Head’s Blog – 26.9.2025

Today is the European Day of Languages, and it also marks the 25th anniversary of its launch in 2001. Today is a celebration of our rich linguistic and cultural diversity and a powerful reminder of the importance of language learning for inclusion and mutual understanding. Today is also about encouraging lifelong language learning and a reminder that the world is a much smaller place than it once was. Our determination is that our students will be the ones to change the world they live in. For many, their futures will lie beyond Bradford and for some beyond this country. We must prepare them for every eventuality, possibility, and opportunity, and that is why today is so important. There will be lots happening thanks to our Modern Foreign Languages faculty, including a language takeover for each Key Stage 3 and 4 lesson throughout the day, quizzes, fact-finding activities and much more. As you know, I feel strongly that Beckfoot students deserve the same access to the very best curriculum offer as those provided in the very best schools across the country. That offer always includes being able to study a modern foreign language to GCSE standard, and that is what we offer here. I have two regrets in my life, as many of you will know. One is that I cannot play a musical instrument, and the other is that I cannot speak another language very well. That regret has always been with me, and I want better for our students.

At Beckfoot, we continue to encourage our students to be selfless, outward-facing, and self-determined young people. Part of that goal is ensuring they get the opportunities to think about others and stand up and make a difference. Last Friday was the first such opportunity of the year with our annual Jeans for Genes day. We have been involved with this campaign for many years because it means a lot to us. By allowing everyone to wear jeans, we are helping to fund projects that provide nursing care, equipment, activity weekends, online support and counselling to those children and their families living with a genetic condition. It was lovely to see so many students support this cause, and as a result, we raised hundreds of pounds, which will make a difference. Thank you to everyone who supported Jeans for Genes in any way.

Today we are being visited by Queen’s College, Cambridge. We have a strong and long-standing relationship with Cambridge University, and today is all about aspiration, information, and celebration. Our link tutor, Cathy, is coming in to speak with selected year 12 students who have the academic ability and drive to apply for this year’s Lucy Cavendish programme. As part of the programme, students will get access to subject-specific enrichment classes led by experts, to allow them to develop and expand on their knowledge of the content of their A-Levels, and to help them achieve the absolute best grades in their examinations. They will also attend Peer Discussion Groups to prepare them for the university environment by improving their oracy and problem-solving skills. Students will also receive advice from the Lucy Cavendish College Admissions Team on every stage of the university application process across the two years of sixth form, and they will complete a Super Curricular Exploration Project to encourage them to think more seriously about their degree choices. Finally, students will also receive subject-specific revision guidance in the lead up to their exams, to ensure they are best placed to receive the best possible grades.

During her visit, Cathy will also be bringing certificates for current Year 13 students Vini and Zuzanna, in recognition of their entries in the Bradford HE+ research poster competition, and a Special Commendation Prize for Camelya. Our Sixth Form is a wonderful place and such an important part of our school. Our Post-16 community is incredibly strong, ambitious, and determined to provide the best for our students throughout their journey. Today is only the beginning of an incredible academic and personal development programme for the year ahead, and I am so proud of the staff and students who make our sixth form such a special and vibrant place.

In student news, Eva in Year 11 continues to shine for Bradford City U16s. She has begun the season brilliantly, scoring regularly for her team. Against Hull City, she scored a spectacular hat-trick that she is determined to build upon each week. She is, I am sure, catching the eye of the senior ladies’ team, and we cannot wait to hear more about her progress in the coming months. Well done, Eva.

In music, Year 12 student James is making waves on the national scene. This week, he has received exceptional news. After being appointed leader of the Junior Royal Northern College of Music Symphony Orchestra in Manchester, he has been appointed co-leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. The National Youth Orchestra GB is regarded by many as the premier youth orchestra in the world, and so this is a magnificent achievement for James, and we are delighted for him.

Finally, today is also National Thank a Teaching Assistant (TA) Day, an awareness day to celebrate the work of our wonderful TA team and recognise the contributions they make to the lives of our young people and our school community. Staff and students have been sending messages of thanks and recognising the power of the relationships these individuals have right across our school and community. They do the most amazing job, and I am so grateful for their work, their presence, and the difference they make to Beckfoot every day.

Simon Wade, Headteacher