Bootham School
York, North Yorkshire · YO30 7BU
Bootham is a long-established Quaker independent school in York offering education from nursery through sixth form, with a strong boarding component. Its distinctive ethos emphasises personal development, intellectual courage, and values-driven education rooted in Quaker principles of truth-seeking and community service. The school explicitly positions itself as 'not a typical private school', with a culture that balances academic rigour with genuine pastoral care and individual flourishing.
- →Quaker ethos and explicit values framework centring truth, integrity, and service to society
- →Strong pastoral care and personalised attention across a mid-sized cohort (665 pupils)
- →Proven university outcomes with emphasis on fit rather than league-table chasing
- →Substantial boarding provision integrated into day-school culture, with high-quality residential experience
- →Extensive co-curricular and outdoor education opportunities reflecting breadth beyond exam results
Who thrives here
Intellectually curious and reflective pupils who thrive in a values-driven, less conventionally competitive environment; families drawn to Quaker principles or seeking boarding with genuine community integration; pupils valuing pastoral attention and personal development alongside academics.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
51 Bootham
York, North Yorkshire
YO30 7BU
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Vera Brittain
Author, poet, and women's rights advocate; wrote 'Testament of Youth'
Harry Hemsley
Comedian and impressionist
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Bootham School?
Day fees at Bootham School are approximately £25,650 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Bootham School?
Bootham School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Bootham School's exam results?
At Bootham School, 28.6% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 59.4% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Bootham School a boarding school?
Bootham School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Bootham School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Bootham School “Excellent” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Genuine pastoral care and individual attention; pupils feel known and valued as individuals
✓Values-driven ethos and Quaker principles create authentic, inclusive, non-hierarchical community
✓Strong encouragement of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and independent thought rather than conformity
✓Boarding integration creates vibrant, interconnected community that enriches day pupils' experience
✓Breadth of co-curricular and outdoor education; prioritises character and resilience development
✓University outcomes reflect genuine fit and pupil satisfaction rather than narrow metrics
Common concerns
!Limited public examination data or university outcome metrics published, making school selection comparison difficult for some families
!Quaker identity and values-driven culture may not suit families seeking purely academic/secular environment or traditional hierarchy
!Rural/semi-rural Yorkshire location limits accessibility for London and South-East families considering day education
!Smaller pupil cohort and specialist provision for SEND not explicitly highlighted; may limit options for pupils with complex needs