Education and Learning

Our academic record speaks for itself and each year we are always one of the leading schools in the county’s academic league tables.

We achieve impressive results at all age levels and one of the main reasons for our success is the size of our teaching groups.

Numbers are very small even by independent private school standards. The average group size in the age range between 5 and 13 is fourteen pupils. GCSE and sixth form groups are smaller still because of the different options open to students.

As a consequence pupils receive individual attention and can develop at their own pace. We set goals for individual pupils and do everything possible to ensure each one reaches their full potential.

Middle school pupils take the Key Stage Three tests a year early (Year 8 instead of Year 9). The greatest advantage of this strategy is that it allows students to spend three years on their GCSE courses instead of the normal two years. This helps to fulfil academic potential and maximise GCSE grades. It also makes the course more enjoyable for pupils.

Our sixth form is a busy and lively community. It is the perfect environment for students to continue their education beyond the age of sixteen. Sixth formers are given many opportunities to put into practice and demonstrate the GEMS core values.

They receive tremendous support and expertise from their teachers who help to develop students’ talents, abilities, and characters. Students’ views are respected and their contribution valued. At the end of the sixth form, our students usually have a strong sense of who they are and what they stand for.

International Baccalaureate Diploma programme
Bolitho sixth formers can take the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme. However they will need to work at an advanced level and will only achieve success through a great deal of hard work. No student should consider the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme unless they are prepared to devote a significant proportion of their free time to study.

Core values in practice
GEMS has four core values which are intrinsic to everything we do at Bolitho:

• World citizenship empowering students with a global and local perspective by developing their awareness of different cultures and countries.
• Universal values: accepting we are all different; recognising we are all the same.
• Leadership: developing each student’s individuality and discovering their potential.
• Forward thinking developing skills for the future.

Click here to read about GEMS Core Values.

Pupils experience these values in action from their very first day at Bolitho. They are central to our belief that a good education is about more than syllabus and classroom learning. Our pupils’ minds are opened and their spirits enriched by the varied and exciting opportunities we provide.

We have created a safe, secure environment in which pupils are encouraged to question, explore new things, challenge ideas, and develop their own initiatives.

Our international flavour exposes students to cultural differences and opinions and they learn to respect others, irrespective of colour, creed, gender or age.

Pupils leave Bolitho as confident, rounded individuals who are ready to make their way in the world.