Girls' Division
Our Girls' Senior and Juniors Schools were inspected in April 2026. In their report, the inspectors assessed both schools as having met all five standards upon which they were judged and identified Hesketh House’s creative thinking curriculum as being a ‘significant strength’, an accolade which places our junior school within a highly select group of independent schools nationally.
The inspection was conducted using the ISI’s 2023 framework, which evaluates 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 framework also 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 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, 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.
Girls' Division ISI Inspection Report (April 2026) | PDF | 188KB
Reports from previous inspections of the Girls’ Division can be found below:
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
Boys' Division
Our Boys' Senior and Junior Schools were inspected in February 2024 by the ISI, using the inspection framework introduced in 2023.
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.
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
Reports from previous inspections of the Boys’ Division can be found below:
Boys' Division Regulatory Compliance Inspection Report (October 2019) | PDF | 229KB
Boys' Division Focused Compliance Inspection Report (December 2016) | PDF | 129KB
Boys' Division Educational Quality Inspection Report (December 2016) | PDF | 129KB
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.
The next Inspection of our Infant School will be under the ISI framework.
Kidzone
Kidzone is Bolton School’s wraparound care service, providing care for pupils before and after school during term time and during the summer holidays.
Kidzone is regulated by OFSTED, whose most recent inspection took place in January 2026.
The report from that inspection was in OFSTED’s newer, ‘report card’ format. In it, the childcare offered at Kidzone was graded as being of a Strong standard for behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, children's welfare and wellbeing and inclusion; as being at the Expected standard for leadership and governance; and with all Safeguarding standards, Compulsory Childcare Register requirements and Voluntary Childcare Register requirements being fully met.
Key findings from the inspector’s report included that:
- Staff provide experiences that keep children engaged and stimulated;
- Children's behaviour is exemplary;
- Staff take the time to get to know each individual child; and
- Staff make sure that every child can fully participate in the club's experiences.
Ofsted Inspection Report (Jan 2026) | PDF | 228KB