Assisted Place student, Ellie Koral, has loved her time at BGS and was delighted to secure the A Level results she needed to study Archaeology and Biological Anthropology at Cambridge University.

Ellie received 3 A*s in biology, chemistry and history and an A in French. She said: “I was really nervous before I picked up the results – it’s not just about the results themselves but about getting the grades you need for university. I was over the moon when I saw them. I loved Cambridge when I visited on the open day, and the course is unique compared to what is offered throughout the country, allowing me to pursue my interests in both science and human history.

Ellie joined BGS on an Assisted Place in Year 7 as a Norfolk Scholar. Norfolk Scholarships were introduced by Old Bradfordian Mark Richer, who himself received funding to attend BGS in 1981. He always wanted to give back to the school, so set up the Norfolk Scholarships in memory of his dear school friend Nigel Norfolk who died tragically just before the pair were due to start Cambridge together. “I settled in really well at BGS,” Ellie recalled. “There were a lot of people from my area getting the train into school and we soon became friends. I enjoyed life here.

Playing hockey for the school and going on various school trips were particular highlights. I also learned to play the saxophone and the music facilities at BGS are fantastic. There is a real sense of community, and I enjoyed being part of the various groups and ensembles”. Ellie has also done a great deal to help her local community as President of Interact Club, the junior branch of Rotary Club. Under Ellie’s leadership, funds have been raised for Martin House, a local charity which provides hospice care for children and young people, national charity Marie Curie and international charity Médecins Sans Frontières.