BGS students welcomed back to new Sixth Form Centre

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Published 1st Sep 2022, 11:31 BST
Ross McOwen, Head of Year 12 at BGS, with plans for the new Sixth Form CentreRoss McOwen, Head of Year 12 at BGS, with plans for the new Sixth Form Centre
Ross McOwen, Head of Year 12 at BGS, with plans for the new Sixth Form Centre
As dozens of Bradford Grammar School (BGS) students head off to university, the school’s latest cohort is looking forward to seeing the changes that have taken place over the summer, writes Lindsay Parker

An exciting new chapter has begun at Bradford Grammar School with the opening of its newly redesigned Sixth Form Centre.

While students have enjoyed their holidays and waited in nervous anticipation for their A Level results, the school’s estates team has been busy remodelling the centre into distinct zones designed for private study, modern IT capability and comfort, providing the perfect place for its senior students to learn, study and unwind.

Work has included creating a large computer suite with fast, wireless connectivity which will amply meet the requirements of BGS’s hardworking A Level students. Meanwhile, a new Sixth Form Centre café has been built, which offers a wide, seasonal menu with service beginning early in the morning and continuing throughout the day.

Courtney Ellis-Stoneman, 18, who was on an assisted place at Bradford Grammar School celebrates her outstanding A Levels this summer with mum Tracey. Courtney is heading to Cambridge UniversityCourtney Ellis-Stoneman, 18, who was on an assisted place at Bradford Grammar School celebrates her outstanding A Levels this summer with mum Tracey. Courtney is heading to Cambridge University
Courtney Ellis-Stoneman, 18, who was on an assisted place at Bradford Grammar School celebrates her outstanding A Levels this summer with mum Tracey. Courtney is heading to Cambridge University

Ross McOwen, Head of Year 12 at BGS, said: “The bespoke accommodation provides our Sixth Formers with the finest, state-of-the-art facilities.

“Having opened our original Sixth Form Centre in 2001, we felt the time was right to create the ideal, professional, environment in which our evolving vision for our students could be realised, enabling individuals to flourish, whatever their chosen career pathway.”

BGS, in Keighley Road, Bradford, has been inspiring young people since the mid-sixteenth century. It’s a place where enquiring minds are nurtured, where students feel at ease with excellence and are encouraged to be the best they can be.

On campus, tradition meets innovation as seen by the recent investments of more than £6m. The grand Price Hall – often likened to ‘Hogwarts’ by some of its imaginative Junior School pupils – sits alongside a state-of-the-art library and outstanding sports facilities, which saw a major upgrade in 2019.

BGS’s Head Girl and Head Boy, Amy Dixon and Freddie Azfar, who were among the super six students who achieved four A*s each in this year’s A Level resultsBGS’s Head Girl and Head Boy, Amy Dixon and Freddie Azfar, who were among the super six students who achieved four A*s each in this year’s A Level results
BGS’s Head Girl and Head Boy, Amy Dixon and Freddie Azfar, who were among the super six students who achieved four A*s each in this year’s A Level results

BGS alumni include Olympic medallists, prominent artists, entrepreneurs and politicians, but regardless of career trajectories, each student leaves having being part of the BGS family, a diverse and inclusive community which gives them a supportive springboard into adult life.

Many Bradfordians give back to their old school, allowing BGS to offer assisted places to talented children from less privileged backgrounds.

Outstanding results

Courtney Ellis-Stoneman, of Greengates, Bradford, is one student who joined BGS on an assisted place. She was overjoyed last month to hear that she would be heading to Cambridge University after securing two A*s in English Literature and History and an A in her Politics A Levels. She was among many students on the day who received outstanding results, including six of her peers who achieved four A*s each.

Said Courtney: “Going to BGS was one of the best things that had ever happened to me, and I made so many friends.

“I definitely think I was pushed academically – and also in terms of extra curriculars, doing things like debating and public speaking, it afforded me so many opportunities. I’m so happy I got the grades I needed to take up my place at Cambridge.”

Now, many others will be heading to BGS to start their journeys at the much-loved school – with senior students looking forward to seeing their new Sixth Form Centre.

Added Mr McOwen: “I look forward with great anticipation to a new era of the BGS Sixth Form where we will continue to celebrate our culture of academic pursuit and intellectual curiosity, celebration of wider interests and fostering of a healthy lifestyle, and high aspirations for all.”

Find out more about BGS here.