Address: Bosworth Independent College, Nazareth House, Barrack Road, Northampton NN2 6AF
Description: A co-educational college, founded in 1977, it has an agreeable site overlooking parkland ten minutes’ walk from the town centre. The full-time staff of 18 is assisted by 80 part-timers, providing a very favourable staff:pupil ratio. Average class size is seven and there is a great deal of flexibility in subject combinations. Boarding pupils either live in college boarding houses or with local families; those aged 18 can live independently, sharing houses nearby under the supervision of the college. Social arrangements are informal; sports and games optional for those over 16.
School Head: Principal: Mike McQuin, appointed 1998. Educated at Sherwood Hall School, Mansfield, and Birmingham University (mathematics). Previously Deputy Superintendent of the American International School, Kuwait and Vice Principal and IB Co-ordinator at Universal American School, Kuwait. Teaching staff: 18 full time, 80 part time.
Results: GCSE: 25% of pupils gained at least grade C in 8 subjects, 75% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 88 in upper sixth. 45% pupils passed in 4+ subjects, 49% in 3 subjects.
Furtherhigher: 97% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (2% after a gap year), 3% to Oxbridge. 18% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 27% in science and engineering, 5% in law, 10% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design and 30% business studies. Others typically join family concerns or return to own country for further education.
Arts: Music: Up to 15% pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Pop music groups occasionally. Art and design: On average, 15 take GCSE, 12 A-level.
Boarding: 50% have own study bedrooms; others share 2 per room. Independent accommodation nearby for those at 18 (supervised by boarding staff). Houses are single-sex. Students are allowed to provide food and cook to a limited extent. Student restaurant provides 3 meals per day. Exeats allowed at weekends plus 1 week at half-term. Visits to the local town allowed (having signed out if under 18).
