THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL in Merseyside, Liverpool

Education Centre Information: The Blue Coat School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Liverpool
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 29/02/2012
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Total Pupils: 984
Number of boys: 540
Number of girls: 444
Admissions: Selective
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
View inspection reports

Background:

Founded in 1708 by Captain Bryan Blundell and Rev Robert Stythe, first Rector of Liverpool, as orphanage for boys and girls 'to read, write and cast accounts'; occupied city-centre site for 200 years, moving in 1906 to suburb of Wavertree, housed in Grade II* listed building; playing fields 200 yards away. Strong in music, drama, and sport, particularly football; English Schools' FA under-19 champions in 1987 and under-16 champions in 1998; also national honours in basketball and swimming. Chapel added in 1912. An £8.9 million building project completed in May 2004, including new sports hall, 10 science laboratories, music centre and administration block; raising funds to mark tercentenary in 2008 with sixth-form centre and redevelopment of sports field, with Astroturf pitches. Girls admitted to sixth form since 1989; fully mixed from September 2002; boarding provision ceased in 1990. In 1991 school expanded from three- to four-form entry. Weekly charity collections raise £8,000 a year. Over-subscribed, with five applications per place. Investor in People status (2001, 2004). Ethos: 'Strongly academic, but stable and tolerant'.