Young adults have a plethora of decisions to make. Many teenagers can feel overwhelmed about the transition to university or into the workforce, and their anxiety is understandable.
Fortunately, Bradford Grammar School offers tailored support for pupils ready to move on to the next chapter of their educational journey. Our Higher Education and Careers Department, working with Form Tutors and a broad cross section of staff, caters to each young person’s individual needs. Learn more about the road to university, apprenticeships and gap year projects and how BGS prepares its pupils for what comes next.
How Our Educators Prioritise Preparation for University
Bradford Grammar School is renowned for its meticulous approach to education, one that prioritises not only academic excellence, but also holistic personal development. Here are some of the approaches our educators take to ensure students are university-ready:
- Exam Preparation
Exams are an essential part of the road to university. We recognise the vital importance of these assessments and provide top-tier teaching and resources for both GCSEs and A Levels studies. Our public examination results consistently exceed the national average, and staff work hard to help students feel confident as they sit down to take these critical exams. - Personal Development Programme
At BGS, every pupil belongs to a small tutor group, where the Form Tutor provides support through an extensive Personal Development Programme. It is within this programme that students explore the opportunities available to them within our comprehensive Careers Education curriculum. - Co-curricular Activities
Universities value well-rounded students and at Bradford Grammar School we recognise that academic excellence is just one element of a successful education. Our pupils have the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of co-curricular activities, helping them to develop essential skills and making them more attractive candidates for university admissions.
Cultivating Academic Success Early
University preparation starts well before pupils reach the Sixth Form. At BGS, the road to university and sought after apprenticeships with top firms, starts much lower down the school. As pupils progress through the years, they will receive outstanding academic opportunities and the chance to explore the vast array of options and possibilities as they prepare for life after school.
Pupils are encouraged to start thinking about subject choices, from as early as Year 8. There are meetings with teachers in good time before GCSEs and A Levels are chosen to talk freely about intellectual and vocational pathways and where to go to find out more to make wise choices. Of course, parents and BGS families have a role to play here too.
All pupils are encouraged to explore activities outside of the academic curriculum to help with study choices after their time at BGS. This exploration is the first step in helping pupils decide what they want to study after their time at BGS. We use a platform called Unifrog which includes everything from podcasts and recommended reading lists, to online short courses, in a wide variety of subjects.
Additionally, pupils can opt to participate in the Competitive Admissions Programme in Years 10 and 11 where they can develop the skills necessary to submit a more competitive application to the most selective universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge. We focus on communication and problem solving, among other skills, all crucial for submitting stronger applications.
Preparing a University Application in the Sixth Form
Students in Year 12 continually explore their options, with the support of their form tutor and members of the Higher Education and Careers Department. All students have access to a vast array of opportunities, including weekly careers talks, bi-annual careers evenings, Old Bradfordian (alumni) networking events and our Higher Education Day, when representatives from universities visit the school. For those vying for a spot at a top university, subject tutors, colleagues with specialist experiences and skills, members of the Senior Leadership Team and outside expert volunteers also work closely with students to help with admissions tests and interview preparation.
Once in Year 13, students submit their university application via the UCAS system. The Higher Education Department work closely with each student’s Form Tutor to help them navigate through this process. Additional support is also available for students requiring additional testing and interviews. Those Sixth Form students applying for an apprenticeship benefit from bespoke support appropriate to the profession they are seeking to enter.
Where BGS Sixth Form Students Go
Our Sixth Form students have a strong track record of academic success beyond BGS. In fact, we are recognised for having the highest average university admission points per student in West Yorkshire. In 2023, 89% of our students secured a place to study at their preferred choice universities and six earned Oxbridge places. Another 15 earned spots at prestigious medical schools, three went into dentistry, and three more studied veterinary medicine. In short, the future for our students is bright, thanks to rigorous academic platforms, leadership development, and high-quality university readiness programmes.
Supporting Your Child Along the Way
Bradford Grammar School is proud to have developed a reputation for academic and personal excellence. We encourage students to pursue their passions while maintaining high personal standards. We are happy to guide our young people through the university admissions process and offer support and advice when needed. Contact us today to learn more about our dedication to success in higher education.
“Bradford Grammar School offers tailored support for pupils ready to move on to the next chapter of their educational journey.”
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