BGS student and England hockey player, Alice M, is celebrating an outstanding set of GCSE results after achieving one of the highest marks awarded nationally in GCSE Art.
The 16-year-old, from Skipton, achieved a string of excellent results including two 9s and six 8s and is now preparing to study A Level Biology, Chemistry and Economics at BGS Sixth Form from September.
She said: “I’m very pleased with my results, especially after getting a nine in both Biology and Art. I’m happy the hard work paid off and I’m excited to start Sixth Form in September.”
Alongside her studies, Alice has been competing in hockey at national level and training with the Talent Academy, while also playing regularly for Ben Rhydding.
Earlier this year, she represented England at the Six Nations tournament, where the team finished third overall. Her proudest moment came in a 2–0 victory over the Netherlands – the first time her age-group team had beaten them in ten years.
She said: “One of the highlights was beating the Netherlands 2–0. They went on to win the tournament, so it was a really special result for us and made it even more memorable.”
Alice’s ambition is to continue representing England and play for a Premier Division team while at university, alongside pursuing her academic ambitions in the medical field.
She said that balancing hockey with her GCSE studies had required careful planning.
“With weekends, particularly Saturdays, often spent playing for Ben Rhydding, I quickly learned the importance of managing my workload during the week,” she said. “At first this was challenging, but over time it became much more manageable.”
Alice credits BGS with helping her develop both academically and as an athlete, including through its Athletic Development Programme (ADP) led by Ben Nabozny. The ADP is delivered through BGS’s Performance Gym by specialist strength and conditioning coaches, helping students develop fitness, movement skills and the physical foundations needed for long-term sporting development.
Dr Simon Hinchliffe, Head of BGS, said: “For Alice to have achieved such an exceptional result in Art, alongside strong results across her GCSEs, while also maintaining a high level of commitment to hockey, takes real dedication and organisation.
“She’s a great role model for younger students because she has shown that it’s possible to pursue your ambitions outside the classroom while still giving your studies the time and attention they deserve.”
Alice hopes her experience of balancing GCSE study with high-level sport can also offer some guidance to younger students facing the same challenge.
She added: “My advice to younger students trying to balance school and sport is to stay organised and manage your time effectively. Try to complete work regularly rather than leaving everything until the last minute, and don’t be afraid to communicate with your teachers and coaches when you need support. In my experience, they genuinely want to help you succeed both academically and in your sport.”
“For Alice to have achieved such an exceptional result in Art, alongside strong results across her GCSEs, while also maintaining a high level of commitment to hockey, takes real dedication and organisation. She’s a great role model for younger students because she has shown that it’s possible to pursue your ambitions outside the classroom while still giving your studies the time and attention they deserve.”