Thirty-eight talented students from Bradford Grammar School have each achieved all A* and A graded GCSEs, as the school celebrates another rise in top grades. A record-breaking 47% of all GCSEs were awarded A*, an increase on last year’s record A*s.
73% of all exams taken were awarded A* or A grades, well over three times higher than the national average. GCSEs and IGCSEs taken at BGS are still graded A*-U. The A*A cumulative pass rate of 73% is the second highest ever and A*ABC is 98%.
Headmaster Simon Hinchliffe said: “Warmest congratulations to our GCSE students who have achieved a terrific set of exam results. Academic success at BGS reflects the positive way in which our students go about their studies, enjoying School, aspiring to laudable ambitions and ultimately doing themselves proud.”
Edmund Milwain (16) from Bradford and Sam Watson (16) from Leeds, both scored above and beyond with 11A*s. Other pupils who scored a perfect 10A*s are Alicia Hawksworth from Bradford, Aditya Anand (16) from Bingley, Emily Fewlass-Jones, Matthew Cogan and Thomas Austin all from Ilkley.
Alicia Hawksworth (16), from Bradford, said she felt, “really good, I’ll be celebrating at the Leeds Festival later on”. Mother, Helen, said she was, “elated and relieved that her hard work means that she’ll be able to pursue her chosen A Levels for a future career in cyber security”. Aditya Anand said, “I really wasn’t expecting those results at all, I’m over the moon and definitely heading out with friends later to celebrate”. His mum Raaji Anand said all the credit goes to him, “we’re so proud, words cannot really express, it’s a beautiful moment”.
A set of five students from Bradford scored an impressive 9A*s and 1A. These include Umaira Waheed (16) from Bradford, Maryam Nisa (16) from Heaton, Bradford, Rebecca Harvey (16) from Birkenshaw Bradford, Ajay Pulavarti (16) from Bingley, and Hannah Johal (16) from Bradford.
Umaira Waheed (16) from Idle, Bradford, has her sights on studying Medicine. Umaira, one of numerous BGS pupils who benefits from an assisted place, said, “I’m really happy, I’m very grateful to the School, there’s no way I could have achieved this without the support I’ve had”. Her father, Mirza said, “I always believed in her, the whole family is extremely proud of her achievement”, while mother Nagina, said, “We’re really chuffed – she definitely put the work in”.
Another student Maryam Nisa was also over the moon, “I just can’t believe my results, I totally didn’t expect it and it’s all so exciting!”
Keen Guiseley FC footballer, Ajay Pulavarti (16), from Bingley said of his 9A*s, “It’s only just sinking in. My work paid off, I’m very relieved I can go on with my chosen A Level subjects and hope to study Mechanical Engineering or Computing at Uni”. Mother Padma, said, “I’m delighted, Ajay’s been so focused and worked so hard. It’s a double whammy as my other son, Anish got four straight A*s at A level. I’m incredibly proud of both of them”.
A number of accomplished athletes are among Bradford School Grammar pupils collecting their results today. They include good friends and top Rugby players Sam Murphy (16) from Bingley and Harry Bolland (16) from Ben Rydding, Ilkley. Both students exceeded their expectations with their results and more than doubled their point scores, having improved tremendously on their mock results.
Scoring 3A*s and 4As Harry said, “I’m really happy with the outcome and its way better than I expected. I’m really into my sport, so academically I feel I’ve done really well which is great.” Sam who wants to go on to study Business, Geography, politics and Design Technology said they were certainly going to be out celebrating, “we’re straight off to the big Rugby tour so it’s a nice way to celebrate all our results together and as a team.”
Another sporting student, Catherine Allen (16), a keen netball and tennis player from Woolley, Wakefield scored an impressive 9A*s and 1A “I’m really pleased, the adrenaline was pumping so it will be nice to go home and chill out a little bit but I’m feeling great.” Her younger brother Alex was with Catherine when she picked up her results, he said: “I’m really proud of her; I think they’re amazing results.”
Keen runner Rabia Bashir (16) gained 8A*s and 2As. Rabia said: “I just can’t believe it I’m in shock! I’m so excited. I really didn’t expect those results. I’m going onto study Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Religious Studies, so really looking forward to next year.”
Beatrice Kingsley, singer and saxophonist, (16) from Bingley gained eight A*s and two As. She said, “I didn’t believe it at first, I’m really happy. I’m going to chill with friends now that its over. I’m looking forward to my studies next year and getting more involved with the Debating Society to help with my Politics A Level”.
Aspiring Oxbridge candidate, keen rower and debater, Christian Burke (16) from Bradford gained straight A*s and As. Christian said it was, “a big surprise- I’m feeling fine”. Father Michael commented, “The School has been great, they gave a lot of support while mother Lesley said, ‘It’s a lovely birthday present! Its brilliant, Christian worked hard, so it all paid off. We’re off for a double celebration meal this evening”.
Simon Hinchliffe continued: “Success of this kind is not accidental and children do not progress equally well irrespective of the school they attend. The dynamic is right at BGS for encouraging everyone to be the best they can be. Pupils and teachers enjoy excellent relations, strive for excellence and engage actively in the process of teaching and learning. Lessons are lively, designed to challenge and satisfying.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ factory-style education at BGS, such an approach does not work. Fundamentally, success at BGS is built upon our shared values and ambitions. We are a cohesive, happy and purposeful community. Achievement is enjoyed by everyone however we define it individually for ourselves.
The success we are celebrating today represents only one piece of the whole educational package at BGS where a rich and diverse co-curricular programme is characterised by a wealth of opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.
We are delighted for our outgoing Year 11 students and greatly look forward to welcoming them back, alongside new students to BGS, as young women and men into our highly successful Sixth Form.
Former pupils of the independent school on Keighley Road, Bradford, include Olympic heroes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, England rugby legend Charlie Hodgson, actress Georgie Henley and artist David Hockney.
“Warmest congratulations to our GCSE students who have achieved a terrific set of exam results.
Academic success at BGS reflects the positive way in which our students go about their studies, enjoying School, aspiring to laudable ambitions and ultimately doing themselves proud.”
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