Bootham School
Other, Founded 1823
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
National Curriculum (England)Bootham School is a co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 3 to 18, located in York. It is a Quaker-founded institution that emphasises personal development, academic excellence, and the cultivation of pro-social values.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
Founded in 1823, the school is rooted in Quaker principles and practices, which inform its ethos, environment, and values. The educational approach prioritises the development of intrinsic motivation, individuality, and a questioning spirit over conformity. The school aims to cultivate reflective, kind, and socially responsible individuals who possess the integrity and confidence to contribute positively to the world.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive curriculum from Nursery and Reception through to the Senior School and College (Sixth Form). The academic programme includes preparation for GCSE and A Level examinations, with students also having the opportunity to undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The curriculum is supported by passionate teaching staff and is designed to foster lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity.
Outcomes
Bootham School maintains a strong record of academic achievement, with a high percentage of students securing places at their chosen universities. Recent successes include national recognition for top-tier A Level performance in subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics. The school was also named one of the Top 10 Independent Secondary Schools in the North in The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2026.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides personalised pastoral care and personal development support for all students. Additional charges may apply for specific Special Educational Needs assessments or supplementary subject coaching.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Bootham School offer?
- Bootham School offers National Curriculum (England).
- How much is tuition at Bootham School?
- Annual tuition at Bootham School is £10.5K–£50.5K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Bootham School a day or boarding school?
- Bootham School is a day and boarding school.
- Is Bootham School co-educational?
- Bootham School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Bootham School located?
- Bootham School is an international school in York, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026/2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery (Day) | 3–4 | — |
| Reception (Day) | 4–5 | £10.5K |
| Years 1-2 (Day) | 5–7 | £12.3K |
| Years 3-4 (Day) | 7–9 | £15.5K |
| Years 5-6 (Day) | 9–11 | £16.7K |
| Years 7-8 (Day) | 11–13 | £24K |
| Years 9-11 (Day) | 13–16 | £26.9K |
| Years 12-13 (Day) | 16–18 | £27.2K |
| Years 7-8 (Full Boarding) | 11–13 | £29.7K |
| Years 9-13 (Full Boarding) | 13–18 | £47K |
| Years 7-8 (International Boarding) | 11–13 | £32.6K |
| Years 9-13 (International Boarding) | 13–18 | £50.5K |
| Years 7-8 (Weekly Boarding) | 11–13 | £29.7K |
| Years 9-13 (Weekly Boarding) | 13–18 | £42.8K |
| Years 7-8 (Part-Weekly Boarding - 3 nights) | 11–13 | £29.7K |
| Years 9-13 (Part-Weekly Boarding - 3 nights) | 13–18 | £37.3K |
| Years 7-8 (Part-Weekly Boarding - 2 nights) | 11–13 | £29.7K |
| Years 9-13 (Part-Weekly Boarding - 2 nights) | 13–18 | £31.9K |
Other fees(7)
| Registration fee· Junior School registration fee per child (non-refundable) | £60 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Senior School registration fee for the first child (£60 for each subsequent child, non-refundable) | £90 |
| Enrolment fee· Junior School acceptance fee (non-refundable) | £90 |
| Enrolment fee· Senior School acceptance fee (non-refundable) | £420 |
| Deposit· Families living overseas are required to pay a deposit on acceptance of a place. This deposit is offset against the final term's bill. | — |
| Meals· Included in tuition fees (mid-day meal freshly cooked and served on the premises for Junior School, meals at school for Senior School) | — |
| Boardingnight· Occasional boarding for day pupils | £65 |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 25%
Admissions
Bootham School accepts applications for entry across all year groups, from Nursery through to Year 13. Prospective families are encouraged to attend an Open Day or arrange a personal visit to the school. The admissions process requires a registration fee and an acceptance fee, with additional deposit requirements for families living overseas. The school offers sibling discounts and provides information on scholarships and bursaries upon request.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term academic year. A Senior School Open Day is held annually in September, and personal visits for both the Junior and Senior schools can be arranged throughout the year by contacting the admissions team.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is situated in historic York, with the main site comprising ten listed Georgian buildings set within nine acres of grounds. Facilities include a main hall with a theatre stage, an arts centre, a recital room, a dining hall, and various seminar rooms. Sporting facilities feature a swimming pool, tennis courts, netball courts, and extensive playing fields, with the Junior School site providing an additional 15 acres of sports pitches.
Co-curriculars
Students have access to a wide range of sporting, cultural, outdoor, and leadership opportunities. Recent activities include competitive swimming, equestrian events, and musical performances at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall. The school also maintains a strong focus on social action, with students participating in community projects, charity fundraising, and environmental initiatives.
- Dr. Deneal SmithHeadmaster
Dr. Deneal Smith is the Headmaster of Bootham School. He emphasizes the school's Quaker foundation and its focus on developing intrinsic motivation, individuality, and social responsibility in students.
- James RatcliffeDeputy Head
James Ratcliffe serves as the Deputy Head. He is involved in student induction and leads team-building activities for new pupils.
- Martyn BeerDeputy Head
Martyn Beer is a Deputy Head at the school.
- Helen ToddHead of Junior School
Helen Todd is the Head of Junior School.
- Gavin BlackstoneBursar
Gavin Blackstone is the Bursar of the school.
Mandy (Amanda) Louise NaylorHead of Boarding and Teacher of MathematicsMandy (Amanda) Louise Naylor is the Head of Boarding and a Teacher of Mathematics. She has been at the school since 2015 and focuses on the academic and personal development of boarders.
- Kayleigh OliverHead of Social Action
Kayleigh Oliver is the Head of Social Action. She returned to the education sector in 2021 after previously working as a teacher in London and running a creative business in York.