Sarah Denby, Head of Higher Education and Careers at Bradford Grammar School, shares how BGS supports students in exploring university, apprenticeships and career pathways, helping them make confident choices about their future.
Growing up in Bradford, education was a big part of my life. I attended Bradford Girls’ Grammar School, while my dad and brother were both Old Bradfordians, so BGS was always somewhere I felt connected to. More than that, I was lucky to have brilliant teachers who made learning something to enjoy. One in particular – my maths teacher, Chris Finch – inspired me to follow the same path. Years later, it was a real privilege to work alongside him here at BGS.
After studying maths and physics at Durham, I began my teaching career and joined Bradford Grammar School in 2010. I later spent four years teaching internationally in Singapore, an experience that broadened my perspective enormously – not just in the classroom, but in understanding the different pathways students can take after school, from UK universities to international opportunities.
When I returned to BGS, I stepped into a role supporting students with university applications, before becoming Head of Higher Education and Careers. It’s a position that allows me to work with students at a really pivotal moment in their lives – and that’s what makes it so rewarding.
As a classroom teacher, you absolutely make a difference. But in this role, you see students at a different stage. These are young people on the brink of adulthood, making decisions that will shape their futures. Being part of that journey – helping them understand their options, build confidence and make informed choices – is incredibly fulfilling.
One of the biggest challenges students face today is not always a lack of opportunity, but rather the sheer volume of it. There’s so much information available online that it can become overwhelming. My role is to help them cut through that noise – to guide, advise and sometimes reassure them that they’re on the right path.
And importantly, there’s never just one “right” path.
University is still a fantastic option for many, and we support students through every stage of that process – from early exploration in Year 12, through to personal statements, interview preparation and, ultimately, Results Day. Our students benefit from a structured programme of support, including weekly careers talks, dedicated higher education days with visits from university representatives and access to platforms like Unifrog, which helps them explore and compare courses in a meaningful way.
Alongside this, we work closely with those applying to the most competitive courses –to Oxbridge or to study Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science – offering tailored preparation, mentoring and interview practice. The results speak for themselves: 82% of students secured places at their first-choice universities in 2025.
But what matters most to me is not the statistics – it’s the individual stories behind them.
I remember one student who, on Results Day, had missed both his firm and insurance offers. It would have been easy for him to feel disheartened, but with guidance, he secured a place at Lancaster University – on a course and in an environment that turned out to suit him far better. He went on to thrive there, and it was a powerful reminder that things don’t always go to plan, but they can still work out brilliantly.
In another case, a student was certain that university wasn’t the right route for him, but he had a real passion for aerospace engineering. Through our links with local industry, I was able to introduce him to an apprenticeship opportunity with a specialist engineering company. It was something he hadn’t even known existed and he’s now building a career in exactly the field he loves.
That’s what this role is really about: opening doors students might not even know are there.
We place a huge emphasis on exposure and experience. Whether that’s through work experience, volunteering, networking events or our strong Old Bradfordian community, we want students to explore different pathways and develop the skills they’ll need beyond school. Increasingly, that includes degree apprenticeships and alternative routes alongside traditional university options.
What makes BGS particularly special is the strength of its community. Former students, parents and partners are incredibly generous with their time, whether that’s delivering careers talks, offering work experience or supporting mock interviews. It gives our students access to real-world insight that you simply can’t replicate in a classroom.
And while my role focuses on life beyond school, I’m still very much a teacher at heart. I teach maths across the age range, from Year 7 through to Sixth Form, which keeps me connected to students throughout their journey. It also reminds me that the decisions they make in Sixth Form are built on years of curiosity, challenge and growth.
Ultimately, my aim is simple: to ensure every student leaves BGS with a clear sense of direction, confidence in their choices and an understanding of the opportunities available to them.
To find out more about a BGS education for your child click here.
“That’s what this role is really about: opening doors students might not even know are there.”