Ages 
Described as ‘caring and loving’ by one parent, this is a school combining high aspirations with empathy and support. Girls love attending and flourish in a socially diverse and stimulating environment. The ethos embraces all comers and celebrates their efforts and successes in equal measure.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 858 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 203 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £15,036 pa
- Local authority
- Bolton Council
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headmistress
Mrs Lynne Kyle
Since 2021, Lynne Kyle. Bolton born and bred, educated locally at Smithills Grammar. Love of maths from the age of 4 (mother a teacher) led to maths and stats at St Andrews, followed Articled Teacher scheme (PGCE) at Cambridge. Jumped at the chance
Entrance
A third from Hesketh House (juniors). Rest mainly from 60-ish local state and prep primaries within a 30-mile radius encompassing Warrington and Preston. Devonshire Road, Markland Hill and St Mark's schools all popular. All entrants (and those from
Exit
Around 30 per cent leave after GCSEs, often for vocational courses; travel time also a factor for some. Around 80 per cent progress to university with over half to Russell Group. Rest a mix of gap years and prep for medicine, largely. One to Oxford
Latest results
In 2025, 56 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 41 per cent A*/A at A level (69 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Good breadth of subjects from the off, say parents. French, Spanish, German, Latin and Greek all offered alongside classical civilisation, for example. A year 7 girl agreed ‘the variety is good’, but added ‘some subjects are more engaging than
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Currently 14 per cent on the SEN register and three with an EHCP. Ranges across neurodevelopmental, cognitive and processing issues. Some with medical needs. The full-time SENCo (a qualified teacher and dyslexia specialist) works with four high level
Arts & extracurricular
Vibrant displays of Rousseau jungle scenes and flowers line the corridors of the art studios. Inside, high gothic windows flood the rooms. Portraits, sketches and growling tigers extol the quality of learning and skills being developed. Taught up to
Sport
Facilities are impressive with acres of fields, swimming pool (both shared with the boys), fitness gym, sports hall, tennis and netball courts including all weather facilities. Water polo is a strength, along with lacrosse and netball. Football,
Ethos & heritage
Bolton Girls’ School, founded in 1913 by Lord Leverhulme, traces its origins back to 1877 and the Young Ladies’ Day School. Staff say that heritage and ethos are the ‘backbone of the school’. The continuity and community are key. Traditions such as
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Parents say the pastoral care is ‘first class’, everyone referencing the Hive and its non-teaching staff who offer ‘world class support’. One sixth form parent related how his daughter went there, feeling pressured by UCAS and told how he was
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Pupils must not be seen with phones and if they are, they are confiscated for a fixed period of time.
Pupils & parents
The importance of social mobility to Lord Leverhulme, the founder, ensures a diverse parent body is maintained. Parents told us of ‘all sorts’ at events, due to the bursaries and the prevalence of ‘normal people’. Demographic is local - a 50 minute
Money matters
A fifth of girls are supported by a bursary. Linked to academic performance and means tested, these bursaries are available from year 7 and in the sixth form. Scholarships for academic and other (eg sporting) potential – worth up £1,000.
- Fee information
- £15,036 pa
The last word
Described as ‘caring and loving’ by one parent, this is a school combining high aspirations with empathy and support. Girls love attending and flourish in a socially diverse and stimulating environment. The ethos embraces all comers and celebrates
