Bootham School, York

[swak]

Attended the virtual open day, my daughter and son are interested to join as full boarders for Yr 7 and Yr 9 next year...my girl a bit shy...but really want her to have a happy study life.

Just a bit concern as overheard that majority of boarders are Asians instead of multicultural and the activities is quite limited during the weekend....other than that comments are generally quite positive on caring and academic results and advancement.... any information or experience?

We are planning to move north next year, also considering Pocklington, Woodhouse Grove, Stonyhurst....not much ideas ?!

Still considering it...anyone can help for some information?

I can’t comment on the school itself, but the Head used to be the Head at my dcs’ school and he is wonderful. In fact my eldest was talking about him the other day in respect to an interview question on leadership and he recalled how on the first day in y7, he knew all the new students names and used him as an example of a great leader.

I live in the area. My kids don't go to the school, but I know many that do (day pupils though, not boarders). The school has a good reputation in the city and those I know that go there seem to be very happy indeed.

Really thanks for the information, very moved to think about Bootham, actually will take the it's entrance assessment soon. Want to join as boarder, hope it be smooth...and know more about the boarding life...
Anyway, thanks!!

Have a son there (not boarding).
Can thoroughly recommend it.
If you'd like to ask anything specific then please PM me.

Those are massively varying schools you have in your OP
What do you want from a school, what are your dcs interests?

They are not very sportive but like team sports and playing with others.
They are quite shy in sharing but want them to change and develop through boarding...
Both enjoying music and ok for playing recorder and violin. DD like dancing..
Not much ideas about the schools but recommended by some relatives and friends living in the north that all schools are recommended as good school in general, so really in dilemma as not having much knowledge about it.

Ok Bootham does football and no rugby which might suit your ds, however it has very few full boarders, you might want to press the school for exact numbers ( there are only about 100 boarders in total and the vast majority of those are flexi or weekday only and so there may not be very many pals left in at weekends). Some issues about safeguarding last year, assume resolved. In the centre of York which may be a plus or a minus depending on your preferences.
Pocklington out in small town reasonably close to York, nice relaxed feel. Again not many full boarders, mostly day pupils like Bootham and weekly boarders. Obviously more outside space than Bootham. They really concentrate on rugby and hockey for boys in the winter, and as far as I know don’t have a football team.
Woodhouse grove is really for your super sporty kid, they have a lot of students on sports scholarships. Great sporting facilities. I would think they have even fewer full boarders than Pock or Bootham.
Which leaves Stoneyhurst which has gorgeous grounds. I don’t know anyone whose kids have been there, unlike the other 3. It will have plenty of full boarders but is a full on Catholic school. ( Bootham quaker, Pock CofE and Woodhouse Methodist)

Thanks a lot for the information, will probably decide after the Christmas holidays..
Wish u all well and a very Merry Christmas.

I went to bootham (a good ten years ago). It's a wonderful school, not very 'public' school, very warm ethos and very inclusive. Shy kids thrive, as do creative ones