It has been an incredibly special term
Almost three months ago we returned to school, following the Christmas break, to face some of the worst weather conditions in years. It seems a long time ago that we were getting to school at 4am to try to get the place open each day that week especially when you consider the temperatures we have enjoyed this week. Despite that start it has been a special term for us all. We have had more trips and visits than ever, more careers focussed opportunities, more exam focussed support than ever, our best recruitment statistics in recent years, more students getting it right than ever, Ofsted, a Culture’s Week and we came runners up in the category of Secondary School of the Year at the Bradford Teaching Awards last night. I know I always say that our school feels special but it so does and even more so than ever in my view.
Cultures Week
A few years ago a young Year 11 student, Naffie, worked really hard to launch a Culture’s Day. It began with our Sixth Form and has been their event ever since. This year we have built on Naffie’s legacy both at Beckfoot and across our Trust schools. 
This week, since Wednesday, we have sought to celebrate the many different cultures and communities that are part of our school by bringing them to the forefront of our curriculum and wider school experience. On Wednesday it was all about the influence and impact of other cultures on every area of our curriculum provision. Yesterday it was about some of the countries and languages that are part of our school with the main focus on the big six of Punjabi, Urdu, Polish, Chinese, Greek and, of course, English.
Today is Culture's Day for all staff and students from Years 7-13 dressing up in attire that represents their culture and sense of belonging. As I write I am wearing my Ireland rugby hoodie and green trainers. I am proud to be Irish and I very much hope these past few days have allowed our community to think about what culture means to them, to feel proud of who they are and where they come from and to enjoy being part of our school community, city and country. I am grateful to Naffie for never giving up and I am so grateful to all the staff and students who have made this week work and something to build on in the years ahead.
Prison Me No Way
This week Year 9 enjoyed a thought provoking day listening to a wide variety of speakers from the prison service to the police, firefighters, ambulance crews and so much more. We have worked with the Prison Me No Way charity for a number of years because they are totally child focussed and centred. 
Their mission is to ensure every young person leaves school with the knowledge and confidence to take control, make positive choices that avoid becoming involved in crime, stay safe and realise their full potential. They also work to help young people develop peer respect and realise the many dangers that they can inadvertently be subjected to. In today’s world that is more important than ever and is the reason this day is one of the most popular and memorable for our students over many years. Throughout the day they listened to firsthand accounts of real life situations from serving prisoners, prison officers, medics and many more. They experienced a real prison cell and could not believe that young people are locked up in such a small and basic space for 23 hours each day. They were forced to really think about the dangers that could be presented to them each day and how to make the right decision to keep themselves and others safe. I always enjoy this day and I am grateful to all who made the day possible.
Red Carpet Reward Events
This week over 85% of our students enjoyed being rewarded for having an incredibly successful spring term. They could choose from a wide range of activities such as films (five to choose from), extra sport, computer and board games, dance and extra time in the product design workshop. I hope our students enjoyed the activities this week and know how much we value them and their efforts.
Sixth Form
Over the past three weeks we have been interviewing external applicants who want to study with us from September. Such has been the demand for places we have had to add an additional week to the process in comparison to previous years. Whilst our absolute priority will rightly be to our own students it has always been a total joy to welcome new faces to our school community through our sixth form. This year we have been inundated with applications from our own students and those not currently studying with us. I am so humbled that we are viewed so positively lo9claly and across the city and I am excited about the future of our sixth form and all they will bring to our school in the years ahead. Exciting times indeed.
Exams
Due to the lateness of this year’s Easter break our students will return to begin their GCSE and A Level exams almost immediately. There are speaking and listening exams in languages., various practical exams and, of course, the final preparations for the summer exam season for those in Years 11 and 13. We know it can be a difficult period for young people but are very good these days at looking after them and allowing them to be at their best at the right time. There are also some lovely rite of passage things for them to look forward to including Prom, Flamingoland, leaver’s assemblies and so much more.
The Easter holidays provide a gilt edged opportunity to really focus their revision efforts on cementing their learning and practicing past papers in order to really build confidence and understanding. The exams will come and go in a flash and we will be right beside every one of them as they navigate their way through. They will be more than fine as long as they put the work in over the coming weeks. As I tell them regularly, there is simply no substitute for hard work especially now.
Our students
I want to conclude by talking about a couple of students doing amazing things beyond school. Firstly, Lauren in Year 11 continues to shine brightly in her athletics. She has been nominated, alongside two other athletes for Young Disability Sportswoman of the year at the Bradford Sports Awards 2025. She is such an amazing young lady and we wish her well.
Toby, in Year 12, whose fashion company, Fractured Dreams, continues to go from strength to strength. He designs and sells really modern fashion clothing including Sweatshirts, Hoodies, T-Shirts, Headwear and much more. He is heading to Italy over the Easter to broaden his contact base in the fashion industry and do some photoshoots of his new range. He has even managed to get me to buy a few things from his website which I am delighted with. He is such a lovely, humble and determined young man and I am excited to watch him grow and prosper in the years ahead.
Finally, Charlie, in Year 11, emailed me yesterday evening to inform me that he has been selected to represent the England U21 Indoor Cricket Squad at the forthcoming World Cup in Sri Lanka in September. I have mentioned him before and his exploits in recent years. However, this selection is everything he has worked for a very long time and we could not be prouder of him. An amazing athlete and person, we wish him every success over the summer and at the World Cup in the autumn
Have a wonderful Easter break. Thank you for everything and stay safe. We look forward to welcoming our students and staff back on Tuesday 22 April 2025.
Take care
Simon Wade, Headteacher
