The virtual prospectus of Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School

headteacher’s welcome

I am very proud of our school, our Christian Ethos, strong values and high academic standards, all of which support the very highest expectations we have of our students. OFSTED judged us as ‘Good’ school in October 2021 and we are very proud of the positive trajectory we have in terms of our young people succeeding, achieving and thriving within our Boteler Family.

Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School was founded in 1526 and we became a Voluntary Aided Church of England High School in 2002. We serve the Diocese of Liverpool and Chester and have a Christian Ethos founded upon Anglican beliefs and practices. We are nationally recognised for putting our Christian values into action. We are a founder member of The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) and lead on Faith, Ethics, Vision and Values across the Trust. We formally became an academy in June 2017.

We place our young people at the centre in all we do, investing in them so they feel encouraged and motivated to excel, through our belief in ‘High Expectations, High Aspirations, High Standards – You will succeed’.

Our vision, values and ethos underpin our Boteler Family and all aspects of school life because ‘Through God, We Care’. Our whole school community is relentless in the pursuit of excellence and is committed to raising standards so that every student reaches their full potential.

As ‘The Boteler family’ we cast all our care on God because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Inspired by the God of Hope, guided by the Compassion of Christ and empowered by the Endurance of the Holy Spirit, we aim to provide all our community with an outstanding educational provision in a supportive and inclusive Christian environment.

The strong moral purpose at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School is to develop the whole child, both academically and pastorally. We equip students with the skills, knowledge and understanding needed for lifelong learning in an ever-changing society. We will inspire, support and challenge our students, ensuring they attain academic excellence.

Choosing the right school for your child is extremely important, and we hope that this virtual prospectus gives you an insight into our vibrant school community. More information, recent news and details of school events can be found on our website. Our door is always open, so please come and visit us during a working school day, as this is when you will be able to see us in action and to make an informed decision.

Together we will succeed.

Mrs Beverley Scott-Herron, Headteacher

Our mission statement: ‘through God, we care’

Our Christian Vision is: As ‘The Boteler family’ we cast all our care on God because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Inspired by the God of Hope, guided by the Compassion of Christ and empowered by the Endurance of the Holy Spirit, we aim to provide all our community with an outstanding educational provision in a supportive and inclusive Christian environment.

The School’s Distinctive Christian Character

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we aim to provide all our students with outstanding educational provision in a supportive and inclusive environment underpinned by our Christian Values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance. Our Christian vision is child centred and student led underpinned by the belief that we are all part of the ‘Boteler family’.

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we have a strong moral purpose to develop the whole child both academically and pastorally because ‘Through God We Care’. We equip them with the skills, knowledge and understanding for lifelong learning in an ever-changing society. We will inspire, support and challenge the students, making sure they seek to attain the highest grades, make as much progress as possible and fulfil their potential.
 
Collective Worship
We are proud to be a Church of England school. “Our school’s Christian ethos and distinctiveness creates an environment in which students are challenged and supported to be the best they can be.” (SIAMS)
 
The Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School Collective Worship Programme is rooted in our chosen Christian values of Hope, Thankfulness, Endurance, Humility, Compassion and Friendship. All of which are firm foundations on which our Boteler Family stands. Worship is a key theme within the life of the school and provides both our students and staff with regular opportunities to celebrate their faith, reflect on moral values and develop virtues such as determination and creativity that contribute to academic progress.
 
We believe that Collective Worship should be inclusive, invitational and inspiring. Each morning, all students are invited to undertake an act of Collective Worship by way of prayer, scripture, song, and reflection in order to further promote the holistic development of our students. Daily tutor time worship, weekly assemblies and whole school services follow the theme for the week and are teacher and student led where appropriate. Our Collective Worship Programme provides time outside the curriculum to worship God, explore life’s big questions, understand the deeper meaning of our termly Christian values, celebrate Christian festivals, promote national awareness days and inspire students to become courageous advocates.
 
Religious Studies
Religious Studies plays a central role in our Christian vision of educating the whole person. Rooted in the values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance, students explore Christianity as a living and diverse faith while engaging thoughtfully with a range of religions and worldviews. Through theology, philosophy and the human and social sciences, they develop the religious literacy, spiritual awareness and critical thinking needed to engage respectfully with different perspectives and contribute positively to a diverse and complex world.
 
Students are encouraged to ask meaningful questions about belief, identity, purpose and society, while reflecting on their own developing worldview. In doing so, Religious Studies helps nurture thoughtful, compassionate and courageous young people who are prepared to live with integrity and purpose.

The Curriculum

The fundamental aim of Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School is to transform the life chances of our young people by focussing on removing barriers to learning and raising standards, particularly the basic life skills of literacy and numeracy as well as employability skills so that all of our students have the best possible start in life. We do this in an environment where students know they are loved and cared for. Our students are developed both academically and spiritually as we adopt a nurturing, supportive and bespoke approach to each individual child.

Our school mission statement of ‘Through God, We Care’ underpins every aspect of school life alongside our mantra of ‘High Expectations, High Aspirations and High Standards – You Will Succeed’.

Our curriculum model is the heart of our school and it enables each student to receive an integrated, coherent learning experience that contributes towards their personal, academic and professional development. We have an unrelenting desire to ensure our students achieve the results they need to succeed, instilling ambition to see students realise their potential and progress into their chosen career or next stage of education. It is also important that our students are well-rounded individuals and sensitive to the needs of others, responding positively in any way they can as good citizens. Our Christian values of Hope, Compassion and Endurance are fundamental to everything we do and we firmly believe that, if these are applied to all aspects of learning, our young people will have a strong moral compass which will serve them well in the future.

At Key Stage 3 our curriculum intent is to ensure that our students have the opportunity to develop a rich and full knowledge base which will act as a stepping stone, benefitting them in later years. The delivery of content in each subject area is carefully considered and sequenced to ensure that our students can know more and remember more. The implementation is based on the most recent research findings of cognitive science. Students will be exposed to the events, practices, research and characters that have shaped both their subjects studied and our society and beyond. This foundation of knowledge is the platform for gaining deeper, more fluent knowledge and application of skills in preparation for the challenge of Key Stage 4. We want our students to be lifelong learners and we will continually explore how our students learn best, to ensure they retain knowledge through the most effective teaching strategies.

Assessment and Reporting

Formal assessments (knows a Working At (WA) assessments) take place three times a year towards the end of each term and assess students’ knowledge and understanding. The outcomes of these assessments are reported home. Key pieces of work are completed more frequently after each topic, in line with curriculum assessment maps, where students are actively involved in responding to teacher feedback. 

A dedicated feedback lesson called a RAP lesson (Reflect, Act, and Progress) immediately follows the lesson when the key piece of work was assessed. It is important that the students themselves know how they are doing in relation to expectations and what steps are needed to progress to the next level. 

In Years 10 and 11 our students complete formal assessments under examination conditions. Year 11 sit mock examinations in January and March, which are full GCSE examination papers. This helps our students to be fully prepared for the real GCSE examinations in the summer, which span over four weeks. Year 10 students sit sections of GCSE examination papers, building up to students sitting mock examinations at the end of the academic year in June. All mock exams are graded using mark schemes and published grade boundaries.

Special Educational Needs and disabilities

We are proud of the inclusive and nurturing support we provide for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School. As part of “The Boteler Family”, we are committed to ensuring that every child is able to access a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, underpinned by our values of High Expectations, High Aspirations and High Standards for all.

Our dedicated Inclusion Team, strategically led by our SENDCo, works closely with students, parents and carers to provide personalised support tailored to individual needs. Through consultation and partnership, we ensure that students receive the right support in the right place and at the right time, enabling them to thrive both academically and personally.
 
High Quality First Teaching remains at the heart of our provision, supported by highly qualified teaching staff and experienced Teaching Assistants who encourage students to become as independent and confident as possible. Additional support may include in-class assistance, small-group intervention, and personalised programmes focusing on areas such as literacy, numeracy, speech and language, social skills, emotional wellbeing and SEMH support.
 
A key part of our provision is The Progress Hub — a unique and supportive learning environment designed to support students with SEND, alongside those identified as needing additional intervention. The Progress Hub provides a calm, secure and developmental space where students can access tailored support, develop strategies for success in mainstream education and receive guidance for a range of needs, including social, emotional and mental health, speech and language, social communication and English as an Additional Language (EAL).
 
Our holistic approach involves close collaboration with families and a range of external agencies and professionals to ensure that every child is seen, known, valued and fully supported. Together, we are committed to removing barriers to learning and enabling all students to achieve their full potential within a caring Christian community.

designated provision for Cognition and Learning

Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School has a Local Authority Key Stage 3 and 4 Designated Provision for children with Cognition and Learning Needs. All of the students within the Designated Provision have an Education and Health Care Plan.

Our Designated Provision provides a calm, nurturing and highly supportive learning environment where students feel safe, valued and empowered to succeed. The provision is a welcoming and inclusive space that students take great pride in, reflecting the strong sense of belonging and community that underpins daily life within the setting. We warmly encourage families to visit and experience first-hand the positive relationships and purposeful learning environment that make the provision so special.
 
Students within the Designated Provision follow a personalised and carefully adapted curriculum designed to meet their individual strengths, needs and aspirations as detailed in their Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP). Academic pathways are tailored to ensure that every student can achieve success, with opportunities to access a range of qualifications including GCSEs, vocational courses and Entry Level qualifications where appropriate. Alongside academic learning, students also work towards recognised programmes and accreditation that celebrate personal development, independence and life skills.
 
A key focus of the provision is preparing students for adulthood and enabling them to thrive beyond school. Students are supported to develop confidence, resilience, communication skills and independence through a curriculum that places equal value on personal growth and academic achievement. There is a strong emphasis on speech and language development, social communication, emotional wellbeing and the development of positive relationships.
 
We are also proud of the wider enrichment opportunities available to students within the provision. Partnerships with external organisations help to develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving and social interaction skills through engaging and meaningful activities that build confidence and prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
 
Our ambition is for every student in the Designated Provision to leave Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School as a confident, independent and successful young person, fully prepared for further education, training, employment and adult life.
 

tHE pASTORAL sYSTEM

Our pastoral system is built on the foundation of strong, respectful relationships between students, staff, and families. We are proud of the compassionate and responsive care we provide, ensuring that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, is known as an individual, supported to thrive and feels that they belong in the Boteler Family. We actively remove barriers to learning and wellbeing so that all students have the opportunity to succeed and flourish.

Our pastoral system is built on the foundation of strong, respectful relationships between students, staff, and families. We are proud of the compassionate and responsive care we provide, ensuring that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, is known as an individual and supported to thrive. We actively remove barriers to learning and wellbeing so that all students have the opportunity to succeed and flourish.

Students benefit from a traditional horizontal pastoral system, where they are placed in year-based tutor groups supported by a dedicated Form Tutor and Head of Year. This is further strengthened by a highly experienced wider team, including our Attendance Officer, Safeguarding Officer, and the specialist staff in our Progress Hub.

Careful attention is given to transition, particularly as students join us in Year 7. Our comprehensive transition programme includes workshops, taster lessons, Summer Camp experiences, and tailored pastoral support to ensure new students feel confident, settled, and ready to learn from day one.

Pastoral care at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School goes beyond immediate needs, it plays a central role in shaping students into confident, resilient, and respectful young people. Through targeted interventions, mentoring, and consistent encouragement, we nurture character, leadership, and emotional literacy.

Students are also members of one of our six Houses:
Honoris (Honour), Molitiam (Resilience), Virtus (Courage), Veritas (Truth), Viribus (Strength), and Arbitrium (Determination).
This House system fosters a strong sense of identity, teamwork, and pride. Throughout the year, students have opportunities to represent their House in a variety of events—from academic competitions to Sports Day—encouraging healthy competition, collaboration, and school spirit.

Through this comprehensive and values-led pastoral system, we ensure that every student is supported to grow, not just academically but as a whole person, ready to contribute confidently and positively to their community and the wider world.

homework and independent learning 

Homework is an important part of school life. It helps to make learning more effective, encourages students to work independently and provides opportunities for learning to be further embedded in the long term memory. The use of Exam Skills and Agency booklets (ESAs) containing all subject Knowledge Organisers are key in all supporting all aspects of Homework.

Homework is set using SAM Learning for all subjects other than Maths and Science who use ‘Sparx Maths’ and ‘Sparx Science’.. Students will be shown how to access SAM learning in their first ICT lesson in September. Students will be shown how to create a shortcut link on their phones /devices to enable them to access the SAM Learning platform. Parents/Carers will also be able to access the SAM Learning platform the same way. 

Students have many opportunities to use facilities in school to do homework. There is a breakfast club before school and the school library is open every lunchtime. Our Progress Hub provision may provide a more nurturing support environment if required.

Your Child’s Safety 

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, safeguarding is a shared responsibility and the foundation upon which all aspects of school life are built. There is nothing more important to us than the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of every child in our care.

We are committed to:
 
  • Taking timely and appropriate action to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students.
  • Ensuring every member of staff fully understands their statutory safeguarding responsibilities.
  • Providing ongoing, high-quality training to help staff identify and respond to safeguarding concerns confidently and effectively.
  • Delivering a comprehensive Personal Development curriculum that empowers students to stay safe, healthy, and resilient, both online and offline.

Our offer includes:

  • Access to a qualified Senior Mental Health Practitioner through our Mental Health Support Team (MHST), offering consultation appointments every half term.
  • Strong partnerships with local mental health services and Early Help teams to ensure coordinated support for students and families.
  • Targeted interventions and one-to-one support for students experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.
  • A comprehensive Personal Development curriculum that promotes mental health awareness, emotional literacy, resilience, and self-care strategies.
  • Pastoral staff trained in Mental Health First Aid and trauma-informed approaches to support student wellbeing effectively.
  • Student Wellbeing Ambassadors who champion positive mental health and peer support throughout the school community.
  • A half-termly wellbeing newsletter providing guidance, updates, and resources for students, parents, and carers.
  • Student forums delivered in partnership with external agencies, offering guidance, raising awareness, and signposting key support available within the school and wider local community.
  • Parent and carer forums focused on the support available both in school and locally, delivered by a range of school professionals and guest speakers to strengthen understanding and access to services.
We aim to remove stigma, build awareness, and empower students to seek help when needed. Our commitment is to walk alongside each young person on their journey, providing consistent care, guidance and hope.
 
Attendance and Safeguarding

Excellent attendance is not only linked to achievement, it is also a safeguarding priority. We know that absence from school can be a sign that something is wrong, and we are proactive in addressing this.
 
We prioritise:
 
  • Daily attendance monitoring and follow-up on unexplained absences.
  • Early intervention when patterns of low attendance emerge.
  • A dedicated Attendance Officer working closely with pastoral staff and families.
  • Bespoke support plans to remove barriers to attendance, including mental health, SEND or family-based challenges.
We are committed to ensuring that every student is present, safe, and ready to learn.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we are committed to promoting equality, advancing diversity, and fostering a culture of respect, dignity, and belonging for all. Our Christian values guide us in creating a school community where every individual is valued as a unique child of God and is supported to flourish.

We uphold and actively promote the principles of the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that no member of our school community is discriminated against or treated less favourably because of their age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, or marriage and civil partnership.

Our school:

  • Provides a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can develop their strengths, talents, and aspirations to their full potential.
  • Celebrates the richness of a diverse school community and teaches students that difference is not only to be respected, but valued.
  • Challenges all forms of discrimination, including racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, through education, role-modelling, and swift intervention.
  • Ensures equality of opportunity in every aspect of school life, from access to the curriculum, leadership roles, and enrichment activities to everyday social interactions.

Through our curriculum, assemblies, and Personal Development programme, we raise awareness of all strands of diversity and promote mutual understanding. Students are taught to think critically, act compassionately, and contribute positively to society.

We work closely with staff, students, families and external partners to:

  • Eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment.
  • Advance equality of opportunity between different groups.
  • Foster good relations and respectful dialogue among all those who learn and work with us.

Our inclusive culture means that every student, regardless of background, can feel proud of their identity and fully participate in school life. As a Church of England school, we believe that “life in all its fullness” (John 10:10) is only truly possible when every individual is known, loved, and empowered to thrive.

Lunch Arrangements and free school meals

The school offers an extensive cafeteria menu and the opportunity to dine in pleasant surroundings, both inside and within the outside quad area. The menu offers a range of healthy options and we encourage sensible choices to promote healthy eating. 
Our menu is displayed in the dining room and on the website. We operate a biometric ‘cashless’ system in the canteen to ensure our students are served efficiently. Parents and carers can use our ‘Ipay’ system to credit the account of their child. This will also give them the option of seeing what food is being purchased. We also use this system to pay for school visits and anything else that requires a payment to the school.  Those students entitled to Free School Meals have their account credited automatically to ensure discretion. 
 
There are facilities available to those young people who opt to bring a packed lunch. Students are not allowed to go home or off-site during lunchtime.
 
Free School Meals
 
If you think your child may be eligible for Free School Meals, it is very important to register, not just to save money but to benefit the school too. Each child registered for Free School Meals brings more funding into the school. This funding is called the Pupil Premium.
 
Another advantage is that the school operates a scheme where we provide vouchers for the parents/carers of students registered for Free School Meals. The aim of the scheme is to make sure that these young people are not disadvantaged when it comes to their education. For example, the voucher can be used to buy revision guides, uniform and to pay for educational visits. Application forms are available from Warrington Borough Council’s Education Department or from the school’s Main Office, where staff will be happy to give help and advice.  

student voice and leadership

Student Leadership at our school is exceptional. We respect and value the views and opinions of all our young people, and we create a range of opportunities for them to make a difference to the school community and the lives of others.
Students can be part of a vibrant, effective and democratically elected School Council, Eco Council, Ethos Council, LGBTQ+ Council, International Council Wellbeing Council and TCAT Parliament, as well as being a House Captain. These are all led by our effective Student Leadership Body. All play an active part in policy making, fundraising and many other aspects of school life. Our student leaders have gained recognition at local, regional and national events.
 
The Student Leadership Body consists of a Senior Head Students, Head Students, Lead Ambassador, Head of each Council and House, Head of Music and Head of Sport. These young people have a major role to play within school and have an active voice. There is an effective prefect system, and the prefects have roles and responsibilities at break and lunchtimes.
 
Our popular Ambassador Programme is widely recognised and respected for the outstanding leaders it produces. Students have opportunities to develop their leadership skills and wider skills for their future through many different platforms and by taking responsible roles during our transition events.

PE, SPORTS AND DANCE

The Sport department at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School prides itself on enabling students of all abilities to succeed, aiming to equip all students with the skills to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Whether that be competing at an elite level, taking part in exercise for enjoyment, or taking on another role in sport rather than participation, the Sport department provides opportunities for all students to thrive. The department encompasses the teaching of Physical Education, Sport Science at KS4, Dance at KS3 and KS4 and the delivery of our extra-curricular sport programme.

Having close links with local and national external agencies and organisations allows students to engage with performance both on and off the playing field. We provide a curriculum which is both broad and ambitious, enabling the application of skills, and is enhanced by learning outside the classroom which significantly contributes to developing the holistic child. We offer exceptional quality, striving for excellence, and provide opportunities for students achieve personal best and to enhance the talents and interests of our students as well as developing resilience, physical, social and mental wellbeing.

Whether it be in our sports hall, out on the field, or in our multi-purpose gym and dance studio, we aim to provide our students with the skills and knowledge to flourish in PE and dance, whilst gaining the confidence to carry on their exercise journey upon leaving our school. We place a big emphasis on the fitness side of sport, with students completing fitness lessons and blocks from Year 7 all the way through to Year 11. Whilst participation in sport is important, we also understand the importance of alternative roles in sport. KS4 students are offered opportunities to gain valuable experience to increase their skillset in sport. For example, learning how to referee and obtaining referee qualifications, or coaching a KS3 sport team and completing CPD alongside a member of staff. All of these opportunities ensure our students get the most out of PE and Sport during their time at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School.

We aim for all our young people to become successful, confident learners who enjoy learning, lead healthy, active lifestyles and make a positive contribution to their local and wider community. We develop and foster teamwork, concepts of fairness, respect and of personal and social responsibility, as well as improving a wide range of skills and tactical and strategic ideas to perform successfully. Striving to succeed, developing resilience and imagination are fundamental to our practice and approach to encourage the independent learner to prepare for the next stage, whether it is further education, training or employment.

A wide variety of extra-curricular options are available in Sport and dance; sports teams train regularly and we compete in local, regional and national competitions. Look out for our very own Rowing squads. Leadership opportunities are in abundance, as well as Drama productions and Dance clubs. Dance plays a huge part in the wider community of the school, with a number of productions and shows bringing the school stage to life.

music

Music is in the blood of many of the students that attend our school. We have an ambitious and engaging KS3 curriculum that aims to inspire our students and help them understand and describe bands that are the soundtrack to their lives. There are many extra-curricular opportunities for all abilities, which include bands, choirs, and musical theatre groups. 
At Sir Thomas Boteler, all KS3 students receive two hour-long music lessons over a fortnight. They follow a curriculum where core ideas, skills, and knowledge are revisited and deepened throughout KS3. This approach ensures that students progressively develop their musicianship, as both listeners and performers, as they grow. The curriculum is designed to foster key skills aligned with government guidelines for KS3 music, focusing on three main areas: Listening and Appraising, Composing, and Performing.
 
Our students are expected to perform, whether privately for the teacher, in front of the class, or during larger events like assemblies and special occasions. These experiences are designed to build confidence, encourage resilience, and develop essential soft skills for life beyond school.  The department also offers specialised one-on-one tutoring in areas such as vocal and guitar/bass performance for students studying music at GCSE, helping students refine their skills and explore their interests.
 
The school offers a strong extracurricular programme to extend learning beyond the classroom.
 
Opportunities include band club, guitar club, and vocal ensembles for both KS3 and KS4 students. These activities promote collaboration, skill development, and confidence, with tailored support from specialist staff.  Students participate in a wide range of performances and events throughout the year, including musicals, services, concerts, and community outreach. Key events include the Year 7 Inauguration, Remembrance and Carol services, and performances at Collective Worship each week, as well as our prestigious bi-annual celebrations in the Parr Hall with other schools across TCAT. 
 

STEM: science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we are committed to equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to thrive in STEM-related pathways and careers. Rooted in our Christian vision and the values of Hope, Endurance and Compassion, we encourage students to approach STEM with curiosity, resilience and a desire to make a positive difference in the world around them. Through our nurturing “Boteler Family” ethos, every student is encouraged to recognise their potential and develop the skills needed to become innovative problem-solvers and responsible global citizens.

STEM learning is embedded throughout our curriculum and enhanced through a wide range of enrichment opportunities across all key stages. Students develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills through engaging lessons, practical investigations and real-world applications. In line with the Gatsby Benchmarks, we actively connect curriculum learning to careers through a range of STEM-focused experiences. Students participate in STEM enrichment days; employer encounters and workshops delivered through initiatives such as the STEM Ambassadors programme. Opportunities to attend events such as the Big Bang Fair allow students to explore emerging technologies, engage with industry professionals and gain first-hand insight into the breadth of careers available within STEM sectors.
 
As part of The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT), our students benefit from a wealth of collaborative opportunities across the trust. Joint STEM projects and challenge days enable students to work alongside their peers from other schools, broadening their experiences and developing valuable teamwork and leadership skills. One such project is sponsored and ran every year by United Utilities, in which we have been very successful recently having won the competition twice in the last three years.
 
Our STEM Club is a thriving part of school life, offering students the opportunity to explore STEM beyond the classroom. Meeting regularly, students take part in exciting projects, competitions and challenges, including nationally recognised programmes such as the CREST Awards. Through high-quality teaching, meaningful partnerships and a commitment to our Christian values, we ensure that every student is inspired to aim high and realise their God-given potential.

Educational Visits

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our carefully planned programme of educational visits provides students with valuable opportunities to broaden their experiences, develop independence and deepen their understanding of the wider world. 

A highlight of our provision is our residential programme at Ty’n-y-Felin Outdoor Education Centre, located on the beautiful island of Anglesey. Set within 30 acres of stunning countryside, the centre offers a unique environment for students to engage in a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities.  

These experiences are designed to challenge and inspire our students. Through activities such as team-building challenges, outdoor exploration and fieldwork, students develop essential life skills including resilience, communication and problem-solving, while also strengthening friendships and building confidence.  

In addition to residential visits, we offer a wide range of day trips and subject-specific visits that enrich the curriculum across all year groups. These opportunities support academic learning, promote cultural understanding and help students to discover new interests and talents. 

Our educational visits are an integral part of life at Boteler, ensuring that every student benefits from a rich, varied and memorable school experience that prepares them for their future.

the wider curriculum

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School we really value the wider curriculum. We believe in offering our students a deep, broad and balanced ‘whole’ curriculum that will allow them to have a wide range of academic, creative, practical, sporting and character-building experiences.

To ensure that each and every one of our students gets a complete educational experience, the wider curriculum is a substantial and vital part of the whole education of our students. The wider curriculum involves activities and learning experiences that take place beyond the formal curriculum of subjects that are taught, and in many cases take place outside the classroom – sometimes beyond the school. We see this area of the whole curriculum as being an essential part of every student’s learning entitlement, offering all our young people the opportunity to learn about life in its broadest context: its challenges and opportunities, and how to respond to its successes and occasional disappointments. Our emphasis on the wider curriculum indicates the importance that we place on extra-curricular and personal development activities within the ethos of our school, and the importance of achieving the right balance between academic focus and the development of wider knowledge, skills and qualities. We expect each and every one of our students to take an active role and to develop their skills, knowledge and qualities during their time with us.

boteler high achievement programme

The Boteler High Achievers Programme is a series of activities aimed at students in each year group, designed for them to experience new opportunities, embrace challenges and feel inspired. Instead of replacing the usual school curriculum, the Boteler High Achievers Programme aims to further enrich students through opportunities outside of the classroom, preparing them for post-16 education and beyond.

The purpose of our programme is to nurture potential in our students. We want to encourage students to develop and embrace their gifts in the company of teachers, students and other adults who share their passion and ambition.
 
We also seek to fully prepare students for university, including Russell Group and Oxbridge universities. Within TCAT, we work closely with Priestley College and their High Achievers Programme, working alongside both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, supporting students in preparing and applying for highly competitive courses at the Russel Group of universities. We regularly have students who move on to study at Oxford and Cambridge Universities and they always offer support to this programme as Alumni.
 
ROAR programme
Russell Group Universities or Alternative Ready (ROAR) Programme is a project we run in school for Year 8 and Year 10 with Priestley College.
The ROAR Programme aims to introduce our students to the best possible educational opportunities available to them after 6th form/college.  The hope is that by the end of the process they will be aware of the great Russell Group Universities and other alternatives but also have the belief that these futures are for them.
 
In Year 9, the High Achievers Programme is supported by visits to the local colleges, to participate in their programme for high attaining students.

post-16 careers learning journey

Our Post-16 Careers Learning Journey is dedicated to ensuring that all our young people choose the career which is right for them. We ensure that our young people emerge from education with the skills and knowledge that enable them to critically participate in post-compulsory education and in working life, to become the workers, leaders, entrepreneurs and citizens of the future.

Our young people receive advice and guidance that is stable and delivered by individuals with the right skills and experiences. We create opportunities for our young people that they have not experienced before and therefore develop their aspirations and horizons. They will learn about the different educational routes available and the range of occupations and sectors that make up the labour market.
 
We have close relationships with all post-16 education providers in the area. We always ensure that our students have the correct information, advice and guidance to help them pursue the right course at the right institution for their needs. We strive to ensure all our students succeed at the highest level and fulfil their potential.

Chaplaincy

The school benefits from the services of our own Chaplain, Youth for Christ Worker and  Director of Collective Worship, who provide spiritual leadership for our collective worship programme, pastoral support for staff and students, and curriculum guidance on Christian faith and ethical issues. The school holds a weekly Eucharist service to which all students and staff are welcome. We also work in partnership with local churches where our Advent and Easter services are held and we help to prepare students for confirmation on a voluntary basis.

School Uniform and Standards

Our uniform, which includes our PE kit, creates our school identity and establishes a sense of pride and self-worth amongst the students. The uniform does not discriminate and ensures all learners have equal opportunities and shared expectations, regardless of background. 

The uniform is specially selected so that students feel part of our school community. It is expected that all students will come to the school every day in full, neat, clean uniform, giving the message that our students take pride in belonging to our school. This will continue to be the case until the student leaves the school and will also apply to the public examination period for all students. Year 11 students attend all examinations and revision sessions in full uniform until their last examination. The support of parents/carers is crucial in ensuring these high expectations. Staff are required to ensure these high standards are maintained at all times.