Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Why is Bradford Girls' Grammar School applying to become a Free School from September 2013?
A:
Bradford Girls' Grammar School was founded in 1875 as an endowed school funded by public donation when it was the pioneering founders' aim that the school was 'for the provision and conduct in or near Bradford of a day school for girls'. In modern terms, the school was established for public benefit and has developed to become an all-age school for girls, with boys up to the age of 11. To meet the founders' aim, the Governor's vision is to become a state funded Free School that is able to offer excellent free education to more pupils and families, widen choice and consequently better serve the community.
Q:
What will the process entail?
A:
Bradford Girls' Grammar School is applying to become a Free School in September 2013. Providing evidence of the demand for places at the school is a vital part of a successful application. The detailed timetable has not yet been announced but we have been informed that the application deadline will be February 2012.
Q:
What is the difference between an Academy and a Free School?
A:
Academies are described as 'independent state schools'. They operate outside local authority control and are funded directly by central government. Essentially, Academies have more freedom than other maintained schools over their finances, the curriculum and teachers' pay and conditions.
Free Schools are Academies in that they operate in exactly the same fashion BUT they can be set up by groups of interested parents, teachers and charities. Parents do not pay anything to send their child to a Free School.
Q:
Will the school change its name when it becomes a Free School?
A:
Bradford Girls' Grammar School will retain its current name. However, Lady Royd Preparatory School will be known as Lady Royd School.
Q:
Will the school maintain its Christian foundation?
A:
The school will retain its Christian foundation and continue to recognise and respect all faiths.
Q:
Will the school maintain its ethos?
A:
Yes. Our ethos of excellent academic achievement will continue in classes where every pupil will be known,supported by first class pastoral care. High standards of behaviour will continue to be expected from all pupils.
Q:
I am a current parent, how do I guarantee my child a place at Bradford Girls' Grammar School when it becomes a Free School in September 2013?
A:
All children on the school roll will be guaranteed a place when Bradford Girls' Grammar School becomes a Free School.
Q:
I am a prospective parent. How can I register my interest in a place for my child at Bradford Girls' Grammar School when it becomes a Free School in September 2013
A:
All parents wishing to register their interest in a place for their child at Bradford Girls' Grammar School when it becomes a Free School must complete an Evidence of Demand Questionnaire which is available at www.bggs.com/content/evidence-demand-questionnaire or directly from Bradford Girls' Grammar School – contact our Registrar on 01274 545395 or jfearnley@bggs.com.
To secure a place for your child before September 2013, you may register her / him to join the school now. To do this please go to the Admissions section of our website at www.bggs.com/content/join-us and download a registration form or contact our Registrar on 01274 545395.
Applications are being accepted for entry into Bradford Girls' Grammar School now.
Q:
Will the admissions policy change?
A:
Yes. From September 2013, Bradford Girls' Grammar School will admit pupils in accordance with the Statutory Schools Admissions Code. Further details about the Admissions Policy for Bradford Girls' Grammar School will be published on the school website in due course.
Q:
I am a parent of a child currently at Bradford Girls' Grammar School. How will the move to Free School status affect my child's learning, development and examination results?
A:
Bradford Girls' Grammar School has always recruited highly qualified teachers who are able to motivate pupils to achieve the best they can. Our academic track record is testimony to this. Recruiting excellent teachers will continue to be the foundation on which our pupils' education will be based. Excellent teaching ratios will be a feature of the school, together with its high standard of facilities and resources.
Q:
Will standards be maintained?
A:
At Primary level: We have already introduced the International Primary Curriculum and new structures for monitoring pupil progress, which are proving to be very successful. We will continue to monitor developments in primary education and adjust our planning to incorporate best practice.
At 11+: A challenging academic curriculum will continue to be offered and setting will continue in the core subjects.
Modern Foreign Languages will continue to be taken by all pupils up to GCSE and The Classics will continue to be included in the curriculum.
At 13+: A broad range of GCSE and iGCSE subjects will continue to be offered with appropriate emphasis on the core subjects.
At 16+: Sixth form A level provision will continue to emphasise academic achievement and access onto excellent degree courses at top universities.
Q:
How will I be kept informed of progress?
A:
A new section of the school website has been created to keep you up to date with our Free School application at www.bggs.com.
If you have indicated on the Evidence of Demand Questionnaire that you would like further information about the Free School, we will send you information on our progress by email on a regular basis.