Boys' Division
Our Boys' Senior and Junior Schools were inspected in February 2024, the first inspection undertaken at the Foundation since the introduction in September 2023 of the ISI's new inspection framework.
In their report, the inspectors assessed both schools as having met all five of the standards upon which they were judged, and identified their programmes of extra-curricular and outdoor learning activities as being a 'significant strength', a plaudit which places us in a highly select group of schools nationally to have achieved such a commendation.
The new framework replaces the inspectorate's previous methodology, of providing a one-word judgement of a school, with an evaluation of how successfully a school meets five specific standards, relating to leadership, management and governance; the quality of education, training and recreation; pupils' physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing; pupils' social and economic education and their contribution to society; and safeguarding. The new framework also now allows for a school to be designated as having a 'significant strength', to recognise those schools deemed to be demonstrating significant excellence within those five standards, in comparison with other schools nationally.
Key findings from the inspectors' report were that:
- The schools' academic curricula and extra-curricular programmes instil a culture of high expectations, mutual support, inclusivity and tolerance within the school community;
- The schools offer an extensive programme of extra-curricular and outdoor learning activities in which pupils of all ages participate enthusiastically and gain new interests and skills;
- Pupils of all ages make good academic progress, develop creative and critical thinking skills and demonstrate determination and self-discipline;
- Pupils' behaviour and attitudes to learning are respectful, focused and constructive, and there is a tangible culture of mutual support;
- All school premises and accommodation are suitably maintained, well-resourced and secure; and
- There are effective arrangements for safeguarding which promote the safety and welfare of pupils.
Boys' Division ISI Inspection Report (February 2024) | PDF | 286 KB
Boys' Division Regulatory Compliance Inspection Report (February 2019) | PDF | 229KB
Boys' Division Focussed Compliance Inspection Report (December 2019) | PDF | 129KB
Girls' Division
Our Girls' Senior and Juniors Schools had a Focused Compliance and Educational Quality Inspection in April 2023, receiving the highest judgement of ‘excellent’ in each category as well as meeting all of the Inspectorate’s required regulatory standards.
Key findings from the inspectors’ report were that:
- Pupils attain at exceptionally high levels in public examinations and achieve consistently high levels of knowledge, skills and understanding at all ages;
- Pupils are highly articulate and demonstrate excellent communication skills;
- Pupils are highly motivated and have outstanding attitudes to learning;
- Pupils achieve exceptionally high levels of success in diverse extra-curricular activities;
- Throughout the two schools, pupils demonstrate notably high levels of self-confidence, self-awareness and self-discipline;
- Pupils are empathetic, respectful and tolerant; they value and celebrate the school’s rich diversity;
- Pupils’ social development is excellent; they collaborate extremely well to achieve common goals; and that
- Pupils have an exceedingly strong sense of community, showing a deep commitment to service and contributing positively to the lives of others within school and beyond.
Girls' Division ISI Inspection Report (April 2023) | PDF | 188KB
Girls' Division Regulatory Compliance Inspection Report (February 2019) | PDF | 261KB
Girls' Division Regulatory Integrated Inspection Report (February 2016) | PDF | 187KB
Primary Division
The Nursery and Beech House, our Infant School, both form part of Bolton School's Primary Division, which was created in October 2021 as part of a wider restructuring of the Bolton School Foundation.
In order to finalise the Nursery's re-registration with OFSTED which was necessitated by that restructuring, the Bolton School Nursey was inspected by OFSTED in October 2024.
Following that inspection, OFSTED graded the overall effectiveness of the Nursery as Good, with its underpinning ratings for the quality of the education provided, the children’s behaviour and attitudes, the children’s personal development, and the Nursery’s leadership and management all also being Good.
Key findings from the inspector’s report included that:
- Staff at the Nursery have high expectations for all the children in their care;
- Children’s behaviours and attitudes are very good, and they demonstrate a positive attitude to learning and taking part;
- Staff work in partnership with families to successfully support children’s learning and development;
- Children at the Nursery demonstrate a positive attitude to learning and taking part, and flourish under the praise and encouragement given by staff;
- Staff effectively support children to develop the skills they need for childhood, including perseverance, turn-taking and friendship; and
- Children develop their communication and independence skills successfully, and are encouraged and supported to do so.
Ofsted Inspection Report (Oct 2024) | PDF | 151KB
At an earlier stage of that restructuring, and in order to be compliant with legislation, our Nursery and Infant School received a one-off inspection from OFSTED in October 2023:
Ofsted Inspection Report (Oct 2023) | PDF | 161KB
Before then, our Nursery and Infant School were last previously inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in 2016, when they were part of our Girls' Division. They were given the very best rating in all areas.
ISI Inspection Report (Feb 2016) | PDF | 250KB
The next Inspection of our Infant School will be under the ISI framework.