Every year up to 75 girls and boys set out on their school and, a little later down the line, career journey when they join the Reception Class at Bolton School Infants' School. A significant proportion will have progressed up from Bolton School's Nursery or Pre-School Class for 3 and 4 year olds, which is housed in the Infant School, but many others are new to the School. Whatever path lies ahead for them, their parents know that they are giving them the very best start in life as they enjoy the fun, creativity and learning that takes place in this Infant School where the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is consistently ranked as "outstanding" by the Independent Schools' Inspectorate (ISI).
After three years at this exceptional, co-educational Infant School, pupils move up to one of the School's single-sex junior schools and then, at age 11, to either the Girls' Division or Boys' Division (Senior Schools with Sixth Forms). Like the EYFS findings, the latest ISI reports awarded both Junior Schools and both Divisions with the top mark of "excellent" in all categories. The Junior and Senior Girls' Schools were last inspected in April of this year.
As an academically selective independent day school, there is a clear focus on stretching and challenging every pupil. Students are often inspired by returning former pupils and are encouraged to reach their full potential through a wide range of extra-curricular activities, regular visits to the School's outdoor pursuits centre in the Lake District, volunteering and enriching trips and visits. The curriculum is delivered by a highly qualified, experienced and dedicated teaching staff, who create an industrious and supportive environment where pupils are motivated to learn. Annual GCSE and A level results place the School amongst the best independent schools in the North and often within the top 100 nationally. The vast majority of students go on to their first choice university and there is a regular flow of Sixth Formers to highly competitive courses.
Bolton School regularly wins awards for its educational offer. In 2019 it was the TES' Independent School of the Year and the Independent School Parent Magazine's School of the Year. In the same year, it also won the Fundraiser of the Year Award, a campaign which helps some pupils pay less or no fees. The year before that, the school won the TES' Community Initiative Award and the MEN's Active Community Award. In 2017, the School became the first school to achieve the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (the MBE for volunteering).
This year's whole school Open Morning will take place on Saturday 7 October – the Primary Division will be open from 9.30am-1.00pm and the Boys' and Girls' Divisions from 9.30am-1.45pm – parents should call 01204 840201 if they would like to register to attend.