Press Announcement

16 November 2011

Bradford Girls’ Grammar School Applies for Free School Status

High performing independent school for girls, Bradford Girls’ Grammar School is applying to become a Free School from September 2013. As a Free School, Bradford Girls’ Grammar School will remain on its current 17-acre site on Squire Lane and continue to provide a first class education for girls aged 11-18, and for girls and boys aged 4 -11. The nursery will continue to be offered for children aged 2 and over.

Free Schools are all-ability schools that have more freedom than other maintained schools. As such, Bradford Girls’ Grammar School is applying to become a state funded independent school. This means that from September 2013, Bradford Girls’ Grammar School would offer its traditional ethos, values and education to all.

Headmistress, Mrs Kathryn Matthews perceives the move as an opportunity to take Bradford Girls’ Grammar School back to the community. She said “Bradford Girls’ Grammar School was established as an endowed school for public benefit in 1875 and, over the last 136 years, it has continued to fulfil the ideals of delivering outstanding education as expressed by its pioneering founders. The move to Free School status would widen access to Bradford Girls’ Grammar School – it offers an excellent opportunity to return the school to the community”.

Bradford Girls’ Grammar School has exceptional academic standards and wide ranging extra-curricular programmes. The school also has particular strengths in Mathematics, English and the Sciences along with outstanding success at GCSE and A level. This success would be continued through excellent teaching in class sizes where every pupil will be known, underpinned by outstanding pastoral care and high standards of behaviour.

Mrs Matthews continued “We have produced a detailed proposal for Bradford Girls’ Grammar School as a Free School based on our current educational model. We want pupils to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to obtain the qualifications required to pursue the careers of their choice. From September 2013, we will admit pupils in accordance with the statutory Schools Admissions Code which will ensure that there is a balanced intake.

In addition, we would welcome the opportunity to work more closely with other Bradford schools to the benefit of children throughout the city. This really is an exciting time”.

Bradford Girls’ Grammar School will hold an Open Day on Saturday 26 November, 9.30 – 12.30 for prospective and current parents interested in learning more about Bradford Girls’ Grammar School as a Free School. They will hear presentations from the Headmistress and the Chair of Governors as well as speak with teaching staff. Parents will also have the opportunity to view the impressive school grounds and facilities as well as sample all academic subjects.

For Further Information contact:

Gillian Etienne
External Relations and Communications
Bradford Girls’ Grammar School
Squire Lane 
Bradford BD9 9HQ

Email: getienne@bggs.com
Tel: 01274 545395