Bootham offers Full, Weekly and Flexi Boarding and Day Education to students aged 11–18, together with Day education from the age of 2 at Bootham Junior School. There are 470 pupils in the Senior School and 130 day pupils in the Junior School (see entry in IAPS section). The School was founded in 1823 by Quakers, but pupils of all denominations or none are welcomed. All pupils attend Meetings for Worship and arrangements are made for pupils to be prepared for confirmation or membership of their own churches.
Curriculum. In Schoolrooms (Years 7–9) all pupils pursue a course of study which includes English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, History, Latin or Classics, French, Spanish, Philosophy and Religious Education, Design Technology, Computer Science, Physical Education, Music, Art, Drama, and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education).
In Seniors (Years 10 and 11) pupils follow a curriculum leading to 9 subjects at GCSE, with further GCSEs in Astronomy, Psychology and PE also on offer.
College (Years 12 and 13) is preparatory to university entrance. The majority of pupils remain at school until the age of 18 and each year there is a strong Oxbridge entry. A wide choice of A level subjects is offered. It is usual to study 3 A level subjects, plus an EPQ, and College students also have timetabled outreach and service sessions.
Students are able to choose from a wide variety of subjects. These are: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, Biology, English, French, German, Spanish, History, Classics, Geography, Economics, Business, Music, Art, Design Technology, Theology and Philosophy, Drama, Politics, and Sports Science.
Site and buildings. The School is situated close to York Minster. From the road it appears as an impressive line of Georgian houses but behind this is the spacious main school campus. There is a steady programme of development, and the buildings include fully refurbished College facilities, 8 well-equipped Laboratories, an impressive Arts Centre with Auditorium and Darkroom (photography), 2 ICT Suites, 2 DT workshops, an Astronomical Observatory, a Physical Education Department with Sports Hall, Indoor Swimming Pool, Fitness Suite and Studio, and an Assembly Hall which received a national RIBA award. The buildings are complemented by formal gardens and playing fields, overlooked by York Minster. Further playing fields are situated nearby, in Clifton, which also houses Bootham Junior School in a new purpose-built complex.
Pastoral care. As a Quaker School, Bootham places great emphasis on caring relationships within a friendly community. There are two boarding houses, one for boys and one for girls, under the special care of House staff. Each House has its own recreational facilities. Throughout the School, both boarding and day pupils are supervised and guided by their own form tutor who is their first point of support for both academic and pastoral matters.
Admission. Pupils usually enter Bootham Senior School in Lower Schoolroom (Year 7/Age 11). Entry is also usually possible in Middle & Upper Schoolrooms (Years 8 & 9) and Lower Seniors (Year 10). The main entrance assessment is held annually in January and this forms the basis of Scholarship and Bursary selection. Sixth Form entry is welcomed and selection is on the basis of school report and GCSE performance. Late entrants are considered.
Leisure-time activities. The School has long been recognised as a pioneer in the provision of enrichment activities. The Natural History Society, founded in 1832, is the oldest society of its kind in this country. Other clubs and societies include Social Action, Debate, Drama, Flying Club, Chess, Cookery and Orchestra. There are over 100 activities offered each week, each one designed to develop different skills as pupils work towards the popular ‘Bootham Challenge’ awards. Pupils follow the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and are involved in Community Services and volunteering.
Music. The Director of Music is supported by peripatetic teachers. Tuition is arranged in a wide variety of instruments and a strong tradition of music in the School is maintained. Recent leavers have secured places at the Royal College of Music and there is a strong tradition of students gaining places and scholarships at music colleges.
Games. Football, tennis, fencing, cricket, swimming, athletics, netball, basketball, badminton, squash, rounders. There is no cadet force.
Fees per term (2025-2026). Full Boarding: £9,435–£16,035. Day: £7,700–£8,550. Fees include VAT.
Fees for instrumental music lessons are extra.
Scholarships and bursaries. Music, Art and Drama Scholarships are awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+, Academic and Sport Scholarships are awarded at 13+ and 16+. Scholarship assessment usually takes place in the January prior to September entry. Bursaries are available to:
•assist children, whose families would not be able to afford an independent school education, to attend the School (means-tested)
•assist Friend (Quaker) children, or the children of Friend (Quaker) parents, to attend the School (non means-tested).
Bootham Old Scholars’ Association. There is an annual Reunion in York during the second weekend in May, as well as a Sports Reunion in March. The Bootham Old Scholars’ Association has branches in all parts of the country and Eire.
Charitable status. Bootham School is a Registered Charity, number 513645.