In terms of academic results, it has been a successful first year for Bosworth Independent School’s headmaster Tony Oulton, but, more importantly, it has been a year that has cemented the school’s name and reputation in the local community.
Celebrating a year in the role on February 1, Tony looks back with pride on the progress that has been made, particularly a 30% growth in pupil numbers.
Bosworthhashad,formanyyears,areputationasaglobalschool community, attracting students from all over the world. More than 30 languages are spoken within the school, while no majority nationality leads to what Tony describes as a ‘dynamic, diverse and inclusive’ community.
Three years ago, what was Bosworth Independent College, taking students from age 14, introduced years 7 and 8 for the first time and changed its name to better reflect this. At the same time, the focus turned to raising awareness of the school within the local community and the current student cohort stands at around 30% local student and 70% international.
Last year’s results strengthened Bosworth’s position as a leading independent day and boarding school, with the school achieving 31% of GCSE grades at 9-7 level and 74.6% of A-Level grades awarded A*-C.
Although fee paying, it has strong scholarship and bursary provision, including 20% discount for the children of NHS workers and members of the Armed Forces, and bursaries for day students in local postcodes towards tuition, trips and additional costs. In addition, Bosworth is part of CATS Global Schools, a group that covers the VAT on independent school fees and doesn’t pass that cost on to parents.
“Naturally, we want to deliver excellent academic provision and weofferahugebreadthofcoursesrightuptoOxbridgepreparation,” said Tony, “but just as importantly we know how vital pastoral care is, for the wellbeing of the students and also to prepare them for life beyond school.
“Widening participation with the local community is part of that. We have fantastic facilities here and we are looking at ways in which more people can benefit from them. We’ve built strong partnerships with businesses, inviting them to come in and talk to pupils about what the world of work looks like; and students also volunteer at the local food bank, support the Hope Centre, and help run the school shop, which supports the Red Cross.
“It helps build soft skills and it’s certainly something they can use on their CVs or university applications, but it also shows the importance of making a contribution to the community on our own doorstep.
“Alongside that, we feel the discount for parents in the NHS and Armed Forces is a way we can give back. We heard so much about the heroes in the NHS during the pandemic, but it seems to have faded now and that shouldn’t be the case.”
Dr Uzma Khalid, parent of A Level student Zohaib Asif said Bosworth’s NHS fee discount scheme made a real difference.
Dr Khalid said: “Balancing costs is always a consideration, and the NHS discount helped us manage fees without having to compromise on Zohaib’s enrichment activities. Thanks to the scheme, he’s been able to continue his private maths tuition and guitar lessons, which we might otherwise have had to pause.
“It reinforced for us that Bosworth genuinely values the contribution of NHS families and wants to make their education accessible.”
Bosworth prides itself on its highly developed pastoral care infrastructure, encompassing form tutors, heads of key stage, an assistant head, full-time nurse and in-house counsellor and therapy dog. Pupils benefit from the diverse multicultural environment and are actively encouraged to embrace their interests through a variety of extra-curricular activities and student committees available.
Bianca Cebotari, Head Girl, said: “Joining Bosworth for sixth form was the best decision I could have made. Becoming Head Girl has shaped me into a more confident, organised and ambitious person. It has taught me how to lead with empathy, how to listen, how to speak up, and how to balance responsibility with passion.”
Head Boy, German Khokhlov, added: “The thing I love most about Bosworth is its diversity. In three years, I’ve celebrated Ramadan, Diwali, Christmas, and shared my own traditions too. I’ve met people from so many countries, each with unique customs, values and perspectives. This experience has made me more culturally aware and has taught me how to work respectfully and effectively with people from all backgrounds. I know these skills will be invaluable at university and in my future career.”
Tony Oulton added: “Bosworth has always believed that education shouldn’t end at the school gates. As Northamptonshire continues to grow and diversify, the most exciting opportunities come when schools and businesses work together, whether through work experience, guest expertise, cultural partnerships, or simply opening our facilities to the community.
“If we want to develop young people who are ambitious, resilient and globally minded, they need experiences that connect them to the world around them. If you are interested in collaborating with Bosworth, exploring partnership opportunities, or finding out more about what we offer, please do get in touch, I would be delighted to speak with you.”
To find out more, visit their website.
