A SCHOOL in Bolton will take centre stage at a prestigious award ceremony.

Bolton School has been announced as finalists for TES Independent School Awards.

The awards recognise the most outstanding individuals and institutions that the independent sector has to offer.

The school is one of only two northern schools amongst the eight nominations.

Bolton School has been shortlisted in the Senior School of the Year category and could also win the Independent School of the Year Award.

The Bolton School entry focused on the wide range of extra-curricular achievement, student volunteering, the school’s work with and in the community of Bolton as well as pupils’ academic success.

It is up against Brighton College, Hurstpierpoint College, King’s High School, Reigate Grammar School, Sheffield High School for Girls, Trinity School and Wimbledon High School.

In a joint statement headmaster of the boys’ division, Philip Britton and headmistress of the girls’ division, Sue Hincks said: "We are delighted with our shortlisting which recognises all the ‘extras’ that we offer.

"Our pupils’ volunteering in the community efforts were recently highlighted when we became the first school to win the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. We also host and organise numerous events for local schoolchildren such as the Bolton Fiction Award and our Football Festival as well as evening enrichment lectures that are open to the public.

"Our selection also recognises our academic success and the vast range of extra-curricular opportunities that our pupils enjoy."

TES Editor Ann Mroz said: “Independent education in this country is truly world class. It’s one of our great success stories. And those shortlisted for the TES Independent School Awards are the crème de la crème. We received a record number of entries this year and the standard is the highest yet, so to be shortlisted is an extraordinary achievement for any school.”

The winners will be revealed at a gala awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on February 1 next year.