ST JOSEPH'S RC HIGH SCHOOL AND SPORTS COLLEGE in Lancashire, Bolton

Education Centre Information: St Joseph's RC High School and Sports College:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Bolton
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Roman Catholic
Diocese: Diocese of Salford
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 870
Number of boys: 459
Number of girls: 411
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-16
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

The school was built in the mid-1960s as a secondary modern school, St Joseph's became a comprehensive school during the local re-organisation of schools in the following decade. A £1.3m building programme was completed in 1993, and the results include a sports hall, the conversion of a large block into a learning resource centre and five new classrooms. In 2002/03 the school in collabaration with Bolton Wanderers F.C constructed a 40m x 60m all weather pitch covered by an airdome. The school has an excellent tradition in sport, with pupils reaching county and national standards in netball, soccer, swimming, athletics, cross-country, volleyball, cricket and rugby. There is also a vibrant music department, including both girls' and boys' choirs, a full orchestra and various ensembles. Integral to the curriculum is public speaking, in which pupils have found local and regional success. The school is over-subscribed, with 198 applications for 185 places. The school was designated as a sports college in 2000 and achieved redesignation in 2005. Extra-curricular sport is a particular strength and the drama department presents school productions of exceptional quality in 2005: Jesus Christ-superstar, 2004: Mid-Summer Night's Dream, 2003: Oliver. International links have been established with the school in Italy, South Africa, Hungary, Nepal, Qatas and Russia. The school community links are outstanding. St Joseph's has a long-standing reputation as a welcoming, friendly and caring community.