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Bootham School Headmaster Jonathan Taylor explains why a Quaker education makes a difference to a child’s experience of school and to life beyond the classroom.
“The Quaker foundation offers a rich historical tradition and a contemporary educational philosophy. Quakers believe that there is something of God in everyone. They recognise no barriers of class, gender, or ethnicity. Honesty, integrity, simplicity, equality and peace are at the heart of the Quaker way of life.
At Bootham, these principles make possible an education based on respect and trust, and a belief that every member of the community is important. Everyone’s achievement is important. This means not merely providing opportunities for students, but also expecting everyone to become active contributors to the community. In academic study, the brightest Bootham scholars have an enviable record of very high achievement – but we celebrate equally whatever achievements are the best a student can manage. In sport, music and the arts, our students shine in many different ways both within the school and through participation in local, county and national teams and events. There are opportunities for our students to explore and extend their interests through the diverse and extensive programme of daily activities. And Bootham students’ commitment to building a better world is seen in their willingness to participate in social and community projects.
There are of course many good schools which will offer, in their own way, routes to success. What is it that specifically makes ‘the Bootham difference’?
I believe it is that Quaker belief that there is something of God in everyone. That’s a very positive way to approach education. It underpins the caring relationships within our schools, both amongst students and between students and staff. It is proof that collaboration and resolution are more profitable ways forward than conflict; that integrity is more valuable than showiness or sharp practice. It offers our students a real model for successful, trustworthy conduct in the world – the same business practice, based on honesty and openness that has made the great Quaker companies so successful.
To join Bootham is to join a community. If the ideas here meet something of your own beliefs in bringing up children – if you believe in enquiry, a lack of pretension, the opportunity to ‘become yourself’– then I invite you to visit the schools and explore further”
Entrance exams for 11+ and 13/14+ entry take place at the end of January for the following September. Sixth form places are offered on the bases of predicted grades at GCSE.
Scholarships for music, of up to 50% of day fees, are offered at the 11+ and 13+ (see bursaries for information about fee remission beyond 50%).
Academic Scholarships are awarded on the bases of performance in the 11+ and 13+ entrance exams (see bursaries for information about fee remission)
Bursaries, of up to 100% of day fees, are offered to 11+ and 13+ candidates on the bases of academic performance in the entrance exam. These bursaries are restricted to those on below average earnings. Full details are available from the School.
A Sixth form scholarship (means tested) is available to a candidate wishing to study physics at university.
Bootham School has two sites in York. Bootham Junior, for children aged from 3 to 11, occupies an extensive estate with purpose built facilities on Rawcliffe Lane just off Clifton Green. The nursery department and after-school clubs offer constant care from 8am to 6pm throughout the school day. The main site of the senior school is found just outside the city walls, overlooked by York Minster. Here girls and boys from 11-18 enjoy a beautiful and secluded estate in the very heart of the city. The elegant Georgian buildings are complimented by modern facilities with all the accoutrements expected of a first rate school. As a boarding school, all pupils, be they borders or day, benefit from 24/7 wrap-around care throughout the school term. Famous past pupils include Marks and Spencer’s chief Stuart Rose, famous York philanthropist Joseph Rowntree, Historian AJP Taylor and actor and charity fundraiser Brian Rix. For more information, visit www.boothamschool.com or phone 01904 623261.
Age range: 11 - 18
Day pupils: 210 boys and 160 girls
Annual day fees: £13,245 - £14,250
Weekly boarding pupils: 33 boys and 23 girls
Annual weekly boarding fees: £14,550 - £21,015
Full boarding pupils: 44 boys and 15 girls
Annual full boarding fees: £14,550 - £22,950
This school offers flexi-boarding.
TOTAL PUPILS: 287 boys and 198 girls, including 98 boys and 67 girls in the 6th form
Staff numbers: 47 full time and 25 part time
Method of entry: Common Entrance, Entry test or exam, Interview, Report from previous school
Accreditations and affiliations: BSA, HMC, AGBIS
Religious affiliation: Quaker
Teaching languages: English
Please note that as most schools offer the core subjects, such as Maths, Geography, Sciences, History, Art and Religious education, these are not included as searches.
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The school offers: Other bursaries, Academic, Music, Boarding, All-rounder, Means tested scholarships
Exam boards: Edexcel Foundation, AQA, OCR
% pass rate at grades A* to C (exams at age 16): 95.3%% pass rate (exams at age 18): 100%
26 courses are offered for age 18 exams
100% of pupils went on to Higher Education or took a Gap Year
This school provides for individual pupils with these needs:
Hearing Impairment (HI)
Dyslexia or Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
Aspergers Syndrome
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