On Friday 10th June, it was wonderful to welcome back our recent leavers from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 for the inaugural Recent Leavers' Celebration and University Forum.

The afternoon began with our panel of recent leavers. Thank you to Fadil, Jay, Charlotte, Olivia, Jennifer, Molly, Emily, Lucy, and Jenna for taking part in this part of the session.

The panel opened the event by introducing themselves to our Year 12 students and spoke confidently about their varied journeys since leaving BGS, their university and apprenticeship experience and their BGS A Level journey. They thoughtfully imparted advice and shared their favourite thing about university or their apprenticeship, as well as the top tip that they would give to their former sixth form self when embarking on their next steps after BGS.

Mrs Simmons then opened the floor for a Q+A session, in which our Year 12 students were given the opportunity to ask a plethora of considered questions on a range of topics; from student finance to accommodation, the benefits of a campus versus a city university, joining clubs and societies, lecture and study times, university sports and social life to name a few.

The students then moved into an informal networking session, in which the panel and other recent leavers split into subject specific areas. The recent leavers are all studying in a wide variety of areas, from Psychology to International Business, Animation, Law, Aerospace Engineering and many more. Year 12 students then had opportunity to talk more in-depth with our alumni, moving between a subject area which they hope to study, or to someone at a university that they may attend. It was fantastic to see the networking session in motion, with enthusiastic, thoughtful discussions between our students and alumni, and we hope that the year 12 students found it an insightful and valuable experience.

Mrs Simmons, Head of Sixth Form remarked; “The Sixth Form Team were absolutely delighted to welcome back our recent leavers. It was such a pleasure to catch up with individuals and discover all that they have been doing on their very varied pathways post Sixth Form education at Bury Grammar School. Our present Year 12 students found the panel and follow up Q+A session extremely informative and it was very generous of our alumni students to give up their time to share their experience of university life and apprenticeships. Many had travelled long distances to be with us and this was very much appreciated. I hope that we will be able to enjoy many similar events in the future”. 

At the close of the University Forum, our year 12 students returned to their lessons, and we hope to welcome them all back as recent leavers themselves in two years’ time to impart their own advice to future students.

It was then time for our alumni from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 to join their friends and former teachers in the Rose Garden for a welcome and congratulatory address from Mrs Anderson Principal, and Mr Cassidy, Vice-Principal, who noted that it was wonderful to welcome both year groups back in a better time, as unfortunately they had left BGS without the usual celebrations due to Covid, and wished them every success for the future, remarking that they would always be a part of BGS as Old Boys and Old Girls – BGS Alumni. The afternoon continued with a BBQ in the sunshine, as alumni caught up with one another and shared their memories of BGS.

Principal Mrs Anderson remarked, “It has been a delight to welcome back our recent leavers – both to see how they have thrived since leaving BGS and to enable our current sixth formers to benefit from their advice. The connections between current pupils, former pupils and staff are beneficial to all, both personally and in terms of careers openings. A heart-warming, upbeat afternoon and one from which future possibilities and relationships may spring."

Vice Principal Mr Cassidy added, “It was a pleasure to welcome back our leavers from 2020/2021 who we had sadly been unable to hold any form of leaving event for owing to Covid restrictions.  It was impressive to see how well they have settled into life at university, and all seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their chosen paths.  Well done to them, keep in touch and remember we will always be your school and you are always welcome at BGS”.