher: 99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course. 10% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 40% in science and engineering, 49% in humanities and social sciences. A few typically go on to specialist non-degree courses such as art foundation courses.
Arts: Music: Up to 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10+ musical groups including orchestras, choirs, wind band, concert band. Many members of city and county youth orchestras; pupils regularly perform in town hall, major works for charitable enterprises. Concert tours to Europe. Drama: Drama taught in middle school. Many pupils are involved in school and other productions. Major annual drama production with the girls’ division. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 6 A-level. Design, pottery, electronics, plastics, CDT also offered.
Sport: Sport: Soccer, cricket, rugby, badminton, hockey compulsory at different ages. Additional options (from fourth year) include cross-country, athletics, swimming, sailing, basketball, volleyball, tennis, water polo. Compulsory outdoor pursuits for first 5 years. RLSS exams may be taken. Recent representation in national soccer, water polo, rugby, modern pentathlon, sailing squads. Winners in Independent Schools FA Cup, water polo champions at all ages. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Community service optional for 3 years at age 15+. Large, flourishing Scout group. Some 100 clubs, including debating, computer, art, craft, sporting, geographical, scientific.
Alumni: is run by the Development Department at the School.
Formerpupils: Nigel Short (chess Grandmaster); Sir Ian McKellen (actor); Peter Jarvis (Chairman, Debenhams); Judge Michael Lever QC; Sir Harry Kroto (Nobel Laureate, chemistry); Mark Radcliffe (radio broadcasting); Ralph Little (actor).
