Senior Art and the Arts
at Bradford Grammar School
‘Art and the Arts’
At BGS, we place a high value on the arts and their role in shaping confident, creative, and thoughtful individuals.
Senior School
Art
Our Art Department is a vibrant hub of imagination and innovation, where pupils are encouraged to explore their ideas, experiment with materials, and develop their own artistic voice.
We are proud of our pupils’ outstanding achievements, with consistent A* and A grades at both GCSE and A Level. This reflects not only their talent and dedication, but also the expert guidance and support provided by our specialist teaching staff.
A highlight of our creative calendar is the biennial BGS Exhibition, held at the iconic Salts Mill in Saltaire. This prestigious event showcases and celebrates the work of our very talented pupils, offering a unique opportunity to exhibit in a professional gallery setting.
Bradford Grammar School was proud to play a part in Bradford 2025 as the city hosted the prestigious Turner Prize.
While our neighbours at Cartwright Hall presented the exhibition of the four shortlisted artists, BGS had the honour of hosting the awards dinner and official announcement in our Price Hall.
As part of the BBC’s coverage leading up to the ceremony, five of our GCSE and A-Level Art students visited Cartwright Hall with BBC Arts Correspondent Kate Razall. The students explored the exhibition and shared their insights on the shortlisted work.
Meet our Head of Art – For more than two decades, Sarah Horsfield has helped shape a department where creativity has no boundaries
Old Bradfordian David Hockney (1952)
Bradford Grammar School was deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Old Bradfordian David Hockney.
David joined Bradford Grammar School in 1948. While he may not have relished the cross-country runs through Lister Park and Heaton Woods, it was here that his passion for art truly began to flourish. Even at a young age, he demonstrated a remarkable ability to observe and capture the world around him. His time at BGS marked the beginning of an extraordinary artistic journey, and he is remembered by the school with great admiration and affection.
David was extremely generous with his time, imparting his knowledge and sharing his passion, and in June 2012 invited a small group of BGS art students and staff to visit him at his home and studio. The group were shown two of David’s film projects, followed by lunch of East Coast fish and chips. Students were delighted to hear David’s thoughts on colour choice, the use of the iPad as a creative tool, and the importance of learning to see the colours and world around them. His generosity gave the art students and staff an inspirational day they will never, ever forget.
It goes without saying that David Hockney’s legacy is profound. He will be remembered as one of the most influential and celebrated artists of our time, whose work continues to inspire generations.
Click here to watch a video of the visit.
Drama
Drama plays an important role in fostering a sense of community at BGS, giving teenagers the opportunity to explore their identity through the arts.
Some enjoy the thrill of performance, others find a talent for writing and directing, whilst many students love the technical challenges of lighting and set building.
Collaborating as a team, they contribute to the calibre of our drama in the Sixth Form. Our prestigious Hockney Theatre welcomes families, students and staff through its doors to witness the hard work and dedication of our Drama Department.
Our most recent production School of Rock, proved that Bradford Grammar School can really rock!
“A show that truly celebrated and showcased the talents of pupils in the performing arts.” – National School Theatre Awards
Read the fabulous review we received from the National School Theatre Awards.
Music
Music flows through the heart of our School. We give every student the opportunity to immerse themselves in musical life, however they choose.
Our year is packed with performances, from intimate lunchtime recitals to high-profile whole school concerts. Renowned musicians host workshops with students of all abilities, and we nurture aspiring students to show glimmers of excellence.
Our talented choirs and orchestras perform locally and regionally and have toured European countries in recent years, launching emerging stars onto the world stage.
Find out more about music lessons at BGS and apply online.
Musical showcase
Watch a video overview of Bradford Grammar School’s musical creativity and talent, featuring interviews with some of our students.
Creativity and the Arts
Pupils and students at Bradford Grammar School are hugely talented artists.
