BGS Pathways 2026
“Year 13s, the Upper Sixth in traditional terminology, have received UCAS offers for a diverse range of universities and courses. I am delighted for all those who have worked with purpose and positivity since A Levels courses began, making the most of the opportunities available in our Sixth Form. Our BGS Year 13s are unstintingly supportive of each other, and it is great to see them celebrating each other’s successes. Wherever they are destined to go and whatever they choose to do – universities, apprenticeships, volunteering programmes, gap years and so forth – they make me proud.”
With university offers already secured, we caught up with a selection of our Year 13 students to reflect on their BGS journey so far and hear about their plans as they prepare for their exciting next chapter.
At BGS, I have been surrounded by a supportive and encouraging community, especially among my Sixth Form peers who are also hoping to pursue Medicine. Receiving our offers together has felt like a shared reward for all the hard work we have put in.
While I was in Year 11, I attended a Young Doctors workshop at King’s, which I found truly inspiring and which reinforced my desire to study Medicine.
I have received lots of support from my Biology teachers, Mrs Thornton and Mrs Smith, as well as from my English teacher, Miss McCarthy. I have really enjoyed the balance of studying English alongside Science.
As my BGS journey comes to an end, I am incredibly grateful for the friendships I have made, the opportunities to meet so many different people, and the strong relationships I have built with my teachers. My future career in Medicine offers many possibilities, and I am really excited to see where the next chapter takes me.”
The interview was challenging, but what really helped was Mr Boardman’s interview preparation sessions, as well as completing an Introduction to Thermodynamics course from the University of Michigan. This course helped me develop my ability to solve real world problems, such as analysing how to cool microprocessor chips in laptops while maximising efficiency.
I really enjoy Physics, and Mr Fordham has been incredibly supportive and enthusiastic throughout my studies. I also made the decision to take Maths and Further Maths at A level, this has pushed me well outside my comfort zone — a challenge I am proud to have taken on.
Life at BGS has prepared me extremely well for university. There have been so many opportunities available to me, I developed a love of learning languages, which I now pursue away from my A-Level studies, particularly German. I have enjoyed being involved in BGS music, performing in numerous concerts and developing my confidence along the way.”
Durham was my first-choice university, so I was absolutely delighted when I received my offer. Seeing my hard work pay off has been incredibly rewarding and has motivated me even further to keep pushing myself.
My English teacher, Miss McCarthy, has always gone the extra mile to support and encourage me. BGS has a wonderfully diverse community, and it has prepared me for life by giving me the opportunity to meet and interact with so many different people.
Becoming Head Girl in 2025 has been my greatest achievement at BGS. It has been a fantastic way to conclude my journey and a meaningful opportunity to give something back to the community that has supported me so much.
University will bring a new sense of freedom — in learning, in life, and in meeting new people — and I am really excited.”
My studies in Chemistry and Further Maths played a significant role in my course choice, as I have long known that I wanted to pursue a career in Engineering. I will be extremely proud to achieve the grades I need once my exams are completed and results are confirmed. University will give me the opportunity to explore my subject in greater depth and to work through more challenging concepts — both of which I am really looking forward to.
My time at BGS has been fantastic, filled with wonderful memories, with the Senior Ski Trip to Canada being a particular highlight. BGS has offered me so many opportunities, especially in rowing, and this is something I am excited to continue at university.”
I have been drawn to a career in healthcare because of my passion for Biology and Chemistry. The Biology department at BGS has been incredibly supportive, particularly with my university interview preparation, which greatly boosted my confidence.
At BGS, there really are no stupid questions. The teachers are always so supportive, and I have never felt afraid to ask questions or push myself to learn more.
As I begin university, I am excited to gain practical skills in dentistry and to start working directly with patients. I am also looking forward to developing greater independence, exploring a new area, and getting to know new people.”
Studying Maths has really helped to develop my problem-solving skills and shape the way I think. The entire Maths department at BGS has been incredibly supportive throughout my studies.
BGS has provided me with so many opportunities, especially through rowing. I have loved visiting new places, socialising with other rowers at competitions, and supporting younger pupils at BGS with their rowing development.
I am really excited to start university, to live independently away from home, and to begin working towards a future career in technology or data.”
“University will bring a new sense of freedom – in learning, in life, and in meeting new people – and I am really excited.”