Bolton School Girls’ Senior and Junior Schools celebrate Inspection Success

The pupils and staff of Bolton School’s Girls’ Division and Junior School, Hesketh House, are celebrating after the two schools received an overwhelmingly positive report following the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)’s inspection visit in April 2026.  

In their report, the inspectors assessed both schools as having met all five standards upon which they were judged, as detailed below. Furthermore, they identified Hesketh House’s creative thinking curriculum as being a ‘significant strength’, an accolade that is only awarded to highly select group of independent schools nationally.     

The inspection was conducted using the ISI’s 2023 framework, which evaluates how successfully a school meets standards in five categories relating to leadership and management, and governance; the quality of education, training and recreation; pupils' physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing; pupils' social and economic education and contribution to society; and safeguarding. The framework 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.  

During their three-day visit, the eight inspectors observed a range of lessons, assemblies and extra-curricular activities; met with pupils and scrutinised their work; visited the schools’ areas for pastoral and learning support, outdoor learning and PE; and met with Governors, Mr Britton, Mrs Kyle, Mrs Faulkner and other members of the schools’ leadership and teaching teams.  In addition, the inspectors considered the views of the many pupils, parents and staff who completed their pre-inspection survey.   

Key findings from the inspectors’ report were that:  

• The Foundation’s values - of inclusivity, community and empathy - are thoroughly embedded in the daily lives of pupils and staff;  

• Pupils enjoy broad, carefully considered curricula and are taught collaboratively, enabling them to make successful progress whilst developing their understanding and knowledge;  

• The positive promotion of pupil wellbeing is placed at the heart of both schools’ activities; 

• Pupils are treated as individuals, whose ideas are listened to and who collaborate successfully with staff and with one another for the benefit of all;  

• Pupils participate extensively in a wide-ranging programme of extra-curricular activities, building their resilience whilst enjoying shared experiences;  

• Pupils give service to their communities, respect diversity and celebrate one another’s differences;  

• Pupils are prepared to make informed decisions about their futures, through effective careers education alongside academic study linked to the real world; and  

• Governance is effective and well-informed, safeguarding practices are robust and the School’s buildings and wider site are thoroughly maintained.   

Reflecting upon the inspection report, Head of Foundation Philip Britton, MBE DL commented: 

“It was a sincere pleasure to read the ISI inspectors’ report, which reflects upon the many superlative qualities of the education that we offer at Hesketh House and in the Girls’ Division and the myriad benefits they bring to our pupils. our pupils.  

The fundamental strands that make a Bolton School education so distinctive – our high academic standards, personalised approach to pupil wellbeing, thoughtful focus on character development through activity and interest, promotion of service to others within the community and careful preparation for pupils’ futures – are all recognised fulsomely within this report.  In particular, I was especially pleased by the inspectors’ designation of Hesketh House’s creative thinking curriculum, which encapsulates all of these strands so wonderfully, as being a ‘significant strength’ of the school.   

A large part of any inspection is assessing compliance with the regulations that cover the many aspects involved in the physical running of a school site, and I offer my thanks to all those colleagues who work hard every day to keep us safe and secure and whose efforts are documented in this report.  

Finally, I am heartened to see the recognition that the inspectors have given to the work of Lynne Kyle, Sue Faulkner, Helen Holt and all of their colleagues at both schools.  I am delighted that their thoughtful leadership and sustained efforts have been acknowledged so thoroughly, and would like to thank them wholeheartedly, as well as all of the pupils, parents and staff who shared their own views with the inspectors, for their contributions to this success." 

Head of the Girls’ Division, Lynne Kyle noted: 

“I am truly delighted with the findings of the ISI’s inspection team following their visit to the Girls’ Division earlier this term.   

I was especially pleased to read the inspectors’ documentation of the “supportive relationships between pupils and teachers”, which I believe are one of the hallmarks of the Girls’ Division experience.  Their observation, that those relationships facilitate “purposeful working environments” in which “all aspects of pupils’ wellbeing are supported” and in which “good progress can be made” by our pupils as a result” was a point of particular pride.   

It was also a great pleasure to see that the inspectors documented the positive and respectful culture we enjoy here. They recognised that pupils are “known as individuals” and “supported in working towards their goals by knowledgeable staff”. Their observation that pupils “readily contribute their ideas” and “know that they will be listened to” was especially pleasing, as too was their recognition of how our students “work well with each other and show respect and consideration in their collaborative learning.”   

A further highlight was the inspectors’ praise for the Girls’ Division’s careful and dedicated approach to pastoral care, which recognised the tremendous work of the extensive pastoral team in providing “structured support” to “promote pupils’ emotional wellbeing and mental health”.   

The inspection report is a superb reflection of the dedication that my Girls’ Division colleagues offer to their pupils each day, and I am delighted that their efforts have been recognised so comprehensively.” 

Head of the Primary Division, Sue Faulkner, added:  

“I am tremendously proud of my colleagues at Hesketh House, whose exceptional commitment to their students’ positive and purposeful development has been captured so wonderfully in this inspection report.   

The inspectors’ description of the “aspirational environment” that Helen Holt and her team have developed - a place where “difference is celebrated”, pupils discuss ideas “with confidence” and show “respect for each others’ opinions” - is instantly recognisable to everyone who has spent time at Hesketh House.  Their praise for how well the ‘Hesketh Habits’ - curiosity, creativity, compassion, collaboration, commitment, challenge, communication and celebration – are embedded in the daily life of the school is a further distinction, whilst their observation of the “high levels of motivation and pride” that pupils demonstrate is truly fantastic.       

Most significantly, the inspectors’ designation of the juniors’ creative thinking curriculum as a ‘significant strength’ is a hugely well-deserved accolade. Their recognition of the myriad benefits the curriculum offers – that it “allows learners to immerse themselves in topics”, leads to high levels of “attainment” and “engagement”, supports pupils to “develop deeper understanding, adaptability and the ability to apply knowledge creatively” and “engage in independent enquiry”, promotes pupils’ “self-confidence and self-esteem” and encourages girls to take “ownership of their learning” and showcase their achievements – is an incredible honour, and testament to the hard work of all of my colleagues at Hesketh House, who work so tirelessly to deliver such an outstanding education to the pupils in their care.”   

Chair of Governors, Ian Riley concluded: 

“The wonderful outcome of the recent Girls’ Division and Hesketh House ISI inspection is testament to the leadership of Philip Britton, Lynne Kyle and Sue Faulkner, and to the dedication of their colleagues.  On behalf of the Governing Body, I am delighted to offer them my sincere thanks and congratulations for their efforts and dedication both during the inspection and every day.   

The inspectors’ report makes for exceptionally positive reading, capturing all of the elements that make a Bolton School education so special.  Their observation of how successfully the values of “kindness, equality, empathy, inclusivity and community” have been embedded “into the daily life of the school” is a point of particular pride, as too is their recognition of the voluntary support our Alumni offer to current pupils.   

Bolton School’s enduring aim is that the education we offer should enable each of our pupils to realise their full potential, and equip them with the knowledge and character they each need to go out into the world to make a difference for good.   This inspection report evidences in abundance the continued achievement of that aim, and I am sure the entire School community shares my pride in all that it contains.” 

A full copy of the inspection report can be read here.