Bradford Grammar School - academic success, arts, sport & much more for Yorkshire pupils – book an open event
Are you searching for a distinctive independent school that excels academically and offers exceptional opportunities in sports and the arts in an inclusive and supportive environment?
Bradford Grammar School (BGS) provides world-class facilities and a unique setting where students thrive intellectually, are encouraged to passionately pursue their wider interests while maintaining high personal standards – a springboard into later life.
When families consider the next steps in their children’s education—starting school, transitioning from primary to secondary, or selecting the right Sixth Form—they seek a holistic experience that nurtures knowledge, creativity and confidence.
BGS offers an environment that seamlessly integrates intellectual growth with vibrant opportunities in sports, the arts, volunteering, clubs and competitions and so much more. Students can explore and develop their talents, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience that prepares them to excel both academically and personally.
BGS prides itself on making every student feel welcome and comfortable from the moment they arrive. The school offers diverse learning opportunities - formal and informal, traditional and experiential - catering to young people from the age of four up to 18.
In the coming weeks, BGS will open its doors to prospective pupils, parents and guardians. These events provide an invaluable opportunity to experience the school's unique atmosphere firsthand. Visitors can meet passionate staff and students, explore the facilities and learn about the range of opportunities available.
Dates for your diary
Junior School, Senior School & Sixth Form
- Tuesday 17 September 2024: 9.15am – 12pm
- Saturday 5 October 2024: 10am – 2pm
- Tuesday 12 November 2024: 9.15am – 12pm
- Thursday 1 May 2025: 9.15am – 12pm
Junior School only
- Wednesday 15 January 2025: 9.15am – 12pm
Stay & Play taster sessions
- Thursday 10 October 2024: 9.15am – 10.15am (for potential parents and children aged 3-4
Sixth Form Information Evening
- Thursday 7 November 2024: 6pm start
To attend an open event, visit the website here.
A commitment to the arts
This year, BGS is particularly excited to showcase its academic, music and sports scholarships opportunities.
Unlike many schools that have scaled back on arts programs, BGS has made the arts a cornerstone of its educational offering. The school's vibrant arts scene includes comprehensive music and drama programmes integral to student life. From day one, students are encouraged to explore various artistic disciplines, fostering an environment where creativity is celebrated.
Students like Georgina, in Year 13, exemplify this commitment. This year, she joined both the National Youth Theatre and the British Youth Music Theatre and spent her summer performing on the national stage.
Drama and community
Drama plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community at BGS. Some students enjoy performing, while others discover talents in writing, directing or technical aspects like lighting and set design. This collaborative environment contributes to high-calibre drama productions, particularly in the Sixth Form.
The Hockney Theatre is a centrepiece of the school's drama department, showcasing the hard work and dedication of all budding actors, directors and technical crew members.
Music: the heartbeat of BGS
Music flows through the heart of BGS, offering students numerous opportunities to engage in musical life. The school’s calendar is filled with performances, ranging from intimate lunchtime recitals to grand, whole-school concerts and performances, including at venues like St George’s Hall, in Bradford, and Leeds Minster. Renowned musicians visit to host workshops, engaging students of all abilities and nurturing aspiring musicians to achieve excellence.
Sport at BGS
Sport is a vital part of daily life at BGS, enhancing students' experiences and fostering character, confidence and the values of fair play. The school has invested in state-of-the-art facilities, including a flagship sports barn with all-weather netball and tennis courts, outdoor cricket lanes, AstroTurf pitches, an upgraded gym and the 25m Adrian Moorhouse swimming pool. These resources are complemented by a team of expert coaches specialising in a diverse array of sports, from athletics and cross country to rowing and rugby.
Sport at BGS is about more than competition; it builds aspiration and resilience, fosters teamwork and enhances mental wellbeing.
Sport plays a major part in the curricular and extracurricular life at BGS and is considered an important part of our educational philosophy for the development of the whole individual.
Excellence, opportunity and happiness
At BGS, excellence, opportunity and happiness are deeply ingrained in the school’s ethos. The commitment to high ethical standards, providing a wealth of opportunities and ensuring student wellbeing is at the heart of everything BGS does.
We believe in providing every opportunity for our pupils to embrace academic, sporting and creative excellence within an aspirational and caring environment. An environment in which happiness is the key to an individual’s success.
This philosophy is reflected in the school's approach to student support, with Heads of Year closely involved in student life. The nurturing environment ensures every student is not only encouraged to excel but also feels valued and cared for throughout their BGS journey.
Diversity, inclusivity and individual growth
BGS prides itself on being a place where every student can find their voice, regardless of background or abilities. Academic success is important, but realising individual potential is equally valued.
BGS embraces neurodiversity, celebrating conditions like autism as 'superpowers' that can lead to exceptional achievements.
Laura Johnson, Head of Learning Strategies and SENDCo, works closely with pupils and their families who have special educational needs. She has been dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and demonstrating the school's commitment to welcoming and supporting children with SEN.
We have an open-door approach here – we’re compassionate as a team and the children respond to that. We build relationships with students, and you see the impact on them of how we work. Being a SENDCo is a good job for me because it marries psychology and education. I love being a teacher, but I also love having a job with a social impact. We’re making a difference and it’s rewarding to see.
New scholarship opportunities
BGS has a long and cherished tradition of offering means tested Assisted Places (bursaries) to widen access and promote inclusivity. The school is now, for the first time, adding sports scholarships to its academic and music scholarship programmes. Nurturing and mentoring talent while maintaining high academic standards. The Sports Scholarship is for athletes on a county level talent pathway or equivalent in their chosen sport.
Discover BGS for yourself!
Whether you're interested in touring the expansive outdoor and indoor sports facilities, exploring music rooms alive with the sounds of orchestras and choirs, visiting the Hockney Theatre or experiencing the newly transformed Sixth Form facilities, BGS warmly invites parents, guardians and prospective students to the school.
Open events are scheduled on Tuesday, September 17, from 9:15am to noon, and Saturday, October 5, from 10am to 2pm.
Sign up for the open events here