What made you want to be a Head Prefect?

Megan – I wanted to help and connect with younger students, particularly as a pastoral prefect. Throughout my time at BGS, I’ve always looked up to the senior prefects and aspired to be like them. I still remember the senior prefects who guided me when I was in Year 7, and they’ve had a lasting impact on me.

James – I’ve always looked up to the head prefects during my time at school, and I felt it would be a missed opportunity not to apply. I also wanted to inspire younger students and give back to the school community.

How did you feel when you found out you were selected?

Megan – I was honestly shocked and felt a bit numb at first. I was just happy to be a senior prefect, so anything beyond that felt like a bonus.

James – I was thrilled to be chosen as head prefect and felt ready to take on the responsibilities and get fully involved.

What will be your key responsibilities as Head Prefect?

Megan – My main responsibilities will be to represent the school. I will also assist in organising the Christmas ball and support fundraising efforts throughout the year for various charities, such as Young Minds. Additionally, I will deliver a speech at the end of the year for Speech Day.

James – My key responsibilities will be to lead the prefect team and serve as a positive role model for the school community. I will also represent the school by engaging with Old Bradfordians, guests, and governors.

What do you think you will bring to the role?

Megan – I will bring commitment, organisation, and a strong desire to be a positive role model for younger pupils. By demonstrating my enthusiasm in both academics and extracurricular activities, such as hockey, I hope to inspire them to strive to be the best they can be.

James – As a level-headed, hard-working individual, I will bring an organised, no-nonsense approach to the role. I work well under pressure, and pride myself in my high standard of work.

What parts of the role are you looking forward to most?

Megan – I’m really looking forward to running the board games club as it gives me the chance to interact with younger students I might not otherwise get to know.

James – I am looking forward to presenting assemblies and engaging with prospective parents and pupils at open day events.

What subjects are you studying? Do you take part in any extracurricular activities?

Megan – I’m studying Biology, Chemistry, and Geography with the intention of pursuing medicine. I also completed an EPQ last year. I play hockey both at school, where I am the 1st team vice-captain, and outside of school—I’ve played at Ben Rhydding for 11 years now, so it takes up much of my life! I’m also involved in volunteering; I was Interact Club President two years ago, and I now volunteer weekly at a care home as well as coach hockey at my club.

James – I’m taking Geography, German, Maths, and Physics at A-Level and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities. I am the captain of the Orienteering Club and play the trumpet in various music ensembles, including the school’s brass band.

When did you join BGS and what are your favourite BGS memories?

Megan – I joined the school in Year 7. My favourite memory is undoubtedly the South Africa hockey tour last year. I had an amazing time, and we truly bonded as a team. I grew closer to my friends while also making new friends with students in the year above.

James – I joined BGS in Year 7, in 2018. Some of my favourite memories include the German trip to Colmar and Freiburg last year, being part of the winning team in the National Independent Schools’ Mock Trial Competition, and participating in various school concerts over the past six years. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to speak at Founder’s Day this year.

How has the school’s ethos shaped you?

Megan – I’m very much a perfectionist in all my work, and the school’s ethos has helped me find a good balance. BGS encourages academic challenge and excellence while also motivating us to explore new interests and develop our passions—in my case, hockey. It’s rewarding to be recognised for successes, but equally important to feel supported by teachers when things don’t go as planned.

James – The school’s motto, ‘At ease with excellence,’ encourages both achievement and humility. It has taught me the importance of striving for success while also being quietly satisfied with those achievements, rather than feeling the need to announce them to others.

What advice would you give to younger students at BGS?

Megan – My advice would be to try everything, especially in Year 7 when you have a clean slate. Give everything a go, and if you don’t enjoy it, you can always try something else—this freedom continues throughout your time at school. I joined lots of clubs when I was younger, but looking back, I wish I’d tried even more! Opportunities are handed to us here, so make the most of all of them.

James – My biggest piece of advice for younger BGS students would be to seize every opportunity with both hands.