Ages 
A vibrant school, offering a fantastic array of extracurricular and enrichment activities. Currently delivers good, solid academic results, especially around value-added. A school leading from the front in its emphasis on gender equality and nurturing mutual respect. A positive, uplifting environment for girls and a boys' not a lads’ school.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,230 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 155 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £12,535 - £16,491 pa
- Local authority
- Bury Metropolitan Borough Council
Headteacher
Principal
Mrs Jo Anderson
Since 2016, Jo Anderson BA (modern languages; University of Leeds), PGCE MEd (secondary curriculum leadership), who became head of the senior girls’ school in 2015. She is now principal and responsible for the strategic planning for the future of the
Entrance
Entry into reception is by observation, and into years 1 and 2 by spending half a day in the school. Junior schools each have a two class entry - 15 to 20 per class - and prospective pupils spend an assessment day (a short interview, a reading
Exit
Virtually all junior school children go on to the senior school. Around a third leave after GCSEs. Durham, Newcastle and Liverpool currently most popular university destinations for sixth form leavers. Usually a few students to Oxbridge and a few
Latest results
In 2025, 54 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 40 per cent A*/A at A level (72 per cent A*-B).
A levels or equivalent - 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
The co-ed infant school, ages 4-7 (there is a kindergarten from 3) has a play-based approach to learning, small class sizes and an atmosphere of irrepressible cheeriness. A broad curriculum includes science, geography, thinking skills, as well as the
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
A full-time SENCo, who is also able to do assessments, works across both boys’ and girls’ schools. Staff are trained to look out for the subtle signs. The principal feels passionate about this area, says there is no reason why a learning barrier
Arts & extracurricular
Junior school libraries displays showed a regular stream of visiting authors. Around the time of our visit, Kate Pankhurst, author of Great Women Who Changed the World, was due to arrive in the girls’ school. The year 6 girls who showed us round were
Sport
Sport is important and includes all the usual suspects: football, rugby, cross-country, athletics, cricket and hockey. Great sporting facilities on a huge campus, for all these sports, plus netball, tennis, rounders and now more off-beat sports like
Ethos & heritage
The boys' school was founded in 1570, originally only open to boys from poorer families. Bury High School for girls opened in 1884. In 1906, it joined the boys' school on its current site. The vast Buckley Wells playing fields were acquired in 1924
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The girls’ junior school recognises that young girls are sensitised to what others think of them so there is a lot of education around being considerate. Mobile phones are locked away and online education is considered crucial. There are buddy groups
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 Our school accepts that personal mobile phones and tablets are often given to pupils by their parents to ensure their safety and personal security but understands that such devices pose inherent risks and may jeopardise the learning environment. Our policy has due regard to all relevant legislation and statutory and good practice guidance. Devices must be must be turned off and stored securely out of sight in school (however there are exceptions covered in he full policy).
Pupils & parents
The pull is wide, chiefly from the northern parts of Manchester, Salford, Rochdale, Oldham, with some from Bolton. These areas have some very poor parts within them so parents and pupils tend to be very socially aware and religious tolerance is a
Money matters
Fees in line with those of other schools in the area. Plenty of means-tested bursaries and a drive towards increasing scholarships across a range of areas.
- Fee information
- £12,535 - £16,491 pa
The last word
A vibrant school, offering a fantastic array of extracurricular and enrichment activities. Currently delivers good, solid academic results, especially around value-added. A school leading from the front in its emphasis on gender equality and
