What made you want to be a Head Prefect?

Eleanor – The idea of giving something back to a school which has given me so much over the years motivated me to apply to this post. I was enthused by the opportunity to be both a role model and a support system for students lower down the school, furthering my duties in helping and inspiring others that I take on as a pastoral prefect.

Ibrahim – I wanted to give back to the school community which has given so much to me throughout my journey at BGS and there is no better opportunity than this! Being able to inspire younger pupils as a Head prefect and set a positive example is also another amazing perk of being Head Prefect.

How did you feel when you found out you were selected?

Eleanor – I naturally felt a little surprised, but thrilled to have been chosen, excited to play my new role in school life, and very grateful to have had my dedication and enthusiasm recognised.

Ibrahim – I couldn’t believe it at first! It took me a few days to really process it but I was thrilled to be chosen and felt ready to start my duties.

What will be your key responsibilities as Head Prefect?

Eleanor – Mainly, I will be a representative for the school and its values and play a pastoral role in mentoring younger years and helping with charity fundraisers. I will be present at school events and give speeches at Open Day, Founders’ Day, and Speech Day.

Ibrahim -My main responsibilities will be to manage and co-ordinate the School Prefect team to help out with duties and events. I will also represent the school at different events, like open day, and engage with guests.

What do you think you will bring to the role?

Eleanor – I hope that my levels of organisation and commitment, as well as my helpful and friendly nature, will allow me to get things done in the ‘Hoc Age’ spirit, and encourage others to do so as well. I will thrive when working in a team with the other senior and pastoral prefects, in a both focused and supportive environment.

Ibrahim – I will bring my organisational and leadership skills to help with school events and manage the Prefect team. Through my commitment to various different extra-curricular activities, I hope to inspire younger students to get more involved in the school and embrace the “Hoc Age” ethos.

What parts of the role are you looking forward to most?

Eleanor – I am looking forward to engaging with people in all aspects of our community, from running board games club for younger pupils, to advertising the school to prospective students and pupils.

Ibrahim – I am looking forward to engaging and meeting new people, like prospective parents and students, as well as representing the school at different events. I’m also really looking forward to speaking on Speech Day to round off my school journey.

What subjects are you studying? Do you take part in any extracurricular activities?

Eleanor – I am studying English Literature (which I hope to pursue at university), History, Politics, and Classical Civilisation, and I enjoy furthering my academic interests by giving and attending presentations and discussions at Politics Society and Poetry Society. I am part of three choirs at school and have performed in many school concerts and services, both solo and as part of ensembles, as well as volunteering at Clock House and being part of the Link- up Letters scheme with isolated pensioners in Bradford.

Ibrahim – I am studying Biology, Chemistry and Politics and I am hoping to study Medicine at university. Outside of academics, I am a keen debater at Senior Debating Society and play squash weekly after school. I also frequently deliver presentations at Politics and BioMed societies on a variety of different topics.

When did you join BGS and what are your favourite BGS memories?

Eleanor – I joined the school in Year 2, so I have many fond memories from over the years. Trips have always been a highlight, especially the netball tour to Sri Lanka in 2024, which was the most wonderful experience, and allowed me to bond with my teammates. A particularly special memory is the football tournament organised by the senior prefects last summer to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, in honour of the late Mrs Allan.

Ibrahim – I joined BGS in year 4 and so naturally I have so many warm memories throughout my time here. One special moment that stands out to me is being House vice-captain with Eleanor in year 6. I had the pleasure of working alongside her, leading to us winning the House cup at the end of the year!

Some other highlights include primary school residentials, reaching the finals of the Davis-Moxton debating competition and last year’s MND charity football competition. Just being able to spend time with my friends and having the opportunity to try new and exciting things here is something I will never forget!

How has the school’s ethos shaped you?

Eleanor – I am perpetually striving to be the best I can possibly be, with the drive for excellence and want for opportunity that the school instils in us from a young age. However, I am also conscious of the fact that things can’t always be perfectly achieved first try, and BGS has taught me the importance of resilience. Luckily, this is an environment where respect and tolerance are intrinsic, and therefore I am always supported and comfortable in the face of challenge.

Ibrahim – The school motto “Hoc Age” which translates to “Just do it” has consistently motivated me to get stuck in and seize every opportunity given to me during my time at this school. Exploring new interests at BGS, both academic and extra-curricular, has really enriched me as a person and made my time here truly special.

What advice would you give to younger students at BGS?

Eleanor -My biggest piece of advice would be to acknowledge the possibilities and opportunities you have surrounding you and throw yourself into as many aspects of school life as you can. You never know what talents you may possess, what memories and friends you may make, and what you might regret not trying at the end of your school journey

Ibrahim – Don’t be afraid to try as many new clubs as possible before you regret not giving something a go! Even if you don’t like it you can always try something else. The opportunities given here at BGS are amazing so try to make the most of them! You can learn so many different skills from the range of extra-curricular activities offered here, which can prove to be invaluable later on in life.