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What it's like

Founded in 1877, the school moved to its present site in 1928. The Boys' and Girls' Divisions are a single foundation, provided for by the first Viscount Leverhulme on an excellent site of 32 acres on the western side of Bolton, a mile from the centre. The handsome sandstone buildings are set among lawns, playing fields and woodland. They are extremely well equipped with a fine library and spacious hall and a fully refurbished traditional theatre. There is also an arts and conference centre and an indoor sports complex, including a swimming pool. The school has a notable reputation in the locality and further afield. Examination results are consistently very good. Music and drama are strong and involve a large number of pupils, who reach high levels of achievement. A wide range of sports and games is available and the school has many representatives at county, regional and national level. Numerous clubs and activities cater for extra-curricular needs and the school has an outdoor pursuits centre, Patterdale Hall, in Cumbria. Regular expeditions at home and abroad are organised. Pupils also have a commitment to the school's local community service and Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. There are many joint activities eg music, drama, debating society, with the Boys' Division.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 4-18, 1240 day pupils (103 boys, 1137 girls). Senior department 11-18, 828 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, school tests appropriate to sixth-form subjects and 6 GCSEs at least grade B (higher in sixth-form subjects). 60% of senior intake from state schools (plus 15% intake to sixth form); 40% from own junior department.

Scholarships & bursaries

Foundation grants, up to full fees depending on parental income, most academic. Ogden Trust science bursaries at 16. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; lunch included in the fees.

Head & staff

Headmistress: Mrs Gill Richards, in post from 2005. Educated at Loughborough High School and universities of Bangor and Reading (history, MEd). Previously Headmistress at Belvedere School, Senior Teacher in charge of staff appraisal at Rhyl High School; also taught in comprehensive schools, in boys', girls' and mixed schools. Teaching staff: 79 full time, 22 part time.

Exam results

GCSE: 122 pupils in Year 11; 99% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 69 (over 5 years). A-levels: 118 in upper sixth; 64% passed in 4+ subjects; 36% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 427 (including general studies)

University & college entrance

98% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 6% to Oxbridge. 25% took courses in science and engineering, 21% in social sciences, 32% in arts, 11% in vocational subjects and 11% in combined courses.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 27 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 or 4 at A-level; in addition, general studies optional at AS and A-level. 6% take science A-levels; 63% arts/humanities, 31% both. Key skills not separately assessed; all sixth-form courses incorporate one or more key skill. Vocational: Work experience and workshadowing available. Special provision: Lift for wheelchairs. Languages: French (compulsory 11-14), German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg research and presentation of coursework. 200+ computers for pupil use, all networked and with supervised Email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Many pupils learn a musical instrument or take singing lessons; instrumental exams can be taken. Several musical groups including 4 choirs, orchestra, 2 string orchestras, 2 concert bands, jazz band, flute, clarinet choirs, saxophone, percussion and other ensembles. Pupils play in many local youth orchestras, National Children's Orchestra and smaller specialist groups. Many joint musical activities with the Boys' Division. Drama and dance: Both offered. Many pupils are involved in joint and school productions. Art and design: On average, 40% take GCSE, 8% A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, food technology also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Athletics, badminton, basketball, cross-country, dance, gymnastics, health-related fitness, lacrosse, life-saving, netball, rounders, synchronised swimming, swimming, tennis, volleyball compulsory at different ages. Sixth form only: football, rugby, golf, rock climbing, self-defence, trampolining. RLSS exams may be taken. National representatives in lacrosse, water polo; other pupils in regional and county lacrosse teams and county netball team. Netball and lacrosse teams successful in the North of England; athletics, swimming and tennis teams locally. Sports clubs for elite squads and those participating in on a recreational basis. Activities: Pupils take Duke of Edinburgh's bronze, silver and gold awards. Community service optional. Many clubs including computing, literary and debating, life-saving.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Prefects: Prefects, head girl, elected by sixth form and staff. Religion: Non-denominational. Attendance at morning assembly the norm but withdrawal by parents possible. Social: Number of joint activities with Boys' Division eg literary and debating society, drama productions, instrumental groups, field trips to Berlin and skiing holidays. Exchanges to France, Germany and Spain. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Alumni association

is run by Mrs C Haslam, c/o the School. Dame Janet Smith QC; Ann Taylor MP.

Former pupils

Dame Janet Smith QC, (Baroness) Ann Taylor MP, Baroness (Patricia) Morris, Monica Ali.