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Bolton School Boys’ Division,波爾頓男校 Chorley New Road, Bolton, Lancashire BL1 4PA
 
• BOYS, 6–18, Day
• Pupils 1095, Upper sixth 139
• Termly fees £1874–£2498
• HMC
• Enquiries/application to the Headmaster

What it’s like
Originally founded in 1524 and endowed by Robert Lever in 1641, it comprises impressive and very large buildings with a great hall, plus recent additions. It is on an estate of 32 acres, in an urban residential area, a mile north west of the town centre. The prep and junior departments are nearby. The boys’ and girls’ divisions are in the same building and though the organisation of the two divisions provides basically single-sex schools there are many opportunities for boys and girls to meet and co-operate in the running of societies etc. 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. Music and sport are strong. A good deal of emphasis is placed on health, fitness and outdoor pursuits courses (based on its own hostel by Ullswater, in the Lake District). Scouting is strong.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 6–18; 1095 day boys. Senior department 11–18, 902 boys.
Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade B, including English and maths (grade A in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. 50% of senior intake from state schools (95% new intake to sixth form); 35% from own junior (enquiries to the Headmaster, Bolton School Boys' Division Junior Department, Park Road, Bolton, Lancs BL1 4RD).

Scholarships, bursaries & extras Up to 14 pa Foundation grants, value up to 100% fees. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; fees include lunches.

Head & staff
Headmaster: Mervyn Brooker, in post from 2003. Educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School, Burnley Grammar and at Cambridge University (geography). University cricket blue. Previously Head at King Edward VI, Camp Hill Grammar School, Birmingham.
Teaching staff: 88 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 3%. Average age 35.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 118 pupils in fifth; 99% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 72 (over 5 years).
A-levels: 125 in upper sixth; 97% passed in 4+ subjects, 2% in 3. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 396.

University & college entrance 99% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course. 10% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 40% in science & engineering, 50% in humanities & social sciences. A few typically go on to specialist non-degree courses such as art foundation courses.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 AS/A-level subjects.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level (sometimes with an additional AS); in addition, all take AS and A-level general studies. 40% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 30% both. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses and activities but not formally assessed.
Vocational: Work experience available.
Special provision: Available for dyslexia and dyspraxia. Lift with access to all floors, available for physically handicapped.
Languages: French, German, Russian, Latin and Greek offered at GCSE, AS and A-level; all pupils take at least one language at GCSE. Regular exchanges to France and Germany. French, German and Russian pupils (parents on short-term contracts locally).
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (2 lessons/week in Years 7–9) and across the curriculum, eg geography, biology and physics. 200 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), majority networked and with e-mail and internet access. Most pupils take Clait.

The 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 & design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 6 A-level. Design, pottery, photography, plastics, CDT also offered.

Sport & activities
Sport: Soccer, cricket, rugby, badminton, hockey compulsory at different ages. Additional options (from fourth year) include cross-country, athletics, swimming, basketball, volleyball, tennis, water polo. Compulsory outdoor pursuits for first 6 years (school has own centre in Cumbria). RLSS exams may be taken. Recent representation in national 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. Up to 20 clubs, eg debating, computer, art, craft, Christian Union, geographical, scientific.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Monitors, school captain (appointed by Head), head of house and house captains of sports (elected by staff and school).
Religion: Compulsory broadly Christian assembly.
Social: Joint drama, music, opera, debating society, Christian Union, swimming team with adjacent girls’ division of the foundation. German and French exchanges each year; also regular Russian visit, trips to Rhineland, classical sites in Europe, summer expeditions worldwide, climbing trips to Europe and USA, kayaking trips in Alps, ski trips, music tours to Europe. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. Meals cafeteria service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect evening detention; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises could expect immediate and indefinite suspension.

Alumni association is run by Mr D E Shaw, Old Boltonians Liaison Officer, c/o the School.

Former pupils Lord Haslam (former Chairman of National Coal Board); Nigel Short (chess Grandmaster); Sir Ian McKellen (actor); Peter Jarvis (Chairman, Debenhams); Judge Michael Lever, QC; Sir Harry Kroto (Nobel Laureate, chemistry).